A/N: Sorry this chapter took a couple days longer than usual to get out. I am cat/dog/house sitting for my brother and his wife while they go on vacation. The trip to their house was crazy as we got caught in what I can only describe as a monsoon. Then I had to get settled and wanted to visit with them before they head out of town.

Thank you again to my wonderful and amazing readers, reviewers, and followers! So for those of you who wanted to know, Edwin McCain's I Want it All was the song that I was thinking of when Opie and Dani were dancing at the ends of chapter eight.

To Ghostwriter- Thank you! I'm glad to have you along for the ride as I tell this story!

To Guest ks- The FBI agents were jerks for sure, only time will tell if they get their comeuppance.

To Khyharah- Thank you for BOTH of your review lol! That was an excellent song choice, I love Strong Enough, and it fits with their relationship, and ironically ties into the title of the story! Let's not go attacking federal agents just yet, I'm working on the best way to take care of them, lol.

Ok so this chapter is picking right up where the last left off in the club house.

Chapter Ten

Opie took Dani's hand and led her over to the other end of the bar where Bobby, Chibs and Juice were hanging out. Opie greeted them all, but Dani suddenly felt embarrassed. "So, I kind of feel like I should apologize for freaking out in front of everyone,' she said, flushing slightly.

"No lass, you've nothing to apologize for." Chibs told her. "The feds who came at you today, it's clear they knew how to make you uncomfortable, which buttons to push, but you handled them well, sending them to Rosen."

Dani just shrugged.

"Anyway," Opie interjected, "Dani's gonna hang out for a bit, thought we'd see if anyone wanted to play cards."

"Maybe we should do something else. I just realized I don't really know any card games."

"You ever play pool, lass?" Chibs asked. Dani shook her head. "Well then, now's the time to learn. You and me against Bobby and Juicy."

"What about Opie?" Dani asked, squeezing Opie's hand.

"Opie can be your coach, show you how to line up your shot, figure out your angles." Chibs told her.

Opie squeezed her hand back in reassurance, so Dani nodded. As they approached the pool table, Dani looked to Chibs and said, "You sure you want to be on a team with me? I'm not sure I'll be very good."

"You'll do fine, I'm sure." He encouraged.

Opie pressed a cue in her hand. He explained the right way to rack the balls as Chibs placed the cue ball on the table and lined up his shot to break. The balls scattered across the table, an orange ball rolling into a side pocket. Chibs lined up another shot and sunk a second ball but missed the next one. Bobby took his turn and sunk one ball before he missed, and it was Dani's turn. Opie reminded her she was solids, showed her how to hold the cue, recommended what ball to shoot for and showed her how to line up the shot. Dani struck the cue ball firmly and watched it collide with its intended target, which rolled towards its destination. Dani's aim was a bit off though as the ball hit the wall just next to the pocket.

Opie assured her it was a good first try and the game continued in a similar fashion. Dani managed to sink a couple of balls to her elation, the others chuckling with amusement at her excitement. She and Chibs lost that game but they set up to play another.

As they were racking the balls, a thought occurred to Dani. "You know, there's gotta be all sorts of shit like this that don't know how to do or have never done, and I haven't even thought about til now."

"Like what?" Juice asked.

"Umm… I don't know how to swim. I've never been on a roller coaster, never seen the ocean. I don't know how to ride a bike or play an instrument. I've never made a s'more. I saw someone make them on a tv show the other day, and it looked like fun. I think I'd like them. I've never been to a baseball game… or any other kind of game for that matter." Dani paused from her list to take her turn, sinking one ball.

"What do you do when you're home all day?" Bobby asked.

"I'm pretty boring right now. I've got my vegetable garden, so I'm looking after that now, I listen to music. I read or watch tv. I like to cook and bake." Juice mentioned Bobby's muffins and banana bread, and Bobby and Dani began discussing baking techniques and the benefits of using quality ingredients.

As the second game progressed, Dani became more comfortable with those around her and her skills at pool started improving slightly. As Dani's turn came around once again, she saw that there was only one more solid ball on the table, plus the eight ball. She hadn't yet made two shots in a row, but she was excited as she took her shot, but grew nervous as it landed in the pocket. All that was left for her was the 8 ball. Opie assured her it was an easy shot and helped her line it up. When the ball fell into the pocket, Dani squealed and gave Opie a hug, and then, surprising herself, gave Chibs a hug as well, who congratulated her with a "Well done, lass."

Dani had a fun evening at the clubhouse. She had declined playing any further games, choosing instead to watch the others play. She had a second drink as she visited and watched the game, feeling very relaxed in her surroundings. Jax had appeared her at side a while later. He made sure she was doing ok, and at her request took her to the bar for another drink. Dani was sitting at the bar with Jax, halfway through her drink when she started to feel lightheaded. Jax asked how much she'd had to drink, and she told him this was the third, not counting the shot they all did together.

"What did you eat today?" Jax asked.

"I had some eggs for breakfast, but I was trying to meditate and skipped lunch and then the stupid agents came." Dani told him. A glance at the clock told her it was almost 8 PM.

"I'm sorry Dani. I should have made sure you weren't drinking on an empty stomach. No wonder it's going to your head. Come on, we'll get you something to eat to soak up the alcohol."

"You know what sounds good. A super greasy cheeseburger with extra bacon, and some cheesy fries, and a chocolate milkshake!" Dani told him excitedly.

"If that's what you want, Dani girl."

"Oh, we should ask everyone of they want to come!" Dani said even more enthusiastically.

"You're a happy drunk, Darlin."

Dani hopped down from her seat at the bar and before Jax could stop her she gulped down the rest of her drink. "Ok, let's go." She took his hand and dragged him over to the pool table she was playing at earlier. "Hey guys! We are going to get cheeseburgers and milkshakes! You want to come? It's gonna be so much fun!" She asked them all. Dani was happily surprised when they agreed and high-fived everyone with enthusiasm.

They walked outside and Jax took Dani's keys, helping her into the passenger seat of her truck before climbing into the driver's seat. They drove to the diner with Opie, Juice, Bobby, and Chibs following behind on their motorcycles.

When they arrived at the diner they pulled a few tables together and the waitress came over to take everyone's order.

"So Dani, how did you like playing pool?" Jax asked.

"It was fun. I'm on my way to becoming a pool shark, right Chibs?" Dani asked.

"Maybe with just a wee bit more practice, lass." Chibs told her.

"Well at least I can cross it off my never list." Dani filled Jax in on her list of things she hadnt done or didn't know how to do. "I need to add card games to my list. Oh, and roller skating! And school. It might be fun to take a class or something, see what that's like."

"Man, I couldn't wait to get out of school," Juice said. "It was like being held prisoner for eight hours a day—" Juice was cut off by an elbow to his ribs from Bobby and the whole table turned to watch Dani's reaction.

Dani smiled wryly. "Wait, there was an eight-hour prisoner program. Damn, if I knew that I wouldn't have signed up for the immersion program." She attempted to joke. "Guys I'm not going to break down over one accidental insinuation, especially not when I'm a happy drunk, as Jax put it. Oh look here's our food." Dani thanked god for the waitresses timing and eagerly dug into her meal.

As Jax was driving her home later she turned and looked at him. "Hey Jax?" she asked.

"Yeah Darlin?"

"Would you tell me about Tommy?"

Jax sighed. "What do you want to know?"

"Whatever you want to tell me. I just feel bad sometimes that I don't remember him."

"Don't feel bad about that. It's not your fault. You probably wouldn't remember him much even if you were here. He died less than a year after you were taken. Tommy was a good kid, always wanting to follow me around, you both did. The two of you were like best friends, you were always playing together. I would get a little jealous of the two of you sometimes, because you were so close." Jax confessed.

"I wonder why I don't really remember him if we were so close. I mean I remembered you."

"You should talk to Gemma. She's got a bunch of pictures, and she might have some stuff of yours stored away. Could help you remember more," he suggested.

"That's a really good idea. I'll call her tomorrow." She offered him a smile.

They pulled up to Opie's and he helped her out of the truck as Opie pulled up next to him.

The three of them walked inside and Opie got her a glass of water and some Tylenol, suggesting she take it now just in case, so she wouldn't feel the effects of drinking in the morning. She took it gratefully and gave Opie a hug goodnight before Jax walked her to her room.

"Jax. I'm sorry I spazzed out on you earlier today. I should not have pushed at you like that. It wasn't your fault the FBI agents got me so upset." Dani said.

"I'm sorry too. I'm sorry I wasn't available when you needed me. I promise I'll always try and take your calls, and if I can't I'll try and have someone reach out to you or call you back as soon as I can, ok?

Dani nodded and hugged her brother, before climbing into bed.

"Hey Jax" she called again.

"Yeah, Dani?" Jax answered.

"Will you tell me about our dad?"

"I take it back, you aren't a happy drunk, you are a nostalgic drunk." He chuckled. "I idolized that man growing up. He founded the Sons, you know. Opie and I used to ride our bikes around pretending they were motorcycles, just waiting for the day that we would get our kuttes. He used to tell me to look out for you and Tommy. After you and Tommy were both gone, I felt like I failed him because I couldn't protect either of you."

"Oh, Jax." Dani said sadly.

"I know I couldn't have saved Tommy, but I always felt so guilty about what happened to you. Dani, the day you disappeared, we were at the park, celebrating with the other club members families. Opie and I wanted to go off and play together. You and Tommy wanted to come with as always, but I didn't want you guys hanging around so I complained to Mom and she made you both stay behind. I should have taken you with us. I should have protected you." Jax confessed, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

Dani reached out and grabbed his face. "Look at me Jackson." She waited until he met her eyes. "Was I alone when you left to go with Opie?" Jax shook his head. "Was I with at least one of our parents?"

"Both," confirmed Jax.

"Then you have nothing to feel guilty for. I was not your responsibility. You were a kid, who wanted to go do something with your best friend. What happened to me was not your fault." Shen she was finished speaking she let go of Jax's face to wrap her arms around him in a hug, which he returned fiercely.

They sat that way for a few minutes before Jax pulled away. "You should get some sleep." He told her as he rose and headed for her bedroom door.

"Jax, will you stay on the sofa tonight? Just in case?" Dani didn't want to say she was afraid that the dreams would come stronger tonight because of their discussions but she could tell he knew why she wanted him to stay.

"Yeah, I'll stay here. I'm going to need to take your truck tomorrow if you want to come with me to TM. You can hang out. Maybe help Gemma around the office for a while." Jax said.

Dani nodded. "That sounds good. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight Dani." Jax said as he turned off the lights and shut the door behind him.

Dani lay down and stared at the ceiling, processing her conversation with Jax. As she drifted off to sleep, she prayed for an uneventful night and a way to show Jax she meant what she said. It was not his fault.