Thanks for the reviews! It's awesome to know people are still reading! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint. Thanks for the get wells, I'm feeling better already. A little sore still, doesn't help I hit everything I could on the rides, but I'm getting better. Anywho, hope you all enjoy this chapter . . . I do not own anything in this chapter, besides Savannah and Luka, everything else belongs to their rightful owners.

Chapter 42

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Juice had been called in to the restaurant. Luka had mentioned something was going down and they needed him for something. Of course there were no details given over the phone, Luka wouldn't be that careless, so that left a lot to Juice's imagination. Luka wasn't one to call him personally. Hadn't been that way when they were kids either. He either just showed up or found another way to get in touch with him. That didn't change now either. He just showed up where he knew Juice would be, or he just texted him a meeting place and time.

So, it's safe to say a personal call from Luka made the hair on his arms stand.

On his way over, he couldn't help but think of Savannah. Date night didn't fix everything, but it started to pave the way to getting back to normal. They still had stuff they had to talk about, issues that needed to be brought to light, but neither of them were ready for that. He wasn't ready for that. It'd been a couple of months since he began working for Luka, and the urge to tell her wasn't as bad as before. It was just easier not to.

He liked easy for once.

When he walked into the Rossi's restaurant, he paused and scanned the room. He immediately noticed a nervous Prulow sitting in one of the booths. His eyes were darting around the room, actually frightened. His hands were on the table, folded as an attempt not to keep wrestling them together or stuff them in his pockets. His hair wasn't slicked back today, it was wild and unkept.

Their eyes met across the room and almost instantly Juice knew something was off. Pru had screwed up again, he realized. Really bad from how nervous he was. What he could have done, Juice had no idea. Pru was harmless. He could be a little dim witted, but harmless none the less. What he'd done had to be really bad if he was in actual trouble. He started to go toward him when he stopped short when Prulow shook his head.

Confusion crossed his expression, one answered with just another shake of his head. Whatever it was, Prulow was not gonna involve him. They weren't best friends, but they were friends. It meant something to Juice, and he hated the thought of his friend being in trouble and not being able to help him.

He jumped a mile when a hand clapped down on his shoulder. His eyes finally left a scared Prulow to see Luka standing beside him. He looked different, tired. He had rings under his eyes, showing that he'd been having trouble sleeping. Juice briefly wondered if it was over whatever was going on with Pru. "Hey, man. What's goin' on? Why does Pru look like he's about to shit his pants?" He asked, hoping his old friend would tell him something.

Luka actually looked guilty, like his conscious was weighing on him because of whatever was going on. Glancing over his shoulder, Luka motioned for Juice to follow him. He couldn't risk listening ears. Juice gulped, sparing a glance at Prulow before following his boss into the back room. Once Luka was sure they were alone, he sighed heavily, running his hand through his hair. A nervous habit he hadn't been able to drop, Juice realized. "Luke, you're starting to worry me, man. What's going on?" He asked

When Luka started pacing, Juice's worry just got worse. "Prulow got himself into some deep shit with my dad, shit I can't cover for him this time, Juice. He got caught doing something really stupid. Idiot's not gonna see what hits him when my dad gets here."

if Juice could look any paler, he would have after hearing that. Mr. Rossi was gonna end Prulow for whatever he did. Shaking his head, there had to be something they could do. Luka could talk to his dad. It'd be alright. It had to be. "Can't you just, fuck . . . I don't know. Can't you talk to him, man? Pru's harmless. An idiot sometimes, but he's not a threat. You know that." He said, trying to come up with some way they could help their friend.

Luka hung his head in defeat, his shoulders dropping. "It don't work like that, Ortiz. Pru did some fucked up shit. There's no saving him now. My dad, he's gonna make an example of him. That's why I called you. He wants everyone here to see it."

Juice looked broken. It couldn't just be over. There had to be some way for them to fight for their friend. Of course, that would entail Luka going against his dad, and that wouldn't happen in this lifetime or the next. He didn't blame him, he didn't like the thought of it either, but Prulow was their friend. He deserved to have them at least try. "I'm not gonna just watch him die, Luke. He's our friend."

"He ain't a friend to me." Luka snapped, his anger getting the best of him.

Seeing the confusion on Juice's face, he continued. "He fuckin' ratted us out to the cops after he stole from us. He gave fuckin' names, Juice. My name. As far as I know, that ain't no friend. He's a dead man walkin', and so are you if you stand up for him."

Juice couldn't believe it. Prulow was a lot of shit, but a rat? No way. He wouldn't just flip like that unless they threatened him with time. He must have been caught with shit and it went south fast. Regardless, Juice wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Luka could see the confliction on Juice's face and didn't like it. If this guy was gonna make it out alive in this business, he had to let go of his emotions. He couldn't fight a losing battle and think he's gonna win. "Look, think of your girl, Juicy. She wants you back in one piece and I want to make sure you make it back to her in one piece. Last thing I need is a Teller pissed at me because her boyfriend couldn't keep his mouth shut for once." He said, glancing around suspicously.

Juice was taken back by his comment about Savannah's family. What did they have to do with it? She mentioned back when her brother had visited that there was a charter up here, but he wasn't aware Luka knew of them. Obviously Juice was wrong. Her family was more well known than he thought.

He had a point though. All of this would have been for nothing if he left Savannah alone because he was defending a supposed 'rat'. He wasn't so convinced, but he wasn't going to risk his future with Savannah over it.

Prulow and him had history, they had each others backs. Sure, they'd only known each other for a few years, and they weren't that close, but he owed the kid. He saw that he needed the gig, and his last job working for the Ozone's, and got him an in. Prulow had a way of screwing up though. He'd screwed up in the old crew they use to run with, but he'd been able to get him out of that one. This time . . . this time he wasn't so sure he could.

The Rossi's were bigger players than Ozone's crew. Prulow had also screwed up worse this time. He knew not to ever talk to cops, no matter what the deal was. No deal wasn't worth their life. They both knew death would not come quick if they were to cross someone in this business. It made him pissed to know Prulow knew that and still did this. A part of him wished he could talk to his friend and find out he was being set up or it was a big misunderstanding. They weren't gonna let him anywhere near Prulow though, and he knew if they did they'd see him as an accomplice and kill him right along with his friend.

"What's gonna happen to him?" His voice was raw, his eyes glistening with water.

Luka sighed, knowing this wasn't gonna be easy on his old friend. Juice had a big heart, and sometimes that wasn't a good thing. Especially in this business. "Dad's gonna make an example out of him. It might be quick, but I doubt it." He paused when his phone buzzed and Juice knew the second his shoulders tensed he knew it was time. "Show time. Come on, he wants everyone there."

Taking a deep breath, Juice squared his shoulders and followed him out. If he was going to make it out of this, he needed to be emotionless. He couldn't let his emotions get the best of him. He just had to keep thinking of Savannah and getting home to her as soon as he could. Against his better judgement, he scanned the room for Prulow and their eyes met. He looked terrified, but he looked defeated almost when he realized Juice wouldn't be saving him this time. Looking away, Juice didn't want him to see how guilty he felt.

Two of Rossi's goons yanked Prulow up and brought him out into the back alley where they wouldn't be disturbed. Juice and Luka followed them out, no one saying anything except for Prulow pleading for them to let him go. Juice stood with Luka, tense with his fists clenched in his pockets. "Juice, please, tell them I'm a good guy. I didn't tell anyone shit, I-I know the rules. Please, man. Vouch for me. Come on!" Prulow begged, struggling in the goons' hold.

Juice refused to look at him, or else he'd crack. He knew it, Luka knew it, hell he was sure they all knew it. The goons were watching him, like they were watching for his reaction. Maybe they'd go back to Rossi and tell him how he didn't crack. "Come on, man. Remember Ozone's? Th-they were ready to gut me and-and you stood up for me? You saved my ass, man. Just tell them they got the wrong guy, man. Please. Please!"

His eyes finally lifted, the guilt screaming in his brown eyes. He wished there was something he could do so badly. He opened his mouth to tell Prulow he was sorry, but Luka's hand on his arm stopped him. Looking at his friend beside him, he realized they were both helpless to do anything for Prulow. There was no saving him, but Luka could still keep Juice safe. He didn't want to see his old friend see the same fate.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, boys." Juice flinched at the sound of his boss's voice.

Both boys straightened up, both tense as they watched Mr. Rossi come out and stand in between them and the goons with Prulow. Prulow was a blubbering mess, snot running down his nose with tear stained cheeks to match. Rossi stood in front of him, standing tall and as threatening as ever. "Little bitches cry like this. I'd tell you to man the fuck up, boy, but only a little bitch steals from a man. Only a little bitch goes ratting to the cops. So you know what, son? The only fitting punishment for you is to die like a little bitch."

Before Prulow saw it coming, Rossi had landed a punch, sending his head to the side. His crying became louder as his knees gave out when Rossi hit him again. "Hold this little bitch up, boys." He commanded, motioning for them to hold him up higher. His next hit landed in Prulow's gut, knocking the wind right out of him.

Juice closed his eyes, looking away as he listened to every punch hit. The sound of Prulow's cries were too much, he just wanted to run home and crawl under the covers with Savannah and never leave again. Luka's elbow in his side got his attention. Glancing at his friend, Luka just shot him a look. 'Don't show weakness' was what it said. If he showed weakness, it was something that could be exploited.

So, he forced himself to watch his friend get beaten. After he grew tired, or he thought Prulow had had enough, he finally stopped. He motioned for the goons to drop the bloody pulp that use to be his friend. Prulow fell to his knees, his face nearly unrecognizable now. Juice briefly wondered if this was it. If Rossi was gonna let Prulow live, or if that was just the beginning. It made him sick just looking at his friend, but he refused to let it show.

"I liked you a lot, kid. I did. I know you were friends with my boy, and I let some things slide I probably shouldn't have. Stealing from me, punishable, but not unforgiveable. Could'a worked it off." Rossi started to say, kneeling down in front of Prulow. Prulow looked up at him, blood dropping from his open mouth. He was barely conscious, Juice realized. "But rattin'? That's something I can't just let slide, man. You didn't just rat out my boys, me, you ratted on my son. Your friend. Now, how can I trust a man who rats on their own friends? I can't. You see my problem now? I can't have you running around flappin' those fat lips of yours." He said, pulling out his gun from his back.

"I promise, I wo-" BANG

Juice jumped at the loud noise. His eyes were wide, shocked, as he watched as his friends brains splattered the brick wall behind him. The heavy thud of Prulow's body as he hit the pavement was heard. He couldn't take his eyes off of the bleedy corpse of his friend. Prulow's eyes were open, the shocked expression forever on his face. "Don't make promises you can't keep, son. It never ends well. Boys, clean this up. Luka, Juan, why don't you make sure the cooks are still workin' before you head home." Mr Rossi instructed, acting as if he had just broke a vase instead of killing a man.

Juice was still staring at the body of his friend when Luka tugged on his arm. He flinched, but said nothing as he followed Luka inside. When the door shut, Luka pulled Juice aside and cupped his face. "Hey, snap out of it, Juicy. Look, I know you're in shock, but you gotta hear me. Do not let my dad see you like this. He'll see it as weakness and you . . . just don't do it. Go home, shower, fuck ya girl. Just . . . snap out of it. I can check on the staff, you just go home." He said, shaking him when Juice's attention turned to the floor or the door behind them.

Juice felt numb, but nodded his head anyway. Luka searched his eyes, trying to see if he needed to bring Juice home himself or if he'd be okay to leave alone. Clearing his throat, Juice straightened up and seemed to snap back. "I'm fine, man. You don't need to babysit me. I can find my way home." He said, shrugging off his hands as he pulled his jacket closer around him.

"You sure, man?"

Nodding, Jucie didn't trust his voice. He gave him a small smile before making his way around the corner. He got as far as down the street before he needed to stop at the closest trash can and emptied his stomach into it. Once he finished, he leaned against the wall and wiped his mouth. His body slid down the wall until he was sitting, just staring out as he tried to make sense of what happened. Only he couldn't. Prulow was shot dead right in front of him, and he wasn't sure if he'd ever get that image out of his head.

What the fuck had he gotten himself into now?

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Juice finally made it home once he was sure he could stand and his legs would give out underneath him. His hands were still shaking as he pulled his key out and tried to put it into the lock. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and slipped the key in and unlocked the door. Pushing it open, he was met by the familiar smell of burned cookies, no doubt from Savannah attempting to cook them. He couldn't help but smile at the effort she had put in.

The candles were lit around the livingroom, and he saw Chinese take out on the coffee table. It was there version of date night. Nothing fancy like the other night, but this definitely screamed them. Shutting the door as quietly as he could behind him, he noticed the sleeping girl on the couch. She must have doozed off waiting for him.

He leaning against the door, smiling sadly as he watched her. He didn't deserve her. He didn't deserve the life they were building for themselves. He watched a man that trusted him be killed, and he said nothing. He did nothing to stop it. He was a coward. What would Sav think of him if she knew? Would she think any less of him? Would she think of him as a monster? Only a monster could stand by and let their friend be killed, right? Prulow didn't deserve what happened to him. He didn't deserve to die thinking he had no one in his corner. He should have said something. He should have.

"JC?"

His head snapped up at the sound of Savannah's voice. His eyes were red and puffy and new tears were forming in his head. He couldn't stop them, it was like he had no control over his emotions. He didn't want her to see him like this. So, he tried to crack a smile as he hurried to wipe his eyes. "Hey, baby. Sorry for bein' so late." He apologized, clearing his throat when he felt his throat closing up.

Laying up, Savannah knew something was wrong. She could hear it in his voice. Worry flashed on her face when she took in his tense stance. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

She had years of practice when it came to realizing something was wrong. She'd learned early on when her mom was trying to cover up just how bad off her and her dad were, and how hurt they were over Tommy's death. She knew the look on Juice's face well. She'd seen it on Jax and Opie's faces when they were saw someone die at the hand of someone in the club. Her blood ran cold at the thought of Juice seeing someone die. That was the exact thing she was running from. Death.

Juice was her out, and now something was ruining that. He wouldn't tell her, she knew as much when he started dodging her questions of how work was. She wasn't going to push him though. She was in no position to push given her own secret. Shaking her head, now wasn't the time to dwell on that, she realized, as she took in how shaken up Juice was.

Getting up, Savannah walked over, her small bare feet padding against the wooden floor. She reached up and touched his cheek affectionately. It seemed to be his undoing. His attempt to remain in control broke and his tears rolled down his face, a sob forcing its way out. "It's all my fault, Sav. It's my fault." He cried, his shoulders shaking as he broke.

She hurried to wrap her arms around him, pulling him to her. He held her tightly to him as he cried into her neck. She wasn't sure what was his fault, but now wasn't the time to ask him about it. Rubbing his back, she just held him. "Shhh, it's okay. It's gonna be okay, baby. I've got you. You're safe. I promise." She whispered, kissing his head as his grip on her tightened.

Glancing back, she took his hand and led him over to the couch. Sitting down first, she motioned for him to lay down. He did so without a word, laying out with his head on her lap. Her fingers stroked his hair in an attempt to sooth him. He stared off his arm wrapped around her as a way to keep her with him. He didn't want her to disappear. Rubbing his back, she watched him until he fell asleep. Once he was asleep, she carefully untangled her from him and put a blanket on him and took his shoes off before laying down beside him. It was a tight fit, but she knew he needed her close by.

"I love you, JC." She whispered, stroking his cheek as she got comfortable and closed her eyes to try and get some more sleep.