The worst-kept secret in Charming is that Juice loves cuddles. He octopuses around whoever is closest when he’s 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 hadn’t 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 didn’t feel so awful when he did it. And after the first time, Tully just knew when he needed it. An arm around his waist or over his shoulders, or an overnight stay in Juice’s single cell, and Juice rarely had to ask.
But coming home, that was different. He didn’t 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.
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. “’Mon Juicey, yer comin’ wi’ us on a ride. Getcher leathers on, lad.”
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 that 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 he’d stripped. “Go on, lad.” Chibs chuckled and leaned against the doorway. “Boot up an’ grab yer keys.”
Juice didn’t take longer, just followed Chibs outside where his bike was waiting; they’d managed to save it from police auction. Still green, but he’d fix that eventually. He climbed on and looked to Chibs, who ruffled his scalp and drew a smile from somewhere Juice couldn’t figure out where it came from. “Behind T.O. or Rat, technically ye ain’t caught up on dues.” 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.
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 couldn’t 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, Juice’s heart thudded in a way that he hadn’t felt in so long. It was happiness and it was thrilling and he just wanted to whoop with joy.
It maybe was an hour ride, a big loop around Charming. Nothing important, just a ride. But it ended in front of Scoops ‘N Sweets; the Sons proper lining up across the street. Juice didn’t know what to do, engine idling in the middle of the street. “Jesus Juicey, you forget how to back up? Ow!” Tig had ambled over and was snickering at him, but Venus swatted him upside the head. “Sorry Juice...” Tig mumbled before he leaned over. “C’mon, line it up so we can go inside.” Again Juice was stunned enough that he just backed up the bike with Tig’s help, cutting the engine when he was next to Rat’s bike.
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 Juice’s shoulders, pulling him close and slipping a beer into his hand. “Atta boy.” He rumbled deep and didn’t make Juice move from his spot against his chest. “Upstairs alright?” He didn’t let Juice answer, just tugged him up there to where the rest of the guys were and pulled him to an open couch. “This okay?”
Juice sipped at his beer and considered. He’d just had a ride, and now he was just...hanging out in the clubhouse. Chibs was right close by, which was making him feel safe again. Without even thinking Juice properly rested his head on Chibs’ 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. “Go ahead an’ make yerself comfy, lad.” Chibs chuckled deeply. Juice almost sat up, mortified but Chibs didn’t let him, just pulled him back down. “Lotta things changed, ye see. Yer fine, brother. Jus’ want ye to be happy.”
With this, he supposed he could be. “An’ take off yer jacket, dumbass. No hidin’ yer colors anymore. We gotcha.”
