This chapter takes place at the end of SOA S1, Ep12, "Sleep of Babies" and was very hard to write. Just a warning that this one's a sad one...
(Also it's super long, but I didn't know where to cut it)
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Gemma loved having Jax's house filled with their club family. Loved the constant chatter and the sporadic laughter. It made her heart warm to see how big their family had gotten, bigger still with Abel joining the mix. The club girls had worked hard decorating everything and getting the food together. Even Wendy had pitched in to decorate and was looking mighty proud sitting next to Jax on the couch. Angela had even stepped up her game, making little shortbread cookies with Abel's name carefully iced on them. Not only that, she hadn't been kidding when she'd offered to be the errand girl. Gemma had called her to pick up napkins once, then beer another time. Two things she really didn't need, but she was using it as a test of some sort. Angela came through in her big funeral home van, handed off the goods, and sped back out before she could get roped into anything else.

She glanced over to where Juice was standing by the food, beer in hand, seemingly entranced watching Angela with Abel in her arms. She was dressed nicely in a dark blue scoop neck t-shirt, black jeans, and simple boots. Her dark hair was down and straight with just the slightest hint of makeup on her face, though her lips were a pretty mauve color. Tara had a similar, casual but nice outfit on. Neither of the women were dumb, which led Gemma to believe they dressed on the nicer side to separate themselves from the Croweaters milling about in their low cut tank tops.

Angela was having fun with Abel, making faces at him as she rocked him back and forth. Kenny Winston stood beside her, laughing at the funny faces as Abel cooed back at them. Gemma looked back at Juice, fighting a smile at the absolute love she saw written all over his face. She nudged his arm, catching his attention. "She's a natural with kids."

Juice nodded slowly, the smallest smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, she is," he replied reverently.

She wondered if he was thinking of their future. If someday soon, there'd be a little brown baby running around. "An Ortiz baby comin' soon then?" she asked, expecting him to freak out a little about the question.

He didn't bat an eye, though. Just shook his head slowly. "Not soon, but some day. Gotta marry her first or her aunt will kill me," he said on a chuckle. At Gemma's raised eyebrow, he shrugged as if he understood why she was surprised. "You are not the first person to ask about babies. Her Ma and Aunt do it all the time."

"Huh. Don't let 'em pressure you into that shit. She's got one hell of a family backin' her. You hurt her, and more than one of 'em will bury you."

Juice smirked, nodding his head. "I know," he said before taking a swig of his beer. "Not gonna happen, though."

Tig called his name from the couch, and Juice gave her a quick nod before heading his way, throwing himself on the couch beside him. His eyes stayed on Angela, though. Gemma watched, slightly amused as Juice held a conversation with Tig all the while sneaking glances at the undertaker. Angela was doing the same, though their timing was off. When one would look, the other wasn't looking. Typical, Gemma thought, shaking her head. She saw the moment they finally synced up though. Watched as Angela's smile widened, Juice grinning right back at her, calling her over with a silent jerk of his head. Gemma intercepted her on the walk over. "Here, I'll take him," she said, taking Abel from Angela's arms. Abel fussed for a moment but quieted down when Gemma rocked him. She nodded towards Juice. "You go tend to your boy."

Angela smiled, stretching her arm for a second with a happy sigh. "Thanks. He's surprisingly heavy."

Gemma nodded, enjoying the weight of her grandson in her arms. She watched as Juice sat back on the couch, moving an arm out to her. Angela filled the space, allowing him to pull her into his lap. His arm slid around Angela's waist, and she leaned in to kiss Juice's head. Gemma glanced over to where Wendy had cozied up to Jax, both of them happy to have Abel home. Maybe there was something there that could be salvaged after all. She knew she'd rather have Wendy beside him than Tara at this point, especially if Wendy got clean. She was going to do anything she could to make that happen. For Jax's sake and for Abel's. Wendy was the better fit into the SAMCRO lifestyle. Always had been. Gemma looked down at the now sleeping baby in her arms, things may just turn out all right.

~'~'~'~'~'~

Angela sat on Juice's lap, loving the feeling of having him so close as he talked to Tig. She was barely listening to the conversation, her mind was on the feel of his calloused fingers as they brushed over her side. He'd discreetly slid his hand under her shirt the second she was close enough. One of the many things she'd learned about Juice was that he loved physical touch. If she was close, he was touching her. A hand on her lower back, his hand in her back pocket, chin on her shoulder, hand in hers, anything to anchor himself to her. She had to admit, she loved it too. She was addicted to his touch and often sought it out herself. Moving her arm around his shoulders, she scratched her nails down the nape of his neck. He squeezed her side without even pausing the conversation. 

Tig excused himself, squeezing her shoulder as he headed towards Chibs. Juice's attention immediately shifted towards her. He leaned forward, biting at her shoulder lovingly, his nose crinkling in the sweetest way. God, she loved him. She stroked a hand over his cheek, leaning forward to tap her forehead to his. "You good, beautiful?" he asked, kissing her quickly. 

She looked around the room that was filled with love, taking in the laughter and the smiles exchanged between the club members and families. Initially, it'd been hard for her to understand why Juice had been drawn to the club, but she understood it now. When things were good, it really felt like one big family. "Great," she replied, kissing him again. "Nice to have Abel home."

He nodded in agreement, draping his arm over her legs, fingertips trailing over the seam of her jeans. "Yeah," he agreed, glancing over at the baby in Gemma's arms. 

Angela glanced over her shoulder to see Tara leaning against the wall, beer in her hand. "I should go say 'hi'."

Juice's hold on her tightened, and he shook his head. "Nah, think you're good here."

She laughed lightly, knowing if she really wanted to, he'd let her go talk to Tara, but she was also content just sitting with him. "Surprised she even came," she whispered, leaning in even closer to him so only he could hear. "Didn't think Gem would invite her."

Juice glanced at the doctor whose focus was now on Wendy who was looking at Jax. "Don't think she did," he replied, keeping his tone low. They both watched as Tara sat on the couch arm of where Jax was sitting, catching Wendy's eye before diving down to kiss Jax. He grimaced, watching as Jax got up and disappeared with Tara down the hallway leaving Wendy looking a little crestfallen. He shook his head at them. "That's one hell of a triangle."

Angela grimaced; it most certainly was. Someone was bound to get hurt between the three of them. "No kidding," she asked, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "I'm gonna get a beer, you want one?"

Juice grinned at her, dropping his arms and allowing her to get to her feet before getting up with her. He took her hand in his, tugging her towards the small kitchen. She was surprised he was going with her for a moment until they got to the empty kitchen, and he boxed her into the corner of the kitchen counter. His usually light brown eyes were dark with lustful fire that stirred a familiar warmth in her belly. "You know you don't gotta worry about that shit, right?" he assured her before tapping his forehead to hers. "I hate geometry. Triangles, squares, I'll stick with one line. From me to you."

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the sweetness of his incredibly nerdy line. She nuzzled her nose against his, their mouths just inches apart. "Goof. I like the line. I basically failed geometry anyway," she stated on a shrug. Tilting her head, she caught his lips in a soft kiss. The feel of his lips against hers was electrifying, and she found herself melting into him. He buried his hand in her hair, angling her head back as he deepened the kiss. She massaged his tongue with her own, enjoying the addicting taste that was purely Juice.

"Tha's enough of tha'," Chibs' voice cut through as he pulled Juice away by his shoulder. "There's children here!"

Neither of them were very bothered by the Scot's interruption. Juice grinned wolfishly, leaning in to press his lips to her forehead in the sweetest way. She set her hand over his heart, feeling its quick beating under her palm and grinning herself. He winked at her, taking her hand in his and pulling her to stand in front of him. "Sorry, Chibbies," he said, moving his arms around her again and setting his chin on her shoulder. "She's hard to resist."

Chibs chuckled, shaking his head at the two of them. "Ah to be young again. Take that shite home 'fore Gem catches ya."

That wasn't the worst idea ever. Angela had almost hit her limit socially, and that one shared kiss had left her wanting so much more. She looked over her shoulder at Juice, raising her eyebrow. He gave her a naughty smirk in return that sent her heart racing. "Cover for us, Chibbies?"

Chibs smirked, nodding his head. "Go 'head. Get outta here."

Juice pulled Angela towards the door, stopping short as Tara breezed by, slamming the door behind her. Jax sighed heavily, glancing at the door and then nodding to him. "Do me a favor. Make sure Tara gets home okay," the blonde practically ordered, looking annoyed by the whole thing. Angela noticed the red welt on his cheek at the same time Juice did. Juice tilted his head to the side, brows furrowed in the cutest confused look. Jax shook his head. "Don't ask."

"Okay," Juice replied, turning to look at Angela. "You mind?"

Angela shrugged a shoulder. "We wanted an excuse to get outta here anyway, right?"

Juice smirked and nodded, leading her towards the door. They got on his bike quickly, and he started off after the Cutlass. Thankfully, Tara was a slow driver, so they caught up to her easily enough. He stayed far behind her to keep her from seeing them. Angela didn't mind the slow speed for once, she was enjoying behind wrapped around him. He stopped at the end of Tara's block, parking just close enough that he could see her, but she probably wouldn't see them. "Wonder why he's havin' us tail her," Juice mused, leaning back into Angela's embrace.

"I dunno. She seemed pretty pissed when she left. Maybe he was worried she'd hurt herself gettin' outta there," she answered, shivering a bit. Her fingers were cold from the ride, so she slid them underneath his shirt, enjoying the warmth of his stomach. He was always warm, which was why she loved being close to him.

He startled a bit at the feel of her cold fingers trailing against his skin. "Cold baby?" he asked, lifting his hand off the handle bar to set it on top of hers, engulfing them in is warmth.

She nuzzled her nose into his neck, knowing her nose was cold too. She was ready to go home and continue what they started in the kitchen. "Mmm. Just waiting for you to take me home 'n' warm me up," she hummed, she pressed her lips against his neck before she nipped at the skin lightly. That's when the sound of gunshots ripped through the once quiet night.  Angela tensed, her hands moving from underneath his shirt. "Juice?"

"I heard 'em. Hold on tight," he said, starting up the bike and speeding towards the direction of the gunshots, aware of the wailing sirens heading the same way. She was aware of how dangerous it was to drive towards the sound, but she already heard the sirens in the distance and not a single shot followed the first barrage. Whatever had happened seemed to be over now.

Juice pulled up at the same time the firefighters were removing someone from a very familiar truck. Angela stared at the gruesome scene, trying to take it all in and figure out what the hell had happened. Opie was running towards the woman, screaming Donna's name. It took her a minute to recognize Donna laying lifeless on the ground, blood covering her head. Her mind flashed to Raj for the briefest moment before she shook it away. This was different. There were bullet holes in the back window of the truck. Blood smeared through the front. Someone had shot Donna. Multiple times. Her eyes went to Donna's green car, surprised when she saw two faces peeking out at her. Kenny and Ellie. What had they seen? "Shit," she murmured under her breath. Juice's head whipped towards her, and she nodded towards Kenny and Ellie. "I'm gonna..."

As if he understood, he nodded quickly. "Yeah. Go."

She practically ran to the car, throwing open the door and peeking her head in. From where it was parked, they couldn't see a lot. Just their father's back as he sobbed over their mother. They both looked at her, eyes wide with fear and confusion. "Hey guys," she greeted, wondering if they had been able to see Donna at any point. "Hey, eyes on me. You guys are safe. I'm gonna take you home, and we're gonna wait there for your dad, okay?" 

Ellie nodded, tears falling down her face. Kenny just looked confused. "What's goin' on, Ang? Is my Mom okay?"

"Hold on, Kendo. I'll explain once we're at your place. Just know that you're safe right now. I got you, okay?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly. She didn't know how she was going to handle this, but she knew someone had to be there for them. Someone had to explain. Thankfully, the house wasn't far, and Ellie knew which key on the key ring went to the house. Once inside, she sat them down on the couch, perching on the coffee table in front of them so she was even with them. Her hands were shaking so she clasped them in front of her and took a deep breath. "What did you guys see?"

"Mom's hurt," Ellie said softly. "She was bleeding on the ground and Dad got out and he...is she gonna be okay, Angie?"

Oh God. She didn't know how to do this. Didn't know how to tell these two sweet kids that their mom was definitely not okay. "No, Ell. I don't think they can help her. I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I think she's gone," she said, holding out her arms to the young girl when she started to cry. Ellie moved into her embraced crying softly into her shoulder. She ran a hand over Ellie's soft hair, holding her tightly as she looked to Kenny who didn't seem to quite understand. "Ken?"

"So she's not coming home?" he asked, his voice high and tight.

"No, kiddo," she said, grimacing at how blunt it sounded.

Ellie pulled away, scowling at her brother. "She's dead! Don't you get it?" she sobbed, shaking her head. She walked away then, practically running down the hallway and slamming a door.

Angela looked from down the hallway to Kenny, whose eyes were welling up with tears. "Hold on one sec, Ken," she said, standing and dropping a kiss to his forehead before going down the hallway. She tapped on the only closed door, her heart aching as she heard Ellie's sobs. "Ell, what can I do?"

"Leave me alone," came her watery response.

Angela understood that need. Understood that at that time, she probably wasn't the right person to console her. "Okay, but I'm out here if you need me. You call me, and I'll come be with you, all right?"

Ellie made a vague sound of agreement, so Angela let her be and went back to Kenny. The little boy looked up at her with big wet eyes. "Is my Mom really dead, Angie?"

"I'm so sorry, Ken," she said on a nod, going to sit next to him on the couch. Kenny leaned into her side, burying his face into her shoulder. She held him close, raking her fingers through his hair as he cried. Tears of her own filled her eyes as she remembered the sting of her own father's death. She'd been a lot younger, but she knew how badly it hurt. How all she'd wanted was for someone to hold her tightly to make her feel safe. Thankfully, Hap had been there then. He'd been younger, more open to cuddles and hugs especially after she lost her dad. She knew Opie was going to be a mess, and Piney and Mary were so far removed, they probably wouldn't be too much help. She was going to be there for these two kids if they needed it. She wasn't going to let them feel alone. "I got you, kiddo. Anythin' you need, I'm here. Promise."

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Opie's sobs rang through the otherwise quiet street as he cried over his wife's lifeless body. Juice watched, unsure of what else to do and feeling a little untethered without Angela at his side. He couldn't imagine what Opie was going through. Couldn't comprehend what it would be like to lose Angela to some stupid retaliation. Because that's what it had to be. Retaliation for something the club had done, and it was either meant for Opie or meant to punish him. His heart dropped to her stomach; what if someone went after Angela? It wouldn't be the first time. The Niners had gone after her twice already. What if they were behind this? What if she was next? He nudged Jax's shoulder, nodding down the street suddenly desperate to be with her. "Ang took the kids to Opie's, I'm gonna..."

"Yeah, here's the key. Make sure they're safe," Jax said, tears shining in his eyes as he pulled a key off his key chain. "I'll get him home."

Juice headed towards Opie's house, using the key to let himself in. The place was relatively neat, homey, though the furniture appeared slightly outdated. He found Angela sitting on the couch with Kenny's head in her lap. She was stroking her fingers through his hair, watching the TV with no sound. Her head turned at the sound of the front door closing. The sad look in her dark eyes made his heart ache. Tears glistened on her cheeks, and she wiped them away with the back of her hand. "Hey you," she rasped, looking down at Kenny who was sound asleep. "Ellie wanted space. Think she's sleepin' in Donna's room, but Ken..."

He understood, Kenny wanted the comfort and safety of being with an adult. Angela had a calming presence, and Juice wasn't at all surprised Kenny gravitated towards her in his time of need. "You good?"

"Just trying to wrap my head around it. I mean, these poor kids..." she answered softly. She sniffled, shaking her head without finishing the sentence. "You'll explain at home?"

Juice didn't know much about what happened; he hadn't been there much longer than she had. "What I know, you'll know."

"Okay," Angela breathed, twirling a strand of Kenny's hair around her finger. Juice sat down beside her, wanting, needing to be close to her. She leaned into his side, her head on his shoulder. "This is so fucked up."

Juice nodded, moving his arm around her shoulders. They sat there in silence for a moment staring at the moving pictures on the TV screen too overwhelmed by what had just happened to do or say anything. The front door opened, Jax practically pushing Opie inside. Opie's hazel eyes surveyed the scene for a brief moment, landing on his son. With a muttered 'thanks', he carefully moved his arms under Kenny, lifting him up and carrying him back down the hall where Juice assumed the bedrooms were. Juice stood slowly, holding a hand out to Angela to help her to her feet.

Angela cleared her throat, raking a hand through her hair. "I'll call the Coroner tomorrow. Get the plan going for after they're done," she told Jax softly. "Have Ope or Piney give me a call whenever they can, and we'll figure out arrangements. I'll take good care of Donna, promise."

Jax stared at her in slight disbelief before pulling her into a tight hug. "Thanks, Ang," he murmured, kissing her temple. He nodded at Juice. "Take her home and lock your doors. We don't know what we're dealin' with."

Juice nodded, reaching for Angela's hand and sliding his fingers in the spaces between hers. He had no idea where she'd gotten the strength to talk business at a time like this, but he was glad she had. It was good for them to have a plan. One less thing for Ope to worry about. He squeezed her hand lovingly as they walked together to the front door. It was a quick ride back to his place; he didn't want to drag it out. He just wanted to be home already. Home was where he could keep her safe.

As soon as he was able, he took her hand in his and together they walked to the front door. He opened it for her, letting her walk in ahead of him. She sighed heavily as she took off her shoes while he undid his boots and hung up his cut. "I don't know what happened, Angel," he started softly. "Guessin' it was some kind of retaliation. Dunno what that means for the club, but I know I ain't lettin' you go anywhere alone."

Angela's dark eyes were weary as she nodded her head. "Yeah, okay," she breathed, swallowing hard. She took a step closer to him, moving her arms around his waist and burying her face into his neck.

He moved his arms around her shoulders, holding her tightly. "Love you, Angel."

She nodded, sniffling slightly before she murmured, "Love you."

He smoothed a hand over her hair, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes as the sight of Opie crying over Donna flashed through his mind. His heart ached with love for her. He never wanted to let her go. "I'm gonna keep you safe, Angel," he rasped, scratching his fingers over her scalp. It was a vow he knew he could keep. No one would ever hurt her again. Not without going through him first. "Always."

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A part of me wanted to save Donna, but I think this moment is so integral for the characters, I couldn't leave it out.
Let me know what you think!!
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