Title: As the Rush Comes

Summary: She rode into town in an old convertible, as if on the wind. Will she find herself caught in the middle of one of the deadliest biker wars in Charming history?

Disclaimer: the Sons of Anarchy belong to Kurt Sutter, not me. I'm a poor college student, so it'd be pointless to sue.

A/N: The song for this chapter is Don't Want to Be by Gavin DeGraw.

A/N: Read & Review, please Live by the motto: If you read it, feed it. Please watch the trailer for this story on my YouTube account. My user name is sincitysoul.

It felt as if a millennium had passed since that night – the night that her secret came out. The feelings of guilt had almost been too much for Vanessa, the large wounds on Tig's face and the look of devastation in Chibs' eyes served as a constant reminder. He hadn't spoken more than two words to her since that night, and he seemed to be okay with that. Vanessa, on the other hand, was on the brink of insanity.

"Gemma, it didn't mean anything. I wish Chibs could see that."
"I can see that, and you can see that, but they can't. He's a man – you pretty much have to spell it out for him. Give him time, baby girl. Think you can stay professional enough to take the keys for the lumina out to him?"

A woman had brought the keys for a Chevy Lumina van in earlier, wanting the guys to give it the once over. She said it had been making some sort of rattling noise. Nessa cracked a slight smile at the look on Gem's face, before she grabbed the keys, heading outside. She could pick Chibs out of a crowded room any day – heading right for the scruffy-faced biker.

"Morning."
"Gemma wanted you to take a look at the Lumina. Lady said it was making some kind of rattling noise."
"You alright, darlin? You look a little rough around the edges."

Chibs hadn't meant it to come off so mean – he was just being honest. He hadn't seen Vanessa look so unkempt since her mom bolted. He might've been pissed at her beyond belief, but deep within his heart, he still loved her with every ounce of his being. Besides, it's not like it was easy to be with a Son. The shit she put up with from him and because of him……he still regarded her as a Saint.

"We need to talk Chibs."
"Not here. When we have this talk, it'll be somewhere private."

Nessa nodded, a feeling in the pit of her stomach telling her that he was still upset with her. Why the hell shouldn't he be upset, moron? You screwed his friend, his brother. Yeah, he'll get right on forgiving you for that one, dumbass. There was a glimmer of hope, though, as he placed his finger under her chin, guiding it upwards to look into his eyes.

"Hey, we will be having this talk."

Vanessa felt like jumping up and down, screaming 'hip-hip-hooray' at the top of her lungs. The look in his eyes told her that Chibs was serious about talking, which meant there was still a chance that he would forgive her – and the gentle kiss he placed on her forehead confirmed that. She smiled and nodded, walking back towards the office, turning and watching him as she got to the doorway.

"Things go alright?"

Gemma asked, a questioning look on her face.

"Oh, they're more than okay. They're fantastic."

Nessa replied, unable to be angry or worried any longer. Chibs made a face at her from the van as he turned the key in the ignition. When she didn't hear the engine turn over, warning sirens started going off in Nessa's head. Something's wrong here. Get out of the van, Chibs. Within seconds, everything went to hell. Chibs went running just as fire spewed from the windows and engine of the van, exploding into a ball of flames. The minute she saw his body go flying through the air, her heart dropped. No way. Fate cannot be that cruel. I may have just got him back, please do not take him away again! She vaguely recalled hearing Gemma's voice telling her to stay put, but she was operating on instinct, and at that moment, Vanessa's instincts were telling her to go to Chibs. Jax blocked her way, his arms holding her back.

"Jax, let go. I have to go to him."
"Trust me, Nessa, not right now."

Over Jax's shoulder, she saw Chibs laying on the ground, a pool of blood forming around his head.

"Oh my god….."