Cassia sighed as her brother ran his hand through her hair. She was leaning against him, her strength gone from how much she had cried the past two days. Gemma had told them that their father was being taken off life support that afternoon. The club had gathered in the waiting room, but Jax had wisely moved them to the chapel. Cassia was someone who had a people limit.

"Angel, I really fucking hate this," Jax said sounding just as exhausted as her.

"Do you think mom will let us see daddy before…" Cassia couldn't say it. Jax pulled her tighter. He might be just five minutes older but he took his place as older brother seriously.

"I doubt it, she's barely hanging on today. It'll just be her and Clay most likely," he said.

Just then Gemma found them. It amazed Cassia how her mother could look so put together when everything was falling about. Gemma nodded to them before turning back out of the room. And just like that Cassia began to weep again. Thank the heavens for Jax or she would have fell to the ground.

"Jax, Cass…I'm so sorry," Piney said coming into the chapel. Jax freed a hand to give Piney's a quick shake. Cassia didn't move.

The morning of the funeral was beautiful. Cassia was curled up on deck chair nursing a cup of coffee. The longer she was out here the less time she had to be in the house. It seemed every charter had sent at least two brothers plus all of the Charming charter. Too many people.

"Mind if I join you?" A voice asked.

Cassia turned laying eyes on a Nomad she couldn't place. He was handsome for sure: tall, tattoed with long reddish blonde hair and a beard. He looked like should be a linebacker instead of an outlaw. His brown eyes were kind but she knew they could turn deadly in a second.

"Sure…I can't remember your name. I'm sorry," Cassia blushed feeling the fog of grief lift a bit.

"It's a hard day sugar, you don't need to apologize. Rane Quinn," he said extending his hand. Cassia took it feeling its warmth and roughness.

"Hi Rane, or do you prefer Quinn?" Cassia felt some nerves and it was making the tears come to her eyes.

"Oh sugar, please don't cry," Quinn said, reaching down to pull Cassia into his arms.

Cassia felt comfort instead of awkward. Quinn's arms were strong, Cassia felt he could hold her for hours and never get tired. She adjusted to wrap her arms around him and bury her face in his shoulder. And he let her.

When her tears had stopped, Cassia pulled back. Quinn tucked Cassia's long hair behind her ear. Then he leaned in kissing her forehead. Cassia gave her first smile in days.

"Thank you Rane. Sit with me? I can be out here as long I am nursing my coffee," Cassia said with a rueful smile.

"Not a people person then?" He joked taking a seat. Cassia sat on the arm of the chair.

"I just have a limit. I love all the men I grew up with- most of them are like uncles to me. But I often prefer to be alone or just a couple people," Cassia explained. It was a long standing point of contention between her and her mother.

"That's why I like being a Nomad. I get a balance of alone time and people time," Quinn said.

"That makes sense," Cassia nodded sipping her coffee.

"Any plans after high school?" Quinn asked. Cassia half-shrugged.

"I want to go to college, definitely a four year degree. I want to major in literature or creative writing. But I don't know where, just not in California. It's also a point of contention with my mother," Cassia said not knowing why she was sharing so much with someone she didn't know.

"Sugar, from my experience it's better to sometimes as for forgiveness and not permission. I have a place on South Lake Tahoe. Reno isn't too far from there. You could get out but have someone close," Quinn said.

Cassia just gave him a blank look. That sounded really nice but this man just met her. It was weird he would offer.

"Rane, why would offer something like that?" Cassia asked seeing him stay relaxed to her question.

"Because I see a bit of myself in you sugar. Just because you haven't met every patch doesn't mean we haven't heard of you. JT was proud of you and Jax. So I know you a bit through that,"Quinn explained.

Cassia relaxed again. Her father did talk about her and Jax a lot. Suddenly she was incredibly grateful for Quinn. This calm conversation was what she needed this morning. Before she could say anything, Jax came outside.

"Mom wants you to get to the car, we're leaving in ten," Jax said. He gave a look to the pair but didn't comment.

"Ready sugar?" Quinn asked.

"No, but I want my father at peace," Cassia said. Quinn stood, offering his hand that Cassia took.

"You need me, just find me," he said. Cassia smoothed her black blouse down.

"I will, thank you," Cassia said..

"Anytime sugar," Quinn said giving her forehead another kiss.

The car ride to the funeral was silent, outside of the roar of the Harley's behind them. Cassia loved her mother, they were just different. Gemma thrived with people, whether hosting family dinner or club events. She didn't see the need for college, in fact being "just" a wife and mother was good enough for her. Cassia wanted both.

"Cassia Marie, please try today. We need to show our strength, the rest of the charters are looking to us for that," Gemma said pulling into the cemetery.

"Mom, I will try but this is harder than it was for Thomas. Daddy was…" Cassia couldn't finish. She truly had been a "daddy's girl".

"I know baby, I miss him too," Gemma said giving Cassia's hand a squeeze. They exited the car together.

Cassia stood next to Jax who has his arm around her. She loved the eulogy Piney gave. Even though they weren't really religious, she took comfort in the service the priest gave. When it came time to place the roses, Cassia looked around for Quinn. Finding his eyes, she pleaded with hers for help. Quinn gave her a nod and small smile. It was enough to keep step with Jax. Placing the flowers made it real. She detached herself from Jax and went to Quinn's side. His steady and gentle presence was what she needed.

When the military portion of the service began, Cassia leaned against Quinn. As taps started, Cassia felt the tears dampen her cheeks. Once the last note was finished, Gemma stood and began the procession out. Cassia wasn't ready, giving a head shake to Jax.

"Aren't you heading out yet?" Cassia whispered.

"Not yet sugar," Quinn said.

"Can I wear your helmet?" The question made Quinn chuckle.

"I have to keep you safe honey, good thing you wore pants," Quinn said. Cassia nodded.

Fifteen minutes later, Quinn handed her his helmet. Cassia swung on, getting comfortable behind the large man. A ride would clear up her head nicely. Quinn revved his engine before pulling out.

Jax was waiting for them when Quinn found a spot to pull into in the driveway. He looked a mix of upset and relived. Cassia hopped off making quick work of the helmet. Kissing Quinn on the cheek she hurried to Jax.

"What the hell little sister? I needed you here!" Jax almost shouted. Cassia just wrapped him in a hug.

"I needed a but more time is all. Let's go inside or whatever you need."

Jax turned them both inside. For the next several hours, Jax and Cassia spoke with the large extended SAMCRO family. Gemma even gave Cassia a nod of approval. After dinner, Cassia escaped to her bedroom. Tossing on an old SAMCRO t-shirt and her baggiest sweatpants, she slipped back outside.

Sinking into the same seat as before Cassia relished the cool evening. She was almost asleep when she felt a hand running through her hair. Looking up a genuine smile graced her face.

"You ok sugar?" Quinn asked. Cassia nodded.

Quinn again took the chair next to her. Neither of them needed to speak. When she was almost asleep, Cassia asked a question.

"Are we friends?"

"Yeah sugar. You need me after this, you call or write or send up a smoke signal," Quinn said.

"Thank you," Cassia murmured.

Quinn watched Cassia as she slept. Something drew him to her today. He knew he was more quiet than his brothers. He enjoyed a good time as much as the rest of them, but it wasn't something he over indulged in. His demons from his time in the Army only got worse when he did. Cassia was a great kid from what he heard from JT. He liked that she was more normal than the other club kids. She was a good student and involved with her school activities. JT had bragged for a week each time she made honor roll or did well in cross country or track. She had played the piano after dinner, making Quinn smile. Cassia would need all the support she could get to finish out high school and go to college.

Checking his watch, he knew he should get Cassia to her room. It was a long ride back to his place by South Lake Tahoe. Standing he gently scooped up the 5'9 teen. She snuggled against his chest. Going inside he ran into Gemma first.

"I'm glad she's sleeping, second door on the left," Gemma said. Quinn nodded to the matriarch as he followed her direction.

Cassia stood in front her mirror the morning of her graduation. She liked her knew haircut that placed her hair a collarbone length. Deciding between the navy sundress and the black skirt and light blue blouse was proving to be annoyingly difficult.

"Sugar, go with dress," Quinn's voice floated to her.

Turning with a smile she ran to him throwing her arms around him. He returned the embrace with his standard forehead kiss. Their friendship had grown over the past two years to the point that Cassia considered the older man her best friend.

"I thought you were on a run!" Cassia hadn't expected him.

"Got done yesterday in San Bernardino, still want me here?" He teased. Cassia gave him a smack at that.

"You and Jax mean the most to me. Of course I want you here," Cassia beamed at him.

Only Gemma and Clay, Jax and now Quinn would attend the actual ceremony. The rest of the club was throwing her a dinner party afterwards. It was a touching gesture.

"Sugar, you get dressed and I'll see you there," Quinn said with another kiss to her forehead.

Cassia beamed with watery eyes as her name was called for her diploma. She wished her father could be there, but she knew how proud JT was of her. The whistle and claps came from Quinn and Jax. Afterwards, she hurried to find her family.

"Congrats angel, I'm proud of you," Jax said giving Cassia a hug.

"Thanks Jackson. Love you," Cassia said. Jax kissed her cheek at that.

"Good job baby," Gemma added with her own hug.

"Thanks mom," Cassia smiled. Clay just gave her a shoulder squeeze.

"Proud of you sugar," Quinn said pulling her into a side hug.

Cassia stayed at Quinn's side as they headed to the parking lot. Jax was chatting about the summer while Gemma and Clay stayed quiet. Cassia headed toward her pick-up with a wave.

Cassia was officially people exhausted. From Tig's dramatic speech to Jax and Opie bombing her with confetti, she was ready for a break. She leaned on the porch railing inhaling the night air.

"Want to go for a ride?" Quinn asked.

"Yes please!" Cassia exclaimed.

"Let's go sugar," Quinn waved.

Cassia shot a quick text to Jax and Gemma where she was going. Grabbing her helmet from the front closet she caught up to Quinn. Swinging on the bike she snuggled up to the man.

Quinn smiled as he felt Cassia's arms around him. He was grateful for the friendship they had. She had been there for him as much as he was for her. The night was warm with a breeze. He knew there was a lake close by he could take them.

Pulling into the mostly empty parking lot, Quinn extended his hand to help Cassia off. She had been his only female passenger the past two years. He didn't dwell on that thought. Instead he watched Cassia take a stretch.

"Let's walk," he said, receiving an affirming nod.

Cassia slipped her hand into his, making him smile again. They didn't to fill the silence. Quinn began to wonder though what his feelings for Cassia really were.

"I don't like that Clay and Gemma are married. Daddy has only been gone two years, it feels weird," Cassia broke his thoughts.

"He isn't trying to replace JT is he?" Quinn knew the president could have a difficult personality.

"No, and if my mom is happy that's good I guess. I just…I guess I wasn't ready for it," Cassia said leaning into Quinn.

"I get it sugar. Just give it time, don't force anything- you just have to be respectful," Quinn said giving her hand a squeeze.

"You have a good point. Did I tell you it's confirmed I'm going to the University of Nevada-Reno?"

That made Quinn smile. He loved she was going to be closer. And it made her happy. That mattered to him.

"Best news I've gotten all day honey," Quinn stopped them so he could hug her. Cassia snuggled into him.

"I'll know who my roommate is mid-summer. Gemma is still getting used to it and Jax is moping already," Cassia said.

"They'll adjust," Quinn said releasing her.

They walked for another half hour before Cassia gave a shiver. Quinn shrugged off his hoodie, handing it over. Cassia took it with a smile.

"This is mine now Rane, just try getting it back," Cassia teased.

"Consider it your graduation present," Quinn shrugged.

They walked another twenty minutes before Cassia gave a yawn. Leading them back to his back Quinn was grateful for this time he had alone with Cassia. He still didn't know what his feelings were changing to, but he was holding onto their friendship with everything he had.