Playlist: Use Somebody - Kings of Leon

All heads turned as the shiny black Mercedes G-Class truck pulled into the compound. It wasn't every day that a car this expensive rolled in. I scanned the area, pausing to take in all the faces sitting outside the clubhouse. There was a blond that I would bet my life was Teller, but I couldn't know for sure unless he looked up. Everyone else was someone I didn't recognize from my days as an Old Lady. I guess things had changed. More than I had originally though.

I advanced forward, turning my gaze to the shop. A tall kid, with thick glasses and a blank cut pushed off his stool and began making his way towards me. Turning off the radio, I rolled down my window. I waited until he approached and he greeted me with a welcoming smile. It was jarring. You wouldn't expect a kid, wearing a cut no less, to seem this friendly.

With his bright smile, he addressed me, "How can I help you ma'am?"

I fought the cringe at his use of the word ma'am. I didn't look that old, did I? I know I'd gone and cleaned up my act, but that didn't mean I still wasn't me. I was still a Charming girl at heart. I scratched at the phantom itch on my thigh. The movement caused me to glance down at my outfit. The smart pantsuit suddenly seemed over the top; a farce. Why did I come back here again? Who was this woman I was pretending to be? I sighed, and glanced back at the kid.

"I'm looking for Happy. Happy Lowman?" To say the kid was shocked may have been an understatement. The kid's eye brows rocketed into his hair line and I came up with the lamest excuse I could think of on the spot, "He – uh – did some work on a car for me, a few years ago. I just wanted him to take a look at this one for me."

Without much else to say, he shrugged and turned. I spotted the Prospect rocker on the back of his cut and nodded. Of course. They always had the Prospects doing their dirty work around the shop. I pushed the car into park, and waited. I stared at the line of Harley's, all parked in their specific spots. I forced myself not to examine the details of each one. I figured I'd still be able to identify his without any issues. Unless he started driving a new model. I glanced back to the clubhouse doors, seeing that blond head snap up when the Prospect approached him. He stood, leaning over and my eyes locked in on the baby blue ones staring at me. My intuition was right. It was Jax.

Something close to frustration, maybe even distrust flashed over his face before he gave a curt shake of his head. I deflated visibly at the answer. I knew exactly what the prospect had asked. Happy wasn't here. The prospect spun around and began his walk towards me. In a moment of self-consciousness, I lifted my hand to my hair and tucked it behind my right ear. I forced myself from letting my eyes fall to my feet. I found myself questioning my decision to come back, again. My sight glazed over as I tried to figure out where to go from here. There was a slight movement in my line of sight and it shook me out of my daze.

Jax reached out and grabbed the prospect by the shoulder. With our gazes meeting again, he tossed his cigarette onto the floor and inclined his head in my direction, before speaking to the prospect. The kid stopped walking over and Jackson brushed past him, towards. I tilted my head in question. What was Jax doing? I crossed my arms, squeezing them to my chest and waited for him to reach me.

"Didn't think I'd see you back in this little town ever again." Jax's voice lifted quietly in the small distance between us.

I shrugged. I didn't have an answer for him. I couldn't explain to myself why I felt compelled to come back, but here I was.

"Hap's not here right now." Jax informed. I nodded, shifting to turn but Jax's hand on my upper arm stopped me. I stared down at his hand, reading the SONS rings on his fingers. Tears began to well in my eyes and I blinked them away before he noticed. When I looked up, Jax's mouth was turned down in a sympathetic frown. I swore to myself. So much for hiding the tears.

"He's supposed to be back within the hour." Jax murmured, "Let me talk to him. See where he's at. Ok?"

I shrugged again, swallowing before answering, "I guess."

We stood in silence together. Jax obviously recalling the fallout of my leaving. All I could remember was the good times. The ones that over shadowed his ending missteps. I couldn't deny that I missed him. I licked my lips, rolling them together and backed towards my truck. Jax let his arm fall back to his side, before shoving them into his pockets.

"I – uh – don't have anywhere to go…" I mentioned, rubbing my hands together nervously, "I'll just go to the diner. I'll stay for a few hours. He can find me there."

I didn't turn to see Jax's reaction but saw his nod of confirmation in the reflection of my truck. I opened the door and climbed back in.

As I shut my door, Jax commented, "Looks like you've been doing good for yourself."

I flicked my eyes to him, keeping the somber look on my face. I lifted my shoulders for the umpteenth time.

"Ever heard the saying 'don't judge a book by its cover?" I responded.

He pursed his lips, realizing just how well I'd been doing. Making money didn't mean I was happy. Being a lawyer didn't mean I wasn't lonely. Living in the city didn't mean that I wasn't going to bed without someone to share it with. I pulled the door shut, threw the car into reverse and manoeuvred myself out of the parking lot. I let out a shaky breath as I continued down the wide small town street. Each sidewalk, shop front, parking spot, held a memory for me. This was where I grew up, made a home and then abandoned it all trying to escape the Sons of Anarchy.

I wasn't surprised at Jax's initial hostility. I hadn't been nice in my departure. I'd made some choice comments about their club. I was angry and hurt. I had every right to be mean. Luckily for me, Jax must still possess a heart and noticed that I was experiencing remorse. I missed this town and all its problems. Most of all I missed my Old Man, my Son… My Happy.

~(xXx)~

Jax watched as Clay welcomed Happy, Bobby and Tig as they rolled back in from their last assignment. His fingers curled around the cigarette in his mouth and he tugged in a deep pull. Clay approached him first, with a quick nod and a glance around. As a group, they all trooped into the clubhouse, reaching for bottles of beers and settling in their favourite spots. The music blared through the sound system, while women started filtering in from wherever they'd been. Jax kept his eyes on Happy, who seemed to be his normal self. No smile, no inkling of any emotion, smoking and drinking excessively. Nothing out of the ordinary. That was a semi-good sign. It meant that he was approachable. That he wouldn't immediately throw up his defenses.

All Jax needed was a clue. One that he knew how to come by easily enough. He ordered a shot of whiskey, waiting with his hand out. After she left, Happy never spoke of her again. He wasn't a man who confided in his brothers about his feelings. They all knew he was broken up by losing his Old Lady but they all knew not to ask him about it. For a while, everything relating to her was destroyed. Until randomly one day about two years ago, Happy used a very familiar Zippo. One that belonged to a certain someone. A certain someone who wasn't Happy.

The shot of whiskey slid down the bar and Jax turned to catch it, shooting it back and slamming it back down. He licked his lips before patting his jeans for his smokes. He found the pack in his back pocket and tugged it out. This was it. The test of a lifetime. Jax patted the pack of cigarettes into the palm of his hand, sauntering over to the couch, where Happy was currently sitting. Without saying anything, Jax fell into the open seat on the end and threw his feet up onto the table. He extended his right arm along the arm of the couch before pulling one smoke from his pack. He mimed looking for a lighter, getting the attention of his brothers. With a deep breath, he faced Happy, giving him his trademark smirk.

"Gotta light?" Jax asked.

Happy raised one brow but reached down into his jean pocket, pulling the flaming red Zippo from within. He handed it over and Jax nodded a thank you. He flicked it open, the sparked it up and waved it in front of his cigarette. Once he'd lit his own smoke he flung the top closed and admired the lighter. Jax turned it around in his hand, noticing the etching of her name on the left side. Hoping to catch Happy's attention he muttered the name written there and Happy's gaze snapped to his VP. Jax licked his teeth before tossing the lighter back to Happy, who caught it in an instant.

"That's a name I haven't heard for a while." Jax commented, blowing smoke out.

Happy continued to glare, clearly unsure of where Jax was headed.

With a nonchalant shrug, Jax dropped the bomb, "Saw her today. She stopped by the shop." Happy swallowed, his eyes widening a minute amount. Jax turned and deadpanned, "She was looking for you."

Happy's jaw clenched together, a small tick showing in the top of jaw. The prospect who was sitting close by caught the tail end of Jax's subtle mention and leaned over.

"You talking about the smoke show who pulled up in the Mercedes today?" Phil inquired, genuinely curious about the woman.

Happy's knuckles turned white around the grip he had on the lighter. Jax observed the reaction. He wanted to see how this played out. How was Happy going to address the prospect talking about his former Old Lady like that. The kid didn't know any better. Hap's response was going to be the catalyst in this. That would indicate to Jax whether he should tell his brother where to find her.

"Watch your mouth." Happy growled.

Phil threw his hands in the air, taken aback by the killer's tone. Jax hid his smile. He knew Happy still held a torch for her. Deep down, he was glad about that. It meant that the killer wasn't as lost as they originally thought. It meant that he was still a human amoung them.

"She's at the diner. Said she'd wait for you there." Jax inhaled another toke, blowing the smoke out.

Happy stood without another word, leaving his beer half finished. He shoved the Zippo down into his pocket and stalked towards the exit of the clubhouse. As he rushed out, he could hear the looming question being asked.

"Who is she?" The prospect voiced.

Jax, with his eyes still watching Happy's retreat, answered, "His Old Lady."

~(xXx)~

Happy didn't wait to hear the slew of questions that were likely to follow that tidbit of information. Happy stormed through the door, letting it slam shut behind him. He deliberately left his mind blank, letting his business persona over take him. This wasn't a time for emotions to be running wild. He needed a clear head. Figure out what prompted her return, and why now. He straddled his Harley, forgoing a helmet and skid out of his parking spot. He rolled out onto the open street, revving on the engine and roaring off down the empty road.

It didn't take him long to reach his destination. There was only one diner in town that she would wait at. It was their diner. The one where they spent every Sunday afternoon, hungover and eating brunch. Instead of flying into the parking lot, he found himself idling next to the curb on the street. He pushed out the kickstand and turned off the engine. He plucked the keys from the ignition and dropped them into the pocket of his cut.

Taking a moment for himself, he leaned against the lamp post next to him. Shoving one hand into his jean pocket while the other rubbed down his face. He hid himself in the shadows and stared up at the clear glass windows of the establishment. It didn't take him long to spot her. His eyes gravitated to the spot without any conscious effort. That was their booth. Of course, he'd find her sitting in it. What was she thinking? Coming back after all these years. Did she just expect it to all be fine? His eyes roamed her appearance and something struck him. A protectiveness he forgot he possessed. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, watching the waitress offer her some more coffee. She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. She looked defeated.

His hands curled into fists, as he fought with himself. She had no right to show up out of blue and invoke these feelings within him. Who did she think she was? Walking right up to TM without any notice. She didn't have that right anymore. She wasn't welcome on their property any longer. She burned that bridge. On the other hand, she was sitting there alone and a frown etched onto her face. Her hands were cupped around her mug and she stared off into the distance. She was blank and empty. That surge of pure will to keep her safe rose up into his chest again. He clenched his teeth, uncomfortable with the way his body was reacting to her presence. What irked him the most was how much of her physical appearance he noticed. Her hair was shorter, back to her natural colour and plainly cut. Her makeup was minimal, attempting a more natural look. He couldn't spot the telltale hoops she used to wear. He closed his eyes, the image of her in the past still fresh in his mind.

He stayed put, watching her from the shadows of under the street lamp. The sun continued to set, until the sky was completely black. In all honesty – he was surprised she stayed. She was so quick to leave him, so quick to disappear from his life altogether that he never would have expected her to wait for him. Especially now that he keyed together that Jax was the one to intercept her earlier. He obviously wasn't one hundred percent sure he could tell him where to find her so that meant she'd been her for the better part of the day. Waiting.

His fingers brushed along the edge of the lighter in his pocket. He picked his nail against the etching of her name. He thought he'd forgiven her, or at least could look past their differences. He enjoyed having the memories of her. Seeing her in person shifted something in him. He was angry, but also, he felt the ache in his arms She was his Old Lady after all. The woman who stood by him through years of club violence and turmoil. She even stood strong when he transferred to Tacoma. He knew how well he had it, and he knew how bad he messed up when he came back to Charming. She'd been nothing but loyal. He was caught up in being a Son and having woman throwing themselves at him. He never gave it a second thought. He heaved out a deep sigh. He was younger then.

He pulled the Zippo out, wondering if she still had the crow he tattooed onto on her 21st birthday. There was no way she'd be able to easily explain a brand that large. Maybe she'd gone and got a cover. It covered her entire left thigh. if she ever planned to sleep with someone else, they'd notice. His anger flared up at the thought of someone else with their hands on her and he had to swallow it down. A motion from the corner of his eye caught his attention and his head snapped up. He watched as she paid her bill, grabbed her purse and began the walk towards the front door. He held his breath. She was giving up. After waiting this long she was leaving. His fingers clenched around the object in his hand. He was pissed that she'd decided to give up, but then also knew that it was because he was still standing out here, looking in.

Taking initiative, he moved. His feet pulling in her direction. The bell chimed as she shoved the door open and turned away from him, towards her own vehicle. With slow and steady steps, he gained on her. From three cars away, he saw as she swiped at her eyes. The tears streaking down her cheeks. His heart tugged. He still loved her. He couldn't deny it. She was his. Her hand delved into her purse and pulled out her keys. His eyes zeroed in on them and he couldn't mistake the 'charm' hanging from them. He rubbed along the knuckle of his ring finger. She'd taken it with her. His first – the original – reaper ring.

He found himself a new one, but never donned that finger with another ring. His left ring finger would always be for her. She fumbled with her keys, dropping them and bending to pick them up. He took this as his opening, his chance. In a few large strides, he was crouched next to her, his hand covering hers. She startled, a small cry escaping from her lips before her head lifted to meet his gaze.

~(xXx)~

I swallowed, my entire body seizing as Happy crouched beside me. I didn't think he'd come. I assumed Jax had played me. Letting me think I had a chance to try and fix things. I turned my hand over, and Happy dropped the keys into my palm. We both took our time to stand up. He remained silent while we stood facing each other. Where did I start? How did I explain? I rubbed my hand against the right side of my face, closing my eyes and trying to center myself. With shaking hands, I reached out for him. To anyone else, his expression remained the same, but to me I could see the small shift. He softened and allowed me to fall into him.

"I don't know who I am without you." I sobbed into his chest.

His arms constricted around me, causing me to let out a hysterical cry. No one had ever held me like he did. No one made me feel as safe as he did. No one made me feel as loved as he did.

"Come home." His rasp sounded, "That way you don't need to find out."

I clutched him tighter to me. Afraid that this was real, that he wasn't really here. My body shook with vigor, as reality crashed down on me. I tried to reign in the hysterics building and escaping but couldn't. Happy held me to him, gentle but firm. He was home.

"I'm sorry." He murmured against my temple.

My fingers dug into the leather at his apology. It wasn't needed, but I appreciated it. At least he realized he'd done something wrong. Knowing that I made the right choice, that coming back to Charming was what I needed, I pulled back. I reached up, resting my hand on his cheek. Neither of us was ready for the serious road our relationship had taken back then, but now we were sure of ourselves, of who we were individually. I always knew I'd move through life loving him. Endlessly. I just didn't know that I would ever find myself back in his arms. A warmth filled me and I knew that this was it. He was it. I didn't need anyone or anything else. Just him. I recalled the promise we made each other all those years ago. I stepped in closer to him, letting his heat radiate against me.

I smiled up at him, tears of a happy kind streaming and whispered, "Forever."