The morning light seemed to come too soon. Angel stirred in her bed and froze when she realized that she wasn't alone. Spikey blonde hair drew her attention and the night's events slowly came back to her. How had she allowed last night to happen? Especially with one of the Sons!

A knock at the door pulled Angel's attention and she groaned as she pried herself from Herman's arms. It was only 7 in the morning and she had no idea who would be stupid enough to disturb her at this time. She quietly made her way to the door and peered out the small peephole. Upon seeing who was there, Angel rested her forehead against the door. Of course, the only person who would ever dare come over this early - Johnny. He stood on the other side of the door in what looked like to be his pajamas still. Angel grabbed her thick robe and threw it on before shimmying her way out the door. "What?" She hissed and Johnny took a step back. "Good morning to you too Doll. I told you I'd be stopping over to check on you. Everything ok?" Johnny took in her appearance and tried not to laugh. Her hair was rustled and he could make out the purplish-pink marks on the side of her neck. "Fun night? Your midnight lover still over?"

Angel held her head and nodded. "Yea. Um, long night. He's still here. I'll tell you about it later...Just go away and come back later today. Sorry for being pissy. I just want more sleep and food."

Johnny pressed a kiss to her forehead and put a bag in her arms. "Good thing I brought you food. Eat up with whoever lover-boy is in there. I'll call before coming over later. I have to go job #2 soon but it's only a couple hours. Then I will get some sleep and then we'll have dinner together tonight Doll."

"Johnny, you are a beautiful soul you know that right? I love you so much right now."

He laughed as he watched her hug the bag. "I love you too Doll. Go back inside before you freeze. Get some more lovin in. Oh, and get some ice on those marks before putting makeup on." He winked at her and flicked her hair before turning and walking back to his apartment.

Angel quietly made her way back inside and cheered internally when she realized Herman was still asleep in her bed. She quickly made her way to the bathroom and gasped as she got a look at her neck. She had various size hickies and bite marks everywhere. Sighing, she smoothed her hair down as best as possible and made her way back to bed. She was serious when she said all she wanted was more sleep. When Angel laid back down, she could feel Herman stir beside her.

She prepared herself for the inevitable awkward conversation that she was convinced would come before he would run out of her apartment. Instead, she felt his arm wraps around her as he pulled her closer. "Go back to sleep. It's too early for you to start overthinking," he mumbled against her neck.

Angel snuggled against him and laughed, "I was not!"

"You laid down and froze up. Your face was probably all scrunched up too. Stop overthinking. Sleep. We'll talk when we're actually not brain dead."

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It had been two months since her birthday and Angel hadn't seen much of Herman since. Then again, school and work had picked up and she hardly had time to visit anyone from the club. The last she had saw of everyone was a day or two after the party when she went to visit and thank SAMTAC for the party.

"Hey Johnny?" Angel had her head on her best friend's lap as they relaxed on her bed. He was engrossed in his book but gave a small "hmm" as he started to stroke through her hair.

"I want you to meet everyone here."

Johnny stopped his movements and glared down at her. "Why, what's going on Doll? What did you do?"

"Just, well since they saw me with all that on my neck a while back...I may have said that I was dating someone and now they all want to meet you soon."

Laying his book down on the bedside table, Johnny pushed Angel to sit up and face him. "Again, why? Why didn't you tell them the truth?"

Angel fell back against the bed and groaned, "Because spending a night with Herman was not supposed to happen. You are the only one that knows! And it will remain that way!" She quickly sat up and pointed her finger at him. "Herman would get hurt, like seriously hurt by the club. And I'd be so dead if my dad found out. I panicked. They had heard me talking about you and meeting up later on in the day. They just assumed you were my boyfriend and I never denied it. Now they're throwing a big party for the prospect finally patching in, and I will need to make an appearance there, and they have more or less demanded I bring you! Please Johnny, just play along with this for me! We can use it to get your parents off your back too!"

"But your dad...he already knows that I'm gay."

"Yeah, and? He's not going to be there and even if he was, he won't say anything. Please Johnny?"

He stayed quiet for moment, weighing the pros and cons of the situation. "So what will I have to do exactly?"

Angel squealed in delight and began telling him of her plan. Johnny had found it amusing that she was going to this length of trouble to hid her one night stand. From what she had told him, he understood the need to, but it was still amusing. They would go to the party as a "couple", Angel would introduce him to everyone and once in a while, he would make another appearance with her. In return, Johnny could actually tell his parents he was dating a woman and Angel agreed to meet them when they came to visit. They would keep her family's activities a secret and Angel agreed to play up the innocent/church going girl act and lie that she and Johnny attended church often together.

It was finally the night for the patch party and Angel was pacing in the apartment. Johnny was relaxing on the bed, his legs stretched out and his arms behind his head. It amused him to see Angel pacing so much. She was usually so sure about herself but when it came to this side of her life, she had been very guarded. From what Johnny understood, she hadn't let anyone else into this part of life since her teenage love. .

Angel paced the small apartment, pulling out different outfits and changing. "Just leave what you have on! You look perfect the way you are Angel. All your pacin' is just making me more nervous. We got this. It's not like people haven't believed we were dating anyway.

Angel nodded at his words and grabbed her purse. "You're right. We got this. Let's go before I lose my nerves."

The drive hadn't been so bad. Angel stared out the window the whole way to the club and just thought over the possible scenarios for the night. She hadn't had a chance to talk to Herman yet and she was afraid that he would refuse to talk to her if he heard about Johnny. She knew he would be there tonight and she had wanted to talk to him.

Glancing over, Johnny noticed Angel deep in thought and reached to softly squeeze her leg. She had confided in him about everything and he already knew where her mind was. Johnny knew he would have to keep her occupied so she wouldn't get so lost in thought. "Hey doll, we're here. Let's get inside and get you a drink ok?"

Angel looked over to her smiling best friend and nodded. She was forever grateful for having him in her life and agreeing to go along with her plan. She watched as he quickly got out the car and jogged around to open her door.

The night went as well as it could. Angel kept looking around to see if she could find Herman but he was nowhere to be found. To occupy her mind, Angel had gone around introducing Johnny to everyone that she wanted.

There were some mixed reactions to him, but Angel didn't care what they thought of him. All that mattered was that they were passing as a couple and Johnny was flawless in keeping up the act. They two were already physically affectionate, so keep an arm around her waist and random kisses to the cheek or temple were already the norm for both.

The longer the night went on, the rowdier the party became. Angel laughed as the men became increasingly drunker. Johnny stood close to Angel and made small talk with those around him. He wanted her to feel comfortable but he knew who she was looking for. Johnny had wanted to find Herman and talk to him before any of the others could. He knew that Angel was still stressing about the events of her birthday and if he could alleviate this one worry, then he would gladly do that.

Herman was one of the last to the party. The run had gone longer than expected but they had all finally returned before the end. Making his way to the bar, he quickly scanned the clubhouse to see who was there. Most of the guys had seemed to have their attention elsewhere but he noticed that there was a small circle around one of the couches. Grabbing a beer, he made his way closer and noticed that Angel was there with someone else. He froze mid-step and debated turning around.

"KOZ! You made it man! Come meet Angel's new play thing!" Lorca called out and scooted over on the other sofa. Herman watched as Angel spun around and stared up at him with wide eyes. He quickly put on a smile and made his way over. The guy sitting next to her was scrawny, not someone that Herman imagined Angel being with. The young guy stood and stuck his hand out to Herman. Quickly glancing down at Angel, Herman turned his attention back to the guy and shook his head. "I'm Kozik."

"Yeah, Angel has told me about ya. I'm Johnny, umm, Angel's boyfriend"

The name seemed vaguely familiar to Herman but he couldn't remember why he knew that name.

"Oh yeah? Didn't realize that she was seeing anyone. Surprised this is the first time she's brought you around."

"Play nice boys. We all know it took a lot for Angel to bring this one around. Not like ya'll make it easy on the poor girl," a gruff voice spoke from behind them. Bowie, one of the more veteran members, made his way over and leaned down to press a kiss to the top of Angel's head.

His wife followed before turning her attention to Johnny and Kozik. "It's nice to see you at the club sweetie. I'm Darla, Bowie's old lady. And ignore the boys around here. It's like they have no manners. Anyone important in Angel's life is important to us. Just don't hurt my babydoll and we'll get along fine."

Johnny smiled and nodded his head. "I have no plans on doing that Miss Darla. She's my best friend. I don't plan to ever ruin that. Even if we don't work out, she's always going to hold that special place in my heart."

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Angel stood and made her way over to the bar. "Give me something strong, please?"

"Rough night?"

"Idiots. Every single one of them."

The woman laughed and pushed a glass toward Angel. Angel shrugged and threw back the drink before slamming the glass back down and asking for another.

"Which of them is your Old Man?"

Angel couldn't help but laugh and shake her head. "Mine is the one that looks like he doesn't belong. My only "old man" is my dad. I'm Angel, Bobby Munson for SAMCRO is my dad."

"Holy shit, no way! Name's Krissy. Shit you're essentially royalty up here ain't ya? Straight from Mother Charter and all."

Angel ground and grabbed the refilled glass. "I don't see it that way but sure, whatever you think. Excuse me now Krissy, I must go save my man before the others try to kill him."

Making her way back to the seats, Angel sat on the arm of a chair and wrapped her arm around Bowie's shoulder, who just patted her knee before bringing her knuckles to his lips. "Hello darlin'. Feeling ok?"

"Mhmm, just taking in the scene."

Bowie laughed and looked around before him. His wife was talking Johnny's ear off about something but the boy seemed interested in what she had to say. "He seems like a good fellow. You did good darlin. He better treat you right, or else, hear me?"

Johnny glanced over at Angel and smiled. This was easier than both of them had thought. He gave a small wave and turned his attention back to Darla, who was asking him question after question about school.

Angel relaxed back on the couch and smiled as she watched the men around her laugh. It wasn't SAMCRO but these men and women were her extended family. Darla sat next to her and motioned for Angel to lean on her, which Angel quickly cuddled against the older woman.

"How you holdin up babydoll?" She asked softly and she smoothed Angel's hair.

Angel cuddled closer and closed her eyes. Darla reminded Angel so much of Gemma and Luanne. Anytime she felt homesick, she just needed to visit Darla and her spirits would be lifted.

Johnny leaned over the couch and whispered to Angel, "I'm going to talk to him. Then I do have to get going. I have work super early. You gonna be ok or will you want to go home?"

Angel looked up and smiled at him, kissing his chin. "You are beautiful Johnny. I'm going to stay. I'll catch a ride home. Be safe and let me know when you make it back to your place ok?"

Darla watched the two interact and smiled fondly. She loved to see Angel so happy and finally bring someone around the club. They had wondered if she was ever going to bring anyone around or if she would end up as an Old Lady to a Son. Darla had hoped that Angel wouldn't get end up as the latter.

Johnny made his way over toward the seat he saw Herman sitting at. Johnny knew that he needed to talk to this man and settle everything between them. "Hey man, can we talk?"

Kozik took a swig of his drink and looked up at the younger man. He nodded and stood, following Johnny outside. Once they were away from the club house, Johnny turned to face Kozik and sighed.

"Look man, I need to let you know some things. Me and Angel? This is a way to keep you safe, nothing more. I know what you two did, and I ain't judging. We're not a couple. What you heard me tell Darla is true, she's my best friend. I love her to death but she doesn't have the right anatomy to get me interested in her like that, if you get what i mean."

Kozik rubbed the back of his neck. He had been trying so hard to stay away from Angel. He knew he should. This was someone he watched grow up and he felt gross having those kind of thoughts about her. But he couldn't stop thinking of her since the night of her birthday. The way she felt against him and the sounds she had made.

Johnny watched in amusement as he waited for the man to answer. When he said nothing, Johnny laughed and shook his head. "That girl is falling for you man. If all your worried about is the club finding out, your secret is safe with me. I know what happens if people find out. I don't know you, but that girl in there is my best friend and I would do anything to make her happy. If all your looking for is a way to get your dick wet, tell her that now and don't drag her along, making her think she has a shot at something unattainable. Now I have to get going because work does call my name. I'm hoping you're going to be a great friend and give my "girlfriend" a ride home. You take that however you mean it though." With that Johnny patted his shoulder and made his way over to the car, swinging his keys and whistling small tune.

Herman stayed outside for a while longer, finishing his drink in what little silence there was. He could hear the music from the clubhouse and let his mind wander to Angel once more. He sat at one of the tables and leaned back to look up at the sky. He was in over his head and wasn't sure what to do anymore.

Angel glanced around the room and noticed that Herman was still missing. She turned to Darla and leaned against the woman.

The older woman smiled and wrapped her arm around Angel and pulled her closer. Bowie made his way over and sat on the other side of Angel. "You look tired darlin. You ok?"

"I'm just really tired. Debating if I should head on home or enjoy the night a bit more."

"I'll take you home whenever you're ready. I've only had one drink tonight. Doubt anyone else can say the same."

The three looked behind them at the voice. Angel smiled up at Herman while Bowie raised a brow. "You sure you got her brother? You just got here, we can always take her."

"Nah man, enjoy your night with your woman. I was gonna go for a ride anyway."

It wasn't too much longer before Angel found herself on the back of the bike with her arms wrapped tightly around Herman's waist. Angel smiled against his back as the wind whipped through her hair. Before they left the club, Angel had asked to go on a ride around the city before having to go home. Herman had only gave a smile before handing her his helmet and climbing onto the bike.

Kozik drove to no where in particular. The road was always where he cleared his mind and even with someone on the back of the bike, he still let his mind wander. He could feel the warmth on his back and he couldn't help but smile as he sped up and felt the laughter from Angel. It had been some time since he really had someone to enjoy a ride with. He steadily increased their speed, much to Angel's amusement. Before either of them realized it, they were already at what was going to be their destination.

Angel was the first off the bike and she walked closer to the water. Tacoma had been her home for years now and she still hadn't made it out to the water as often as she wished. Herman followed behind her slowly and stood next to her. They both stood and just watched as the waves softly caressed the earth. Neither of them spoke but as the wind picked up, Herman moved closer to Angel and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to his side. Angel wrapped her arms around his waist and just rested her head on his chest. Neither of them spoke but they just enjoyed the company of the other, away from the club's prying eyes. Away from what was expected of them. They would think of what to do later on and what they were.

For now, each was content to just stand next to the other and enjoy the peace, for they knew that peace never lasted too long when you're a Son.