The worst-kept secret in Charming is that Juice lovesĀ cuddles. He octopuses around whoever is closest when heās drunk, and he never kicks a girl out of his bed after sex. He just loves the feeling of someone close by, sharing space and heat. Makes him feel safe. Juice could equally be found the big spoon, or the little spoon, and constantly defended himself over it with the guys.
After his near death experience, he found he hadnāt lost the desire for touch. Even at the same time he felt like his skin was crawling, he just wanted to be held and to hold. Fortunately, a certain shot-caller was perfectly okay with giving him what he needed and Juice didnāt feel so awful when he did it. And after the first time, Tully just knewĀ when he needed it. An arm around his waist or over his shoulders, or an overnight stay in Juiceās single cell, and Juice rarely had to ask.Ā
But coming home, that was different. He didnāt know where he stood, even if he was still technically a Son he knew the boys had every right to refuse him being a part of them again. The first couple of nights Juice stayed home in his condo, alone and catching up on Netflix. Trying not to think, just browsing the internet until he fell asleep. The third night, though, Juice had barely settled down on his couch when the roar of motorcycles startled him and he had to get up.Ā
Chibs in front, Tig with Venus riding behind, Hap and Quinn, and he could spot Rat and TO behind him. They were all in front of the condo, but only Chibs cut his engine and climbed the stairs. Juice opened it before he could bang on the door.Ā āāMon Juicey, yer cominā wiā us on a ride. Getcher leathers on, lad.āĀ
The President was giving him such a look that Juice felt like a prospect again. Obviously so, for mentally thinking about Chibs as The President. He realized halfway through thatĀ thought that he was already kicking off his pj pants and sliding into jeans, pulling his kutte over his t-shirt and throwing a hoodie on over that. All in front of Chibs; Juice looked over actually ashamed at how easily heād stripped.Ā āGo on, lad.ā Chibs chuckled and leaned against the doorway.Ā āBoot up anā grab yer keys.āĀ
Juice didnāt take longer, just followed Chibs outside where his bike was waiting; theyād managed to save it from police auction. Still green, but heād fix that eventually. He climbed on and looked to Chibs, who ruffled his scalp and drew a smile from somewhere Juice couldnāt figure out where it came from.Ā āBehind T.O. or Rat, technically ye aināt caught up on dues.ā He smirked and then made his way back to his bike. He turned it on and took off, the rest of the men following him. Venus gave Juice a wave, and that gave him enough courage to start the big machine beneath him and slot nicely behind T.O.Ā
It was perfect. Like his first time riding with them, all the men in front of him in close formation, moving as one mass. Juice couldnāt help but let himself grin as the night started to fall and they made it out onto the highway. Like riding a dragon, or being part of one, Juiceās heart thudded in a way that he hadnāt felt in so long. It was happiness and it was thrilling and he just wanted to whoop with joy.Ā
It maybe was an hour ride, a big loop around Charming. Nothing important, just a ride. But it ended in front of ScoopsĀ āN Sweets; the Sons proper lining up across the street. Juice didnāt know what to do, engine idling in the middle of the street.Ā āJesus Juicey, you forget how to back up? Ow!ā Tig had ambled over and was snickering at him, but Venus swatted him upside the head.Ā āSorry Juice...ā Tig mumbled before he leaned over.Ā āCāmon, line it up so we can go inside.ā Again Juice was stunned enough that he just backed up the bike with Tigās help, cutting the engine when he was next to Ratās bike.Ā
Juice followed the mass of men, letting them in before him as was polite, but the second he got in Chibs slung his arm over Juiceās shoulders, pulling him close and slipping a beer into his hand.Ā āAtta boy.ā He rumbled deep and didnāt make Juice move from his spot against his chest.Ā āUpstairs alright?ā He didnāt let Juice answer, just tugged him up there to where the rest of the guys were and pulled him to an open couch.Ā āThis okay?āĀ
Juice sipped at his beer and considered. Heād just had a ride, and now he was just...hanging out in the clubhouse. Chibs was right close by, which was making himĀ feel safe again. Without even thinking Juice properly rested his head on Chibsā chest, watching the goings-on. The women flirting with the men, the prospects weaving and dodging asspats and grabbing empties. It was normal and Juice was getting the tiniest glimpse of it.Ā āGo ahead anā make yerself comfy, lad.ā Chibs chuckled deeply. Juice almost sat up, mortified but Chibs didnāt let him, just pulled him back down.Ā āLotta things changed, ye see. Yer fine, brother. Jusā want ye to be happy.āĀ
With this, he supposed he could be.Ā āAnā take off yer jacket, dumbass. No hidinā yer colors anymore. We gotcha.āĀ
