Thank you so much for all your feedback, follows, and alerts! A special thank you to imalionrawr010 and exnavybrat89 :)

I had wanted to cover a lot in this chapter but I didn't quite get where I wanted... hopefully I'll catch up in the next one.

Happy reading and please review

-Jennifer11

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

Gemma's POV

I went the hospital first thing to check on Charlotte. I knew she'd be getting out today and none of the guys would be responsible enough to be there on time. Piney said he'd be there as soon as he finished up with his own doctor appointment but until then, it would just be me, Tara, and maybe a prospect who would have slept at the hospital. Tara went to find her supervisor to get the paperwork going while I went to the room.

First thing I saw was the prospect, asleep in a chair that was pushed against the door. That's a fire hazard but I like where his heads at. I thought as I woke him up. "Hey, go get me a coffee?" He nodded and staggered off to the cafeteria.

I opened the door to see if Charlotte was awake but instead I found Koz sleeping in bed next to her. I shook my head, good thing I was the first one here. Anyone else would have a heart attack.

I walked around to the side of the bed Kozik was on and gently shook his shoulder, "Koz sweetie, let's go, wake up."

He slowly opened his eyes and yawned, "what time is it?"

"Around 8?" I guessed as I smiled at him "You gonna go to Church like that, in the same clothes you wore yesterday?"

He shrugged, "I guess I'd better go change…"

"You better get going if you're gonna make it there by 9." He still didn't get out of bed. He was gently holding Charlotte's hand while his other arm was cradling her head into him. Charlotte looked content and peaceful; it was such a pleasant change from the nervous girl I saw yesterday. "Koz, you gonna get out of bed before Piney comes in here to kick your ass?"

"I can't. I promised her I wouldn't leave."

"Ah, I see. Well then why don't we wake her up? She's gonna get released today and I think Piney and Hale will be here soon."

Koz frowned, he obviously didn't want to wake her from her sleep but he knew he had to get to Church. "Fine… can you wait outside for a minute?"

I nodded; he doesn't want me to see him more vulnerable than I already have I thought as I walked to the door, "Sure sweetie, make it quick though."

Kozik's POV

I couldn't believe I didn't wake up before Gemma busted us. I was having a great dream. Charlotte and me were sitting under a tree in a field having a picnic. Gemma had woken me up and told me I had to get going. I was so comfortable and didn't want to leave her. I had promised her I would stay. I hope she won't be too mad at me for having to leave… but waking her up before I go was the right thing to do right? At least this way she wouldn't wake up alone. I thought as I looked down at her beautiful face.

I lightly kissed her forehead before whispering, "Charlotte? Hey baby, wake up." I gently squeezed her hand as I brushed some of her hair away from her face. Her eyes fluttered as she slowly woke up and a small smile crossed her lips. "Good morning." I said as I slowly lifted her head so I could slide my arm out and get off of the bed. I gently held her hand as she shifted and tried to rub the sleep from her eyes. "I'm sorry to wake you but I have to go, I know I said I wouldn't leave but Gemma's here to stay with you until I get back. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can."

I could tell she was still half asleep when she nodded and whispered, "ok".

I decided to write her a note to make sure she would remember what I said. I kissed Charlotte's hand before I quietly exited the room. Before I shut the door, I turned to look at her one last time.

"Hey Gemma? Can I borrow a piece of paper?" She dug in her purse for a pen and paper then handed them to me. I quickly scribbled Charlotte a note and folded it in half before I turned back to Gemma, "Can you make sure you give this to her? And please don't tell the guys?" She nodded and gave me a knowing smile before turning to go into the room and sit next to Charlotte.

I felt my shoulders slump a little as I walked towards the exit. I wish I could just stay here. I found myself thinking as I started up my bike and headed to the clubhouse to quickly shower and change for Church.

Gemma's POV

He is too cute. I thought as Kozik wrote something down for me to give to Charlotte. I was temped to open it and read it but a man's love letter was supposed to be private, not shared. Something that home wrecker Maureen should have learned.

I sighed and settled myself into the chair next to Charlotte as I waited for the prospect to bring me back my coffee. It was already so early and I knew it'd be a long day. I looked over at Charlotte and smiled. This girl is gonna make Koz so happy. He deserves it; he's been through a lot. I know that all the guys think he's like Tig and Happy, but I see who he really is deep down. He's a sensitive guy with feelings just putting on a show for the world.

I saw Charlotte move and stretch as she tried to wake up. Finally she yawned and opened her eyes. At first she looked worried but then saw me. "Hey baby girl. How are you feeling today?"

"I feel less sore than yesterday. But I'm really thirsty."

I nodded and got up to pour her some water. I handed her the cup and smiled, "Kozik left this for you." I said as I passed her the piece of paper. I saw the excited smile that flashed across her face as she took the paper for me.

Charlotte's POV

I felt the bed move slightly and my hand being touched but I was so tired I couldn't open my eyes. I knew something peaceful and caring was taking place. I felt safe, the safest I had in a long time. When I was finally able to pull myself out of my slumber I noticed Koz wasn't next to me but Gemma was sitting next to the bed.

As soon as she told me he left me a note I knew he was feeling what I was. The chemistry was real. I opened the piece of paper and read:

"Good morning Charlotte, I'm sorry I had to leave before you were fully awake but I had to take care of something. I'll be back as soon as I can. Gemma will take care of you if you need anything. – Koz"

I smiled as I read his words. It wasn't a love letter but it was enough to let me know he was determined on keeping his promise to me. I looked up from the paper and saw Gemma smiling at me like she knew what was going on. She couldn't possibly, could she? I refolded the note and put it on the table next to the letter my mother had left me.

I sat up and stretched, wincing slightly in pain from the bruises on my chest and ribs. Gemma was watching me closely but there was nothing she could do to help. She simply rubbed my back gently as I tried to relax.

Tara opened the door a few minutes later. "Good morning Charlotte. Hey Gemma. How are you both doing today?"

Before I could open my mouth, Gemma asked, "Hey Doc, is there anything you can give her so she is in less pain?"

Tara looked at the chart, then to Gemma, then to me. "Sure I can get you something to take for a little bit so you'll be more comfortable. I can also get you something to help you sleep…?" She looked at me questioningly, she knew I was having those nightmares.

I was staring at the bed as Tara was offering me meds, "Um… yeah I guess that'd be nice. Thank you."

"No problem." She said as she put down the chart. "I need to double check your ribs to make sure that you didn't crack one and that the bruising isn't getting worse. Do you want Gemma to wait outside?"

I looked at Gemma and saw she was concerned about me. I wasn't sure about being in the same room with her while I was half naked but I could use some moral support I guess. "She can stay." I said quietly without looking either of them in the eye.

Gemma nodded and held my hand as Tara pulled aside the hospital gown I was wearing. I closed my eyes to try to ignore the pain and embarrassment that I was feeling. I could hear Gemma trying to calm me down but my breathing and heartbeat were quickening and I felt tears springing up in my eyes.

"Shh, baby girl, you're doing fine, just a little longer." She whispered as she slowly stroked my hand. "You almost done Doc?"

Tara pressed one more spot on my side before pulling the gown closed again. She quickly got some more water for me and said softly, "We're all done, it's ok, here take slow sips, that's it, long, deep breaths."

I slowly calmed down enough to nod and take the water from her. I was scared and wanted Kozik to come back soon. Somehow he was the only one who made me feel… normal.

Kozik's POV

I sat down at the table and was anxious for Church to start so I could get back to the hospital. I know I have to talk to Piney and Opie soon about my feelings but I had to be sure she felt the same. I know that letting me sleep next to her last night was a big step for her. I really didn't want to push her away or scare her any more than she already had been.

Clay walked into the room, followed by the rest of the guys. He waited for everyone to take their seats before starting, "Juice have you found anything?"

"No, not yet. This guy is good. He hasn't used any credit cards or been seen in his car. He hasn't left the country though cuz he passport didn't pop up…"

"We gotta find him before he finds her. But on to the more important… Hap, Tig, what did you come up with?"

Tig shook his head and quietly stated his feelings, "I don't think we should be doing this."

Jax, Opie, Piney, and most importantly Clay glared at him. I knew they all wanted revenge, whether it was for Charlotte or Gemma. Clay looked livid, "What about Gemma?" He yelled, he didn't wait for an answer. "Get out!" For the first time ever, Clay tried to kick his Sargent at Arms out of Church. Everyone was avoiding eye contact with Clay and Tig.

I was steaming; this only made me angrier at Tig. First the whole Missy thing and now he wouldn't help retaliate what happened to Charlotte? It's like Tig knew I had feelings for her and was trying to get back at me.

Tig hung his head and quietly tried to make his point, "It's just… if we attack Weston, then we're begging Zobelle and Darby to come after us. We need to be smart about this."

Before Clay could respond, Bobby interjected, "Look, we're all a little tense and can't think straight. We need to get our heads out of asses and get this shit figured out."

Happy was glaring at Tig for telling Clay exactly what he told him not to say. I was about to jump across the table to get in Tig's face, when Opie finally spoke up in his deep voice, "My sister," He emphasized, "is getting out of the hospital today. I agree with Tig. We need to come up with the best plan possible before executing anything or anyone." He was being reasonable and levelheaded when everyone else was getting riled up.

Opie's POV

I can't believe these idiots were arguing. We have bigger issues to tend to. The only way to fix this was to dissolve the whole situation before someone gets beaten to death. I knew that Bobby and I were the only ones who were trying to stay calm. Tig was trying to poke the bear that is Clay because Clay had been leaving him on the outs while getting closer to Jax lately. These guys are always thinking about what they think is best for the club. What happened to the good old days when all the president had to do was snap his fingers and the job would be done? I looked over at Jax and we shared a glance. We both knew that Clay wasn't thinking quite straight but Tig was just being plain stupid. We needed to come to an agreement and vote before 10 so some of us could head over to the hospital to escort Charlotte to Hale's house.

Hale's POV

I was filling out some paperwork when Unser knocked on my door. What does he want? He doesn't work here any more. I thought as he closed the door behind him.

"What can I do for you Wayne?"

He took a seat across from me as he said, "You need to reassure the club that you're doing what you can. You know they're heated about this…"

"I know but I don't think they trust me. This guy already got off once while under my watch and now the charges won't stick again."

"You better find a way before the MC makes a scene."

"Since when are you their messenger?"

"I'm just a concerned citizen." He said as he left.

I rolled my eyes at his back. He had been weak enough to be on SAMCRO's payroll since before I was born. When would the law actually matter to these people? I'm getting fed up with no being able to do my job. I glanced at the clock, Crap I gotta go get Charlotte. I quickly got up and went to the hospital. Just in time to meet SAMCRO in the parking lot.

Kozik's POV

We finally voted that we would wait a little longer to retaliate on Weston because of the unknown whereabouts of Charlotte's stepfather. Shit, this took long enough I thought exasperatedly when Clay hit the gavel on the table. Piney and Opie stood to go meet their new family member as Clay told Jax and Me to go with them, Juice to keep at the research, and Happy and Tig to get to an agreement of what we should do when the time came.

As we rode to the hospital I dove back into my thoughts. How am I supposed to approach this? I gotta talk to Piney about my intentions but first I should make sure Charlotte is feeling the same thing. I hope Gemma didn't tell her anything about me to scare her off. Gemma better not mess this up for me, I know she gave Tara a hard time when Jax was first dating her. But then again, maybe Gemma or Tara can give me an idea of how Charlotte is feeling.

We were getting off our bikes at St. Thomas as Hale pulled up and got out of his Jeep. He didn't look thrilled to see us when he asked, "What are you all doing here?"

Jax took charge of the situation, "Helping out our family." He said as he gestured to Piney and Opie, who had just walked through the doors. I wanted to follow them but I knew I couldn't leave my VP outside alone with everything going on.

Hale stared us down before hurrying into the hospital. Jax muttered to me, "Some one needs to remove the stick from his ass." I chuckled as we passed through the lobby and ran into Tara.

"Hey guys," She said as Jax kissed her cheek, "Charlotte's just about ready to go. Hale just needs to sign something." We both nodded and looked around as we waited.

Jax went to find his mom and see if he could help her, leaving me alone with Tara. "So… You anxious to see her?"

I knew she was prying but she had seen us in bed together. "Yes." Was all I said.

"You gonna do anything about it?" She was really trying hard to get me to talk; I honestly didn't know what to say.

"Uh… I dunno Tara… what if she doesn't like me? Or if I scare her off?"

"Koz, she does and you won't." The look in her eyes was sincere. I nodded unsure of what to say next; luckily the elevator opened and out came Charlotte in a wheelchair being pushed by Hale, followed by Opie, Jax, and finally Gemma and Piney. Seeing her made me smile but Hale was starting to annoy me. I wanted him to stay away from her, but they are close friends so what can I do?

Great, Gemma is staring at me again.

Charlotte's POV

I was so relieved that Tara said I could go home today. But where is home? David's house? I don't want to live there forever. I thought as Gemma and Tara helped me get dressed in some sweats and a large t-shirt before I sat down in a wheelchair. I'm not used to people helping me this much, it's weird, and they barely know me and they're willing to help.

After I signed the papers, Piney and Opie walked through the door. They were both smiling but I wasn't sure why they were here. When David came in next, he leaned down to hug me. I was thankful he was there because I was feeling a little bit lost around all these new faces. They were all really nice but I'm confused as to why they'd want to help me. They kept saying I was family but how could they just accept it like that?

I was hoping that Kozik would be here to see me leave the hospital but as we got onto the elevator, he still hadn't shown up. When we got to the lobby, as soon as the doors opened I saw his spikey hair and smile. He has an amazing smile I thought as I flashed him a small smile. I didn't want to seem like a giddy schoolgirl so I quickly looked down and then at the people around me. Gemma was giving me this look like she could hear my heart skip a beat.