Author Note: As I write this story, I see it can honestly go both ways, for either Jax or Happy. For now, I'm changing how it's listed, it will just be a Happy/OC/Jax story. I can't force the story, it just flows, and I write how I picture it going in "real world" so please bear with me. Thanks.
Finding Happiness Ch. 33
Luna woke with a start, the sound of Abel fussing motivated her into moving. Not knowing if anyone else was awake, she carefully opened the door and headed into his room. Making her way to his crib, she could see that he was ready to get out, he was trying to pull himself up, "Trying to escape my love?" Picking him up she brought him to the changing table, getting him all cleaned up, she grabbed his clothes and dressed him for the day. "Let's get you some food."
Holding him on her hip, she smiled as he played with the strings that were coming off the hood. Laughing at him, "You're probably very confused on why I smell like daddy. What if I told you, I stole his jacket?" Abel squealed. "Oh, you like it when I steal his things? Hmmm… How about next I take his favorite pair of sneakers?" Another squeal. "You little thief, well then after his sneakers, I'll take his helmet." His squealing was heard throughout the house.
Jax heard his son fussing but by the time he was able to get his ass out of bed, he saw Luna head towards the living room, he followed her, he was going to help with his son, but he couldn't help but smile at the conversation that she was having. He couldn't help the chuckle escape his mouth as his son squealed loudly about her taking his helmet.
Luna turned hearing his chuckle, holding the Abel closer, "Oh no, busted." Abel squealed and laughed and wanted to go to his father.
Jax walked over to them and reached for his son, looking at Luna, "You're going to have to be better than that."
Smiling at him, she nodded, "I guess so." Turning around she headed into the kitchen, wanting to get Abel something to eat, she made him a little formula, and some oatmeal with bananas in it. She could see that Jax had him in his highchair. Putting it down in front of him, she smiled hearing him squeal again. After everything she's been through the last couple months hearing Abel laugh was priceless.
She watched as Jax fed him, it never ceased to amaze her how devoted he was to him. She was counting on the day that she could have that. One day. Hopefully. Turning on her heels she headed back to the kitchen, she knew that she owed Gemma a hell of on explanation, figured her apology could be also satisfied with a good breakfast. Looking in her fridge, Luna found bacon, eggs, and knew that Gemma had pancake batter. Getting everything out, she got to work making breakfast for everyone.
Jax was busy feeding his boy, but ever so often he watched her, it couldn't be helped, even in the clothes that she wore last night and his hoodie, she still looked beautiful. Shaking his head, he knew that he wanted her, hell he always had, but at the time when they first met, he had too much shit to deal with, now that he had a decent handle on his life, she was the one that had shit to deal with. Taking a sigh, looked down at his son who was also looking towards Luna. "Yea, I know kid."
Gemma could smell bacon in the air, stretching her hands above her head, she felt her brain and body start to fire, as she got out of bed she could see that her husband was starting to wake as well, heading towards the bathroom Gemma quickly started her morning routine, as she finished Clay was walking in to get his day started, "Morning baby." Giving him a kiss on his lips she headed towards her room to put on some clothes. Once she was dressed for the day she headed out to the kitchen, as she walked down the hall, she could see that Jax was sitting at the table with Abel, and Luna was in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Walking up to Jax, she gave him a kiss on his forehead, "Moring sweetheart," looking down at the baby, "good morning beautiful boy." Turning her attention to Luna, she could see that Luna was smiling at her, "Morning baby girl."
Jax smiled at his mom. "Morning Ma."
Luna couldn't keep the smile on her face, it was nice seeing the love between their family. "Morning Gem. Making breakfast, it's almost done, is Clay awake or still sleeping?" She asked, wanting to make sure that she put some aside if he wasn't up. Pointing to the pot of coffee, "Just finished." Knowing that Gemma loved her morning cup.
"Thanks baby. Yea he's getting ready now." Walking over to the coffee she grabbed a couple cups and filled them, putting one in front of Jax, and leaving another at Clay's chair, then grabbing one for herself. Looking over at Luna, knowing that she normally doesn't drink coffee, but after last night she might need a pick-me-up. "Want some baby?" she asked.
As she got everything on the platter, she turned to Gemma, "No thanks, I have my OJ." Bringing over the platter she placed it in the middle, turning around she could see that Gemma was getting the dishes, taking them from her hands, she set the table quickly and sat down next to Abel. Leaning over, "I'll sneak you some bacon." She got a big coo for that.
It didn't take long for Clay to come out, once he sat everyone grabbed their food and began eating, it was a quiet breakfast, with some light talking.
Gemma watched as Luna leaned towards Abel giving him small pieces of bacon and eggs. It was beautiful to watch, looking at her son, she could see that his eyes were filled with love, she knew that he cared for her for a long time, she could only hope he pulled his head out of his ass and acted, it wasn't going to be long before someone took an interest in her.
Breakfast was over relatively quickly, seeing that everyone was done, Gemma and Luna jumped into action cleaning up the table and kitchen, it took them about 10 minutes. As they finished up Gemma looked over at Luna, "Time to talk baby girl. Head to the couch, I'll be there in a second."
Nodding her understanding, she made her way to Gemma's living room, and sat down on the couch, she watched as Jax picked up Abel and headed over, with Clay not too far behind. She had to hide her amusement, she honestly felt like she was about to be grounded by her mom. Keeping her smile off her face, she knew that it was a serious situation and didn't want to let anyone think she didn't take it seriously.
Walking into her living room, she could see that Luna was sitting quietly waiting for Gemma to ask her questions. Taking her time she sat down next to her, "Why didn't you come to the club with this Luna?"
Letting out a sigh, "I assumed that since I wasn't an Old Lady anymore, the club wouldn't want to be involved."
Jax couldn't keep the growl out of his throat. It really pissed him off that she thought that, but he could see why she would think that.
Gemma eyed her son, now was not the time to get into that, "How did you find Darby?"
Looking over at everyone, "I made a comment to Happy one night, I said that some of the girls at work wanted to go bar hopping, he said that was fine, but to stay away from the Hairy Dog, it was a NORDS bar," taking a deep breath, "so when I went looking for Darby, I just stopped at the most obvious place first."
Smirking at her, "If I wasn't so upset with you, I'd be impressed." Looking over at Clay and Jax, she could see they felt the same way. "Did you really set fire to his stash house?" When Clay got home, he gave her the quick version.
A very small chuckle escaped her lips, "Maybe a little bit. That wasn't the plan, but I saw the paint thinner, and was inspired to cause a lot of damage." She could see Gemma's amusement, and even Clay's, but Jax he looked like he was about to strangle her, she was 90% sure if he wasn't holding Abel he would have.
Jax held his son close, he wanted to throttle her. Locking eyes with her, he let out a long huff, "Don't you ever do anything like that again, do you hear me?"
Keeping eye contact with him. "I told you last night, I won't, and I meant it Jax. I'll come to you if I need anything handled." She knew that it was man thing, that they felt they had to handle shit, it annoyed her a little bit, but she wasn't in a position to argue.
Looking at Clay and Gemma, "I'm sorry. I really am. Outside of you Gemma, Charlie knew everything about me, minus the club shit, he was my person," She couldn't hold the tears that rolled down her face, "After the shit that happened with Happy," knowing that everyone here knew what happened, "I was devastated because I want kids, and finding out someone I spent a year with reacted that way," taking a long breath, "Charlie told me that when I was ready to have a kid and I wasn't involved, he'd be my baby daddy." She could help but chuckle at the memory.
Gemma eyes went wide, "You were going to have a baby with him?"
Luna looked at her friend, shrugging her shoulders, "I don't know, I guess if I was pushing 30 and didn't have someone in my life, I may have taken him up on the offer. Figured if I was gonna have a baby daddy it should be my gay best friend."
Hearing that made Jax clench his jaw tightly. She was talking about her dead friend; this wasn't a moment for him to lose his shit on a hypothetical conversation. Letting out a quiet sigh. His eyes turned to his mother; she was watching him. Seeing her smirk, he realized that she was starting to read between the lines. Turning his eyes away he looked back at Luna whose face was covered by her hands.
Luna grief hit her, she wasn't ready to talk about Charlie, but she owed everyone here an explanation of her mindset. Wiping her face, she took a needed breath, looking up she could see the concern in everyone's face. Clearing her throat, "Is there anything else you want to know?" she asked the group.
Clay stayed quiet for everything, but he did have one question. "Did Darby say why?"
Her eyes hardened, turning her head she had to get control, she didn't want to yell at her family. It took a second, but she was able to keep her voice level. Turning back to the group, "he said that Charlie told him to stop selling crank near his nephews' school. He killed him because he didn't want him selling crank to kids." The anger rose again, she needed to get out of the room, "I need a moment." Standing she rushed outside to the back porch.
Leaning over she held her stomach, holding herself together, she needed to hit something. From her crouched position she found the punching bag that Clay put up near the shed, not wasting anytime, she hauled off and started hitting with as much force she could muster, she could feel the burn in her hands, but she didn't care, hitting a few more times, she stepped back and cried. While she felt the peace of knowing that she got justice for her friend, it didn't stop the hurt of knowing she would never see his smiling face, no more makeovers, and no one to dance in her underwear with. Trying to shake off the crippling despair she stood, wiping her face for the millionth time, she turned to see the concerned look of Jax staring back at her. Feeling very exposed because her emotions, "Sorry about your hoodie, I keep wiping my face with it." She said, trying to lighten the mood.
Jax handed Gemma Abel and went after her, he needed to make sure she was OK, he watched as she beat the hell out of the bag, he knew that she knew how to handle her shit but seeing it firsthand was amazing. When she turned around an apologized for his hoodie, he couldn't help but chuckle. Walking over to wear she was standing, he pulled her into a hug, "Don't worry about darling."
He wanted to stay there forever, but he needed to round everyone up, he needed to get everyone caught up, and she needed to rest. "Why don't you go inside, take a shower," using his thumb to wipe her tears, "I have to head to the clubhouse, have Gemma bring you by later this afternoon." Kissing her forehead, he stepped back and took her hand and pulled her with him into the house.
Clay watched his son; he knew that his interest in Luna was a year in the making. He hoped that he was able to link that up, looking over at Gemma, he could see the hope in eyes, "I'll explain shit to him on the way to the clubhouse."
Holding Abel close to her, "Yea." Turning to her husband, "How do you think Happy is going to handle it?" she asked.
He could see that they were heading back inside, "He's the one that lost his temper and ran his mouth before thinking, I don't honestly care how he deals with it." He had a lot of respect for Happy, he was great SON, but no one is above club rules. Hell, even he wasn't, that's why stepped down, he violated the code. As Jax and Luna entered the house, he smiled at them, "Ready to go Jax?" he asked.
Letting go of her hand was hard, but he needed to handle his shit. "Yea," turning to his mom, "Call Neeta, come by the club around lunch time." Grabbing his Kutte, he walked out the door with Clay.
Luna watched him go, her hand tingled a bit from where he held it, shaking it off, she turned to Gemma, "Do you mind if I clean up, I'm sure at some point he'll want his hoodie back." Pausing for a second, "Do you have my phone?" she asked.
Gemma laughed, "Yea baby, I put it in your backpack last night, it's in the room, in the closet."
Luna smiled, "Thanks Gem." Heading towards the shower, she wanted to wash the night off her. Once she was done, she was going to call Sharon and let her know she needed a few days off.
Jax sat at the head of the table, waiting for the others to come in, only Opie and Piney were in their spots, Clay was outside waiting for Bobby and Otto. He was trying to wrap his head around what he was told on the ride over, he had a chance, a real chance. It all came down to her.
Watching everyone pile in, he waited until the door was shut and everyone was seated. Looking around the table, he could see that everyone wanted answers, Happy looked beyond pissed. Turning his attention away from him. "Clay and I talked to Luna this morning, she's trying to hold strong, but this is hitting her hard. If she comes around, don't be dicks. She needs a bit."
Everyone nodded, Otto wanted to ask, "We know why Darby killed him?"
Clay rubbed his face, "Seems like Darby was selling near his nephew's school, didn't like being told to back off."
Opie was livid, "Shit." Selling dope to kids was beyond pathetic.
Looking up at his Prez, "Where is she now?" Happy asked.
The members that knew what transpired at him, shot him a look, but it was a valid question. "At Gemma's," looking around the table, "I don't want any of you bothering her, she'll come around when she's ready."
Bobby was rubbing his beard, he knew Happy wasn't going to talk about last night, and Opie didn't know the rules, but Clay, Otto, Piney, Chibs, and Tig, they knew. "I call for the immediate removal of Happy's claim on Luna."
Happy stared at his brother. He was stunned silent.
Bobby looked around the table, he could see the confused look on the younger guys. "Bi-laws state if you mention to an active member of the SON's that you don't have an Old Lady, you lose your claim." Turning towards Happy, "You've been spouting that shit for months, so now last night, she's in danger you want to claim her again. It doesn't work that way."
Happy looked shocked. He didn't know. "But I want to fix it."
Otto slammed his hand down, "That's no longer up to you. She's made herself clear."
Juice didn't know that the club could vote on removing a claim on an Old Lady. "Explain the law, and what has to have happened to put it in motion." He wasn't going to vote Yes until he understood it.
Tig spoke, "When you put your crow on, it's a commitment to that girl, it's like marriage." His eyes found Happy, "But when you disrespect her publicly and start spouting that you're not, means you didn't hold up your end of the bargain. So, if another brother wanted to put a claim on her, he could, the only thing that would need to be done was for the removal of the tattoo, once that's done, she's available."
Bobby turned to the table, "But because she's a former Old Lady, she can turn down the claim and find someone else if she wants, it's not like you can say right now you claim her, she has to agree, and make it public." Taking a needed breath, "it lets the woman keep her respect within the club. We as men run shit, and that doesn't change, but in this, we give that to them if we fucked up."
Nodding his head, Juice was stunned, he turned to Happy, "What did you do, besides claim not to have an Old Lady?" He locked is eyes on the bigger man.
Happy didn't want the club in his business, "That's between me and her." Turning to Bobby, "What if she wants to fix it with me? What about her crow?"
Opie spoke up, "He threw money at her because he thought she was pregnant and told her to get an abortion." Turning towards Happy, "Own your shit."
Juice inhaled deeply.
Clay knew that this needed to wrap up soon, "If she wants to work it out with you, that's her choice, but you don't get to tell her shit. You don't get to know shit, everything from this point on is on her. If you can't handle that, well take a long look in the mirror. You set this shit in motion. As for her crow, she can get deiced to keep it or have it removed. If she does get it removed she'd be available to anyone that wanted to put their crow on her."
Jax looked around the table, "Everyone in favor of Bobby's claim of removing Happy's claim on Luna."
A resounding YES was heard through out the table. Banging the gavel, "The yes's have it."
With that they table stood, Happy followed them out, he knew that he fucked up bad. As he was heading to the bar, Opie stood in front of him, "You are still our brother, and we do love you, but you don't get to do that to her of all people."
He could only nod. He knew they were right. He just hoped it wasn't too late.
