llwild1992 (2015- )

Sons of Anarchy Fanfiction

Anarchy: I Don't Deserve You

Chapter Two: SAMCRO's Prince

-X-

Jax sighed as he sat at the table, coffee mug in his hand and a thought on his mind. Tara Knowles. I remembered her from all those school plays and shit, she was the child every mother wanted, a beautiful little girl. Now she wasn't so little, sixteen years old, where does the time go? He chuckled here he was nearly eighteen and feeling like an old man. He spent enough time around them, hell he had grown up on the back of Clay's bike, heir to JT Teller's great creation. He wasn't really a child, he was a little man. But being next to someone who was so strong like Tara, it humbled him. Truly.

It had pained him to see what he remembered to be a vibrant girl be literally nothing. When he got home last night he found his junior year book, and there she was, smiling so brightly in her picture, dancing on drill team and Color Guard, honor society, even in Habitat for Humanity. That was the girl he remembered, not that shell. What had happened? He wanted to know. Why was he the only one who noticed how sick she looked, how pale and dead she looked. He remembered learning about the concentration camps in Poland after WWII, seeing the images of those poor men, starving; her body was not even close to that emaciation, but her eyes were. Dead inside. Looking at a perfect snapshot of her on drill team, such life, and such light. He wanted to put that back into her.

"Hey Baby," His mother Gemma greeted as she came into the dining room, her white cockatoo on her shoulder, she leaned down over him and kissed his head, "I'm not going to ask what time you came in last night." She laughed as she placed the bird onto its perch.

"Great," Jax laughed as he sipped his coffee, "Clay left at the crack of dawn."

"I know," she smiled, "don't worry, baby, you'll make the table soon." She walked up behind him and ran her fingers through the back of his hair, "just give it some time."

"I'm not anxious." He laughed, finishing his drink, "I was patched in last year; I shouldn't be at the table anytime soon."

"Just don't forget who you are." she laughed, leaning down to kiss the crown of his head, "you need a haircut." She smiled.

"So people keep telling me." Jax scoffed, as he pulled out from the table. "Ma, do you remember this girl Tara's father?"

"Tara?" she asked, standing in the kitchen waiting for her coffee to brew, she loves her son, but one of these days he needs to learn to make more than one cup.

"Ballerina kid the one from the newspapers and shit."

She thought for a moment, stroking the feathers of the bird's back, "Knowles," she said, "Benjamin Knowles; and alcoholic, the wife passed away from ovarian cancer a few years ago, why?"

"I caught up with Tara last night, I think she's trying to pay the bills on her own; she couldn't weight more than 100 easy; and that's without dancing."

"That's a shame." Gemma sighed, "I don't know much about the family, but what I do know is cancer bills are high and if that little girl is trying to do it on her own with minimal wage; she's going to crack."

-X-

Jax parked his ride in the customary line up, right next to Opie, who he could see working on a transmission in a beat up car. As he made himself ready he lit a cigarette. It was a new thing he decided to pick up. Both Clay and Gemma smoked in the house, he was used to it, so why not start himself? It kept him mellow, something to do in the long hours of the day. Walking with his usual swagger he entered the shop and put Opie in a headlock, both men laughed like schoolgirls as the larger man shook Jax off with no problem.

"Yo," Opie greeted as he ran a hand through his dark brown hair, pushing back the half grown out bangs he was rocking, "where did you go last night."

"Took a girl home."

"One of the Crow-Eaters?"

"Nah, took Tara Knowles home."

"Who?"

"The girl in the coveralls."

"The Dike?"

"She's not a dike." Jax warned with a sideways look, "She was about ready to pass out, so I took her home."

"Awe," Opie turned to him with a lunatic smile, "Someone was being so chivalrous last night!" with his larger hands he gripped Jax's cheeks and pinched him like a grandma, "Such a good boy!"

"Man get the fuck off of me." Jax laughed as he pushed his best friend away, his face started to sting and he knew his skin turned red.

"You two idiots," someone shouted, gaining their attention, it was Tig, he looked at them with light blue eyes and pointed at them, "Boss needs you two on a run, get going." He said before turning around, they both watched as he entered the club house.

"I thought after we were patched in we wouldn't be errand boys anymore?" Opie huffed as he reached for his cut which was neatly placed inside the car he was working on, pulling it over his expansive wing span and turned to Jax, "After this want to grab lunch in town?"

"Are you asking me out on a date?" Jax raised his brow, trying not to laugh.

"Sorry blondie," Opie playfully punched him in the gut, which stull hurt, "you're not my type."

"The feeling is mutual, goliath."

"Shut up, shorty."

"I'm not short; being 6' 5" makes you a giant."

"Still shorter than me."

"Get on your damned bike." Jax pushed his friend as they walked towards the lineup.

On the drive Jax kept his eye peeled for Tara, he had curiously gone to her house that morning, hell he had parked right outside her house and waited. Caused a few neighbors to stair and wonder. But she never came out, was she even home? Her dad emerged from a side window, staggering towards the liquor shop that was conveniently placed at the end of the block. Did she have another job, or was she interviewing for a replacement. She intrigued him, what sixteen year old would take on that kind of burden and be a full time student? He stayed outside her home until it was time to go to work, so reluctantly he rode off. Still wondering about her.

The run was simple, meet and shake hands, exchange burner phones and make a meeting with Clay. It was always high tension, even when he was a prospect and was paired with a patch. But now that he and Opie were full members it was just them. He made the drop, and Opie kept his hand on his concealed gun. It was strange the first time Jax had a gun on him, the cold against his skin. It was so different, he was accustomed to throwing punches, had a reputation for the most bathroom brawls in High School, but this was the real world. In this world people shoot and kill you.

On the way back they had a little fun, played chicken with cars on the highway, causing a few angry words and threats. But on the back of a bike, they were free, with SAMCRO on their backs they were safe. No one could touch them; they were gods on machines. Laughing they entered the main part of Charming, the lovely little downtown area that was indeed charming. They decided to wander the shops, mostly to look for Tara. Opie was in the midst of dating this girl named Donna, she was a clerk at the supermarket. As they were making their way there Jax saw something out of the corner of his eye.

That something was desperately thin, with long dark brown hair, and a trashcan. Stopping he watched as Tara exited the local bakery pulling this overly large trashcan behind her. She looked like one of those working horses on their last legs, desperate and tired. She worked at the bakery? She went out into the back through the ally way and he lost sight of her. Quickly walking into the food store he found Opie at Donna's station trying to get her to come to the clubhouse tonight. She refused but her eyes were saying something different.

Telling Opie not to wait for him, Jax headed off to find her. Excitement boiled in his belly as he walked across the street, someone needed to look after that girl. He felt the odd need to protect her, but not only that, to keep her. Scoffing as he walked around back, was it possible for him to have such a possessive feeling about her, after one night? She wasn't in the ally way, but the back door to the bakery was open, peering in he found her. She moved faster than someone like her should, she was wiping frosting in one bowl, cracking eggs into another, and then checking the oven all in one. Her movements were precise, as he expected of a dancer, but she was tired. Anyone could have noticed, but did they acknowledge a drowning girl in front of them?

He answered his question, yes.

She belonged to no one, she needed someone; she needed him. By god, she was going to be his. He stepped into the back of the bakery, his frame filling the empty space of the door and watched her. He liked watching her, she was dedicated and pushed past her limits. She shouldn't have too though, she started to hum along with the tiny radio sitting in the small half closed window near her. Standing there in his leather cut he realized how hot it was in there, and she was wearing a long sleeved black shirt and two sizes too large dark washed jeans and convers. The clothing hung on her, nearly falling off. He cringed as she bent over to open the oven, seeing the beginnings of her spine sticking out of her back. She picked up a tray of cookies and turned to placed them on the large center island.

She was smiling as she hummed, her hazel eyes bright with excitement, like any kid would be when making cookies, but when her beautiful eyes looked up at him, they dulled with danger, "Jax!" she blanched as she looked at him, she dropped the pan of cookies at their feet, "shit." She groaned as she quickly dropped to pick them up, he watched as her delicate hands moved to throw them into the garbage, when her name was called she shot up like she'd been shot, "Coming!" she answered, but when she became still he noted the dizzying look she had, her eyes dimmed, her body went numb and she swayed.

"Hey," he caught her before she fell, holding her gently as she got her baring's, "you awake?"

"No," she answered as she lost strength in her neck, her head rolled backwards and soon he had too scoop her into his arms, spotting a chair in the corner he avoided hitting her head and placed her down, keeping on hand on her neck as she came too, "Jax..?" she woke up, "oh god," she turned red and tried to get up, but he pushed her back down, "My boss needs me." She protested as he bent down to look at her.

"Easy," he whispered, "slow down."

"Tara?" the owner, Mr. Mosher came into the back, "I need replenishment on the muffins." He muttered before he lock eyes on Jax, his eyes going white, as if he was afraid he was going to get shot. But then he found Tara sitting beside him, holding her head, as white as a ghost, "Tara are you okay?"

"She's not," Jax barked, "she needs the rest of the day off."

"No!" she countered, "Mr. Mosher I just felt a little lightheaded; I can stay."

"You're due for lunch in fifteen, Tara, take an extra ten," Her boss said; anything to get the biker out of his shop, "Take the afternoon, you look worse for wear."

"No," she said, "Please let me keep my shift?"

"I'll call Lauren," he answered her plea, "Just go," he held up his wooden spoon towards Jax, "you; out."

"Yes sir," Jax mocked as the old man exited the back.

"You didn't have the right to do that," Tara pushed herself to stand, falling into him, before he could even lay a hand on her she pushed back, "Stop with all the touching and holding; personal space."

"Alright," he held up his hands and smiled, "whatever you want, Darling."

"And don't call me that."

"Whatever you say." He laughed as she made a huff, going to her offending green backpack, throwing down her apron and heading out of the back door, mumbling all the time. Running after her Jax continued to chuckle, "Tara."

"Now what do you want?"

"Lots of things."

"So go get them,"

"Trying,"

"Look," she stopped and face him, "I appreciate the ride last night, but I don't appreciate you getting in the way of my money."

"How many jobs do you have?" he asked, crossing his arms, "cleaning, baking, what else?"

"Anything that can keep me afloat and in a house."

"But no food?"

"That's none of your concern."

"Damn it Tara," he groaned, "Look at you! You're wasting away. Everyone else might think it's because you're a dancer, but I see you." He stepped forward, reaching out to touch her chin, "I see someone who is too busy caring for others instead of caring for herself. You're a kid for Christ's sake, someone should be looking after you."

"Just because you see me; means you're the one stepping up to the plate to care for me?"

"Yes,"

"I don't want charity, Jax," she shook his hand off, "I don't need it."

"It's not charity,"

"Then what is it?"

"Compassion."

"Bullshit."

"We're having lunch, like it or not." He said, reaching out to take her hand, careful not to hurt her, "Bologna or chicken?" he asked, pulling her alongside him as he started walking through the street, she tried to pull back but she was no strength. Lacing their fingers together Jax pulled her alongside him, and then wrapped that very same arm around her neck, keeping her into his side. He walked slower when he noticed she was out of breath. "Which is it?"

Looking away as they reached the little corner deli she blushed, "Peanut butter and banana." She admitted as he pulled the door open, the little bell at the top chiming as they walked in together. Many of the patrons blanched at sight of him, or more so, the cut. Smirking he looked down at Tara and winked, "asshole." She muttered.

"Hey," He shouted to the young man behind the deli counter, "Two peanut butter and Banana Sandwiches."

"Please?" she looked at him with a pointed glair, "you don't talk to working people like that."

Chucking Jax looked back at the frozen man, "and a few juices…Please?" he mocked.

Jax pulled her towards the central park deciding on this hot day she needed to actually sit down on the grass and in the shade. He had parked his bike here, stopping at it to pull out a blanket, he created a perfect little place to sit under a large tree near the town's signature three level fountain. As he smoothed the bland fiber blanket down he looked up at her, she watched him with a gaze that was so aloof he could have cut it with his knife. Smirking he patted the spot next to him and waited for her to sit.

"We got all day, Baby."

"Another one of your endearments?" she raised her brow before giving into his charming smile, carefully sitting down next to him, and leaning back against the tree. She groaned as she straightened her legs out, feeling her feel go numb. "That's going to have to go." She noted, as if she wouldn't realize his arm had somehow sneakily slid up behind her back.

"Too soon?" he slid his arm away.

"Nowhere near a 'possibility'." She scoffed.

Rummaging through the plastic bag he handed her a sandwich and a juice, "Eat up, Baby." He joked with a simple smile towards her.

Under his watchful gaze she drank nearly three bottles of orange juice, she savored each drop, more thankful for the vitamins and calories than the taste. She picked at her sandwich however, she was probably so hungry she didn't even have an appetite. She avoided his gaze, looking all around the park, seeing the families out for an afternoon stroll, kids and their dogs, teenager with their dates, it was a perfect day.

"What's with the ankle cast?" Jax noticed as her jeans rolled up on her leg.

She blanched and reached down to cover her leg, "Broke my foot and ankle last years, still not healed."

"Is that why you stopped dancing?"

"One of them."

"What's the other?"

"Money," she laughed, looking towards him, "obviously I can't afford anything,"

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have too," she moved to get up, "it's written all over your face."

Reaching up he held both of her arms and pulled her back to sit beside him, keeping her against the tree and in to him, "slow down," he whispered, "I did not mean to offend you, Tara, just sit—be still. That's what your body is trying to tell you." Suddenly she started to mandate her breaths, fighting back something, looking over at her, he felt his heart sink, she was about to cry. "Easy," he whispered moving closer to her, bringing her head under his chin, "Let it out."

She covered her face with her hands, "I am so stupid." She muttered, "I shouldn't cry."

"Baby, you are just frustrated, I would be too if I was trying to support myself and my deadbeat father." He wrapped himself around her, sheltering her, "You go ahead and cry." He felt her body start to shake as her tears fell, moment by moment she became hysterical, but then she stopped.

Looking down, he realized she had cried herself to sleep, smirking he watched her. She was beautiful, the color had returned to her skin, she looked as if she needed to sleep for a year, but at that moment she was at peace. Everything was delicate about her, refine features, killer brows, and a tiny nose. Her lashes were so freaking long, longer than he would have expected; they reached almost the apple of her cheek. A few more pounds on her and she would be perfect.

He liked his girls to be shapely, to have something he could hold onto. Chuckling he leaned back against the tree and made himself comfortable, they might be here for a while. Her hair was soft against his face as he leaned his cheek against her, taking in a breath he realized she smelled like cookies and butter. Damn that was a good smell. He was sure he smelled of sweat, oil, and gasoline, most girls hated the smell. In her sleep Tara moved into him, resting her head on his shoulder, one arm around his waist, holding him. She smiled lightly and rubbed her cheek against the breast of his cut.

This girl was just too damn loveable, how could anyone reject or neglect her? Attentively he placed his hand against her, feeling how cold her skin was. If she pushed herself any harder she would wind up in the hospital or in the grave. He'd talk to Clay tomorrow about making some fast cash to help her out.

Hours passed, and she slept so perfectly against him, so peacefully. He dare not move and wake her. But he gave into the temptation to run a finger down her face, her beautiful features. She stirred when he ran a finger over her ear. Her hazel eyes opened, quickly found his own blue gaze and she froze.

"Hey," he whispered to her.

She exclaimed and pushed up from him, "What time is it?" she demanded as she sat up, looking out into the late afternoon sky, the sun was setting, looking back down at him, her waist length hair fell over one side of her face, and suddenly Jax wanted her.

"Around five." He answer, stunned at how suddenly the feeling rushed him. His chest clenched and he could hardly believe how fucking beautiful she was, orange light behind her head, her hair nearly a deep red color, her eyes—holy shit—her eyes were light green.

"Oh," she pushed herself up, "FUCK!"

"What's wrong?"

"I'm late."

"Another job?" he growled, he couldn't believe this, and she was working three jobs? Custodian, baker shop, and another… "Why?"

"The obvious."

"It's illegal; you're a minor you can't work long hours like that back to back."

"I'd rather work so many jobs to keep CPS away from me. One slip up and I'm in the system." She groaned as she reached for a juice bottle, quickly downing it, "I'm too old to go into the system, it's a waste of time. Thanks for lunch," she then took off.

"Tara," she started to walk faster, so he ran after her, "Tara, slow down, you're going to kill yourself."

"Just another year," she muttered as she kept walking, trying to get him off her back, "One more year and I'm done."

"Talk to me?" he held her arm and pulled her to stand in front of him, holding her still.

"Why should I?" she glared up at him, "why should I tell you what's going on? I've known you since I was six years old; and you couldn't even remember my name until I told you who I was friends with. What makes you so goddamned important to me?"

"Because all I want to do is help."

"Well don't," she scoffed, trying to push him away, "I was fine before you road in on your Harley last night, I think I will be fine without you, Jax."

"That's not how I see it." Reaching out he held her neck in both hands, pulling her to him, forcing her to look up at him, her harsh brown eyes rejecting him, "I see someone who is desperate for someone else. I'd be a fucking fool to let you go; I won't stand by and watch you kill yourself, Tara, I won't; it's not how I was raised. It's not who I am."

"Then who are you?" she challenged, her eyes hard, "Who the hell are you?"

"I'm the man that sees you for all you are, Baby, and don't forget it." He tried to kiss her, but she escaped, running off down the main street, disappearing into the soft lighting of Charming. Breathing in deeply Jax tried to follow her, but in the end he let her go. She'd come around eventually. She just needed her space.

By the time he got home, Clay and Gemma were waiting at the large dining table for him. He groaned, they were angry, shit. Clay sat with his arms crossed over his chest, his usual scowled even deeper than normal. Gemma smoked a cigarette and quaffed her newly dyed dark hair, they both watched as he walked into the dining room, taking a chair back, and groaning.

"Where the hell did you go?" Clay was the first to speak, "I send you and Opie out on a run and you disappear? Shit man you even had a car to finish."

"I know, but a friend needed me."

"Would this friend happen to be Ben Knowles' daughter?" Gemma asked with a sideways look, "you shouldn't get involved with her, Jax, you are a full member of SAMCRO; that is where your focus needs to lie. Not with some sad drunk daddy's girl."

"I know that, Ma." Jax groaned, reaching up he pinched the bridge of his nose, "Like I would forget."

"You seemed all the more willing to place personal feelings over responsibilities." Clay pointed at him, "don't make me regret voting you and Opie in; both of you are stupid kids."

"That's because I am a fucking kid." Jax yelled suddenly angry at Clay, "I know who the fuck I am and I know what the fuck I want. All I've ever wanted was this." He gripped the sides of his cut.

"Jackson Nathaniel Teller." Gemma scoffed using his full name, "you have responsibility now, calm down. Clay wasn't the one forcing you to drop out of school and get your GED; you did that all on your own."

"But now that you're wearing that cut," Clay pushed up from his chair, advancing on Jax, "going out on your own isn't an option kid, you're either in or you're out. There is no middle ground when it comes to SAMCRO. Got it?"

When Clay placed his hand on Jax's neck, holding him down, he sucked in a breath. Gritting down on his teeth he forced himself to look at Clay, "Whatever you say,"

"That's more like it." Clay smiled a big asshole smile. "Hey, come with me." He slapped Jax across the face gently and had him follow through the house and into the back yard. Standing on the patio under the pergola, Clay lit a cigarette and breathed in the fresh scent of night, "Benjamin Knowles' daughter?" he looked at Jax and smirked, Clay continued with a sigh, "biggest drunk this side of nowhere. The man has outstanding debts in every bar in Charming, even at the club house. That little girl is all he has, and she's the one stepping up to the plate. Every adult in this town knows it; she's the one dragging him from bars in the middle of the day. I knew her mother, Grace; vivacious woman so full of life." He smiled as he thought of Tara's mother, "had the best eyes in the world, don't tell your mother I said that." Jax chuckled and lit his own cigarette, "if I were to entertain this notion of helping a friend in need, how you would pitch it to me?" the way Clay had spoken was so nonchalant, he looked back to the sky and smirked.

"We're a club," Jax started, looking towards Clay, "and clubs give back to the community, right?" Clay nodded, "I did my service to you; I dropped out of High School to peruse this; but I want to—need to give back. Tara needs help, she's a member of the community and she is drowning."

"So," Clay leaned in, "Hypothetically, what would you need to help this little girl?"

"A job that would pay out and fast."

-X-

A typical Thursday afternoon, Jax found himself under the hood of a GTO, Opie had Donna sitting on the working table, practically wrapped around him as they whispered sweet nothings to each other. For being a big bad biker, Opie was a softy when it came to his girl. Donna was not affiliated to the Club, Opie wouldn't have her. She was a senior at the High School and had dreams of going to college to be a nursery school teacher. If Opie had it his way Donna would end up pregnant before the school year ended, married in a quick shotgun wedding, and live happily ever after.

He scoffed at the idea, couldn't imagine wanting to be married at eighteen, thirty maybe, but not eighteen. "The trans is blown." Jaz said as he took up a wrench to

"Ah, Jax," Opie whispered, "skinny brunette storming in your direction."

Jax pushed himself out of the engine and turned to see what he was talking about. Shure enough Tara Knowles had walked into the work yard, dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans with her black convers, she had this locked stair on him, as if she was pointing a gun at his forehead. She did not look pleased. Groaned Jax tossed the wrench at a stunned Opie and headed out to her, meeting her half way. It had been fourteen days since he had lunch with her in the park, and in that time he had done something.

Which he was probably going to have his ass handed to him for.

"Hey, Baby." He tried to smile his best as he shoved his hands into his pockets, she was fuming, "What's up?"

"Why did you do it?" Tara yelled as she approached him as she flung her backpack over her shoulder and into her hands, "You had no right to do it."

"Tara, look I was just trying to help out."

"You—" she held up official looking papers with astonishment, "—paid off my mother's hospital bills, you even made a dent in the mortgage and water bill. That's well over twenty-five thousand dollars; I'm not going to even ask how you got the money; I don't want to know."

"Calm down, I had some cash, and I wanted to help you out."

"Now I owe you!" she ran her hands through her hair, pushing it back to show off her beautiful face, the color she got from napping in the park Saturday afternoon made her look alive, "I don't want to owe anyone." She averted her gaze, her voice broke as she sighed and whispered to him. "I can't owe anyone." Tears formed in her eye, but she was fighting them. "I just can't."

"Tara," he reached over to hold her chin, "you did what you could; but it would have ended up with you going to a loan shark or ending up in the system. I took care of it, relax."

"I don't want to thank you." She pulled away, "But…you have no idea what you have done…for me." Licking her lips she placed her hands upon her hips and looked away, "I don't like charity."

"Stop, Tara." Jax groaned, stepping forward reaching out to touch the end of her soft dark brown hair, "don't thank me, and don't fight it."

"I—I…" she reached up and wiped her tears from her eyes, "thank you." She admitted breathless.

Jax watched as the color drained from her face, she had spent all her energy. Before she could walk away and possibly pass out on the way home he took her hand, "Did you get fired from your cleaning job?" he asked, she sniffled and nodded, "you need to sit down," he said before turning, she resisted his gentle tug, looking back he noticed the fear in her eyes, she was intimidated. Looking forward and from her point of view I figured a bunch of tatted middle aged men in cuts was indeed intimidating. "Opie and Donna are here, it's just a garage." He chuckled before pulling her to his side and led her into his side. "Opie; Tara, Tara; Opie."

"Hey," she greeted with a tired smile, "Hi Donna." She greeted when her hazel eyes locked on the smaller woman, "I love the blue streaks." She motioned to the patches of blue highlights in Donna's hair.

"Just did them! Thanks. What's cooking, Tara?" Donna laughed as she offered for her to side on the counter as well.

"Not much," She admitted, walking over the tools and the puddle of oil that was covered in speedy-dry, Jax kept a hand on her back until she turned to sit beside Donna, "you doing indoor color guard this season?"

"Yeah, senior year, got to do it. You coming back? You were the best soloist your freshman year."

Shaking her head Tara smiled, biting down on her lip, "My ankle is still messed up, I might need to have it re-broken and reset." She held her leg up and pulled her wide bottom jeans up to show her soft cast, they all hissed at the angle her ankle was facing, it wasn't normal.

"Ouch," Donna covered her mouth, "isn't that painful to walk on? You were in a boot for months."

Nodding Tara replaced her pants, "got used to it after a while. Just working on saving up to see a specialist." She admitted with a slight hint at her financial situation, Jax didn't know if it was unintended.

She wasn't asking him to help her out at all; but if she ever did, he would. He leaned against the side of the GTO he watched Tara as she and Donna engaged in small talk. She spoke with such warmth and animation. But when Donna started off on a long winded story which had Opie laughing instantly, he noticed her color changed and she was shivering. Quickly he removed his cut and pulled his hoodie off and threw it at her. She caught it with wide eyes, but she quickly slipped it over without complaint, it swallowed her completely, she wrapped her hands in the sleeves and pulled her own hood out and over her head.

Tig came out and busted their balls a few time to finish the transmission on the GTO, so they had to get back to work while Donna and Tara continued to talk. Tara had cocooned herself in his sweatshirt, she looked good with 'SAMCRO' across her chest. He had no idea Donna and Tara knew each other for so many years as well as they did. It was a small town so of course they knew who each other were. But they had been on the same dance team together. They spoke of band camp and summer practice. Smirking he watched her from the corner of his eye and then looked to the cooler in the corner as Opie wiped down his hands with a rag, with in a minute he had four bottles of juices in hand, tossing one at Opie who requested a trade for something a bit stronger.

"Refreshments?" he slid between the two, offering them each a bottle. Donna took it without hesitation taking him and sticking her tongue out at Opie for not offering. Tara pulled her knees into her chest and looked at him whit wide eyes, "Its juice Tara not drugs." He joked.

She blushed and then took the drink. "Thanks," taking it she innocently bushed her fingers against his own, it was like this electric surge had taken him, just from that one small touch.

It was just like when he had kissed her that night. He didn't know why he kissed her, but the moment just happened. The moment when his lips touched hers, it was like nothing he had ever felt. What was this he was feeling for Tara? He was protective over her that was plain to see, he had grown up with possessive men all around him when it came to their Old Ladies. The Crow-Eaters where just playthings, vessels. Which was how he treated them. But Tara was neither of those things to him. She was a girl he went to High School with, someone who needed his help and took it upon himself to help her. He didn't believe in 'Knight in Shining Armor' or shit that was for fairy tales. But he looked into her face when she thanked him, she had looked at him as if he was that. He had never saved a person before, he was usually the one needing bailing out from his and Opie's shenanigans.

However when she had looked at him in the park, her long hair in her face, the light just perfect behind her, she was perfect. He wanted her then, looking at her now he still wanted her. He had taken out his passion plenty of times over the last two weeks, none of it worked; he dreamed of Tara in that orange light with her dark hair in her face.

"Chow time!" someone yelled from the bar doors, tools were dropped, engines cut off, and men ran.

"I should…" Tara slid her legs out to get up, her hands still holding the unopened orange juice.

Donna was the one to reach out, placing her hand on Tara's shoulder, "Don't go just yet," she smiled. She looked to Opie and spoke some unknowing sentence to him with her eyes, and like magic Opie headed off into the club house. "Jax can give you a ride home—later." She tried to discreetly wink at Tara, but only made Jax chuckle.

Nodding Tara settled back into her part of the table and brought her bad ankle over the opposite knee, fiddling with the cast absentmindedly as Opie shouted for help. Donna was instantly up and at his side, taking two paper plates from him, which he had been expertly balancing on his forearms.

"They are a sight." Tara motioned to the height difference, she smiled as sweetly as she watched them whispered and joke together, "I like them together." She looked to the ground as she shifted to face Jax, "Do you mind me staying?"

"Not at all, Baby," He breathed as he stepped forward, placing his hands beside her legs, "But I would like your eyes up here," she smiled and lifted her gaze up to his own, "There we go." Leaning into her he smirked, "Sorry about the kiss last time." He whispered.

"Which one?" her brow raised, "the completed one or the one I didn't let you take?"

"Both,"

"Well apology not accepted." She leaned away, "I didn't mind. It was sweet."

"Sweet?"

"Yup; sweet." She mocked with a daring smile and a giggle, "Oh relax," she reached up and patted his shoulder, "I won't tell anyone."

"Good," he answered, still flabbergasted, "I have a reputation to uphold, Baby."

Groaning Tara placed her wrist over his shoulder and rolled her eyes, "Can you do me one favor?"

"Sure."

"Don't call me 'baby'."

"Whatever you want, Tara." He smirked as she continued to roll her eyes at him as she removed her arm as Donna and Opie approached, Donna hopped back onto the table and handed Tara a plate of Chicken and rice.

Tara looked down at the plate as if she had no idea what to do with it. Her fingers touched the utensils and Jax watched as she licked her lips. Opie and Donna started to talk, Jax watched Tara. Balancing the plate on her lap she slowly began to cut into the chicken. She probably wanted to devour it; but she restrained herself to gently cutting her food and eating it, one by one. She kept her attention on Donna and Opie, and not the fact that Jax had remained beside her, resting his hip on the table side. She laughed at Donna's jokes and answered questions Opie had, she was incredibly smart, smarter than any other girl he had met. Don't know too many girls who actually attend school. She was also funny, and quick on her feet, she had Opie in a grammar headlock over his poor description skills. Soon they all were laughing.

Opie was the gentleman and threw out their trash, but then he and Jax had to finish the car. Donna and Tara both leaned all the way back against the empty pegboard on the wall, whispering things Jax couldn't hear. Looking up he smirked when he found Tara blushing and eyeing him up whilst Donna nodded her head. Tara was a cool girl, just along for the ride and up for hanging out while the boys did their thing. She didn't even complain when he smoked. For some reason he wanted her approval on a lot of things. He smirked as he watched Donna tell a story, Tara had pulled the hoodie more over her, wrapped herself in it; he liked that. Slowly her hazel eyes started to close as Donna continued, until she once again fell asleep.

About twenty minutes later Donna realized Tara had fallen asleep, "Tara?" she was about to reach over and wake her up.

Jax suddenly had Michael Jordan's long ass legs as was pulling Donna's arm away before she could touch her, "Let her sleep." He said with anxiety, "lord knows she needs it."

Donna had turned a funky green color, but with her left arm in the air she got a good look at her watch, "Crap, Opie you need to take me home." She whispered.

Opie closed the hood door of the GTO as quietly as he could, looking at Donna with a glair, "Your dad hates me."

"He'll hate you more if I'm out past curfew, it's nearly ten!" she slid off the table and thrusted her hands onto her hips. "Take. Me. Home." She hissed.

"Can't you come to my place tonight?"

"It's a school night." She rolled her eyes, "Henry Winston take me home right now."

"Fine," he threw his hands in the air, surrendering to her, "Yes Princess Donna; no need to use my real name."

"Thanks!" she happily cheered before turning to face Jax, suddenly pointing a finger at him, "Make sure she gets home; no funny business; she's too good for you."

"I know that." Jax admitted with a shrug of his shoulder, "I'll clean up and let her sleep a little while longer."

Happy with his answer Donna winked and then followed Opie to his Harley. Jax watched as they drove off, smirking at the fact that Opie had to get the same bike as his. Gathering the tools he quietly cleaned up the station, drawing the process out a bit longer than he should have. She looked too peaceful to disturb her. But sooner or later he would have to, and the black escalade pulling up was his mother; best to keep Tara out of the way from the Biker Queen of Charming. Walking over he gently reached out and shook her shoulder.

"Tara," he whispered, "Hey, Tara, wake up."

Her eyes gently opened, and damn they were green again; but this time with a ring of blue around the iris. She must have her mother's eyes, he had never seen eyes that beautiful. "Hey," she reached up to rub an eye as she sat fully up. "Did I fall asleep? What time is it?"

"Nearly eleven."

"I should go home." She scooted forward to get off the table but he didn't move, her legs on either side of his hips, he smirked and placed his hands on the outside of her legs, keeping himself between her and the floor. She blushed for a moment, but then glared at him, placing her hands on his chest she lightly pushed, "Seriously."

"I'll take you."

"I can walk," she groaned when he didn't move, pulling her legs up and maneuvered herself around him so she could get off the table, "I walk everywhere."

"Not when I have a second helmet." He followed as she got her pack and headed out of the garage, he quickly pulled the door down and locked up. "Tara," he called as she was about to come face to face with Gemma. "Wait," he ran up and turned her around, Gemma and Clay both stood outside the office door, smoking. Gemma looked at them with curiosity and bemusement, Clay had a funny smile on his face. "It's nearly the middle of the night, I'll drive you home."

She looked him in the eye hard, trying to pull off the vibe of 'I am Woman Hear me Roar' and that she could take care of herself, but she looked just about ready to fall asleep again. Finally she let out a breath and nodded. Willingly following him to his bike, for the most part because he wouldn't let go of her hand. Jax smirked at the thought she had surrendered to him, but he needed to get rid of those thoughts; for now. Handing her his helmet he watched as she hooked it on. She looked better with food in her system, color and life. But she looked too good in his sweatshirt and her long ass auburn hair. She gripped him the way he had told her the first night without objection as she sat behind him. Gemma and Clay both watched as Jax drove away with Tara behind him. He'd get an ear full no doubt later on.

He hated that the ride was shorter than he would have liked. He pulled into her driveway and noticed the lights were on. Tara cursed and jumped off, her thin fingers did not have any strength to unbuckle the chin strap. Turning off his bike he quickly made work of it. She flew through the air and unlocked the door.

"Tara Grace! Where is it!" her dad shouted, something was thrown and shattered. "Where is it?"

"Want me to go in?" Jax ran up beside her, hand on the door, refusing to let her go in whilst her father was screaming and throwing shit.

"What did you do with it you little bitch? If you threw it out I'll kill you."

"I'll be fine." She said with a brave look in her eye, "He just can't find his shot glasses or his drinking cup; I took them from his room and washed it this morning. He just woke up."

"Tara," she maneuvered under his arm and pushed the door open showing her father in the living room, throwing shit all over drunkenly muttering and stumbling around.

She turned to him with a worried hand brushing though her hair. "In the sink!" she shouted as Jax got a look at the couch being tipped over, "I'm fine, Jax." She whispered as she closed the door slightly, keeping her head out to talk to him.

"Why the fuck is it in the kitchen, don't move my shit you little bitch."

With a sad smile she laughed, "Don't worry, all is good. Thanks for the ride, again."

"I don't want to leave you." He stepped closer, leaning into her, "it's not safe for you to be here."

"It wasn't safe for me to be at the compound today; and I did alright." She reached out with a hand and placed it on his neck, "thanks for worrying, Jax; really. But I've lived this way since I was nine. I got this."

"Where is the fucking food, Tara Grace?" her father slurred as a door was slammed, "what did you do all day? You're supposed to be helping out around here!"

She cringed as something shattered, "if I ignore him the cops will be called. Go home, Jax."

"Can I see you tomorrow, to make sure you're okay?" I just can't leave her while he is like this!

She shook her head, "that's a bad idea, Jax; you and me." She clarified with a sweet smile, she leaned in and kissed his cheek sweetly, "you've done enough for me already. I'll see you around, though, it is a small town."

"Not small enough." He whispered before he turned around to walk away.

"Wait; your hoodie."

He jumped around and smirked at her, "Keep it; looks better on you."

She stuck her tongue out and winked, "I like it better on you." She laughed before closing the door leaving Jax standing bewildered on her stoop.

stepping back Jax couldn't fight the smile pulling on his lips. Taking a moment before he stepped back, to hear Tara soothing her drunken father and somehow getting him to agree to go to be. she must have known he remained, he could hear her steps behind the door, a hand was placed on the knob and locking sound was here.

"Goodnight, Jax." she whispered.

"Goodnight Tara." he answered.

TBC...

Leaving ya hanging, I went overboard with Jax's side today because it was just too good, I couldn't find a place to end it without cutting off in the middle of a conversation. So there you go, Reviews and/or concerns are welcomed and enjoyed.

Page Count: 16

Word Count: 7966