Chapter Text
I own nothing you recognize
“What is a youth? Impetuous fire. What is a maid? Ice and desire. The world wags on.”
Tara met David for lunch the next day. She decided to go to the pizza place they used to hang out in high school. “So how is pregnancy treating you? I will say that you are definitely glowing.”
Tara blushed, “It’s uncomfortable. I feel like an alien has invaded my body. I constantly eat and he’s sitting on my bladder. They both laughed and Tara forgot how much fun she had talking to David. He was such a great friend during high school, even after she started dating Jax.
“So what’s new with you?” I feel like your whole life was building up to you being a cop.” David laughed. “Yeah, my dad and brother both said I was born a cop.” Tara agreed, “We were always playing cops and robbers on the playground and shockingly I came in to patch everyone up after you and Jax inevitably started fighting.”
The elephant in the room was obviously her status with Jax, so David just went for it. “I heard what happened with Jax cheating, I’m sorry. That’s just shitty..” Tara shifted uncomfortably. “Look, I’m not going to lie. I’ve liked you since high school. If you’re with Jax, I respect that but if not I would like to see you more if that’s a possibility. I get that this might not be the best time but I’m here for you as a friend too.”
Tara was so happy to hear this. “I was thinking the same, David. I really would like to see you more too. Maybe we can start hanging out again. I’m not with Jax right now.” It’s been weird thinking for her thinking about that, much less saying it out loud. “Being pregnant is a roller coaster so if I act possessed, it’s the hormones.” David laughed. “I can handle hormones. You should see some of the people I arrest, at least pregnancy is a legit reason to be in a bad mood.”
She laughed loudly at that. Just then her phone buzzed with a text. “I have a yoga class to get to so text me your number and here’s mine. Thank you so much for a great lunch.” David hugged her and just as they were leaving six motorcycles pulled up.
Tara had to roll her eyes. Of course, the prospect let Jax know where she was and who she was with. She was surprised he didn’t show up earlier. David hesitated but Tara looked at him. “It’s all good.” As David walked out, Jax bumped into him as he walked in. “Hey, Davey, What’s new? I see you’re having lunch with Tara.”
David knew better than to take the bait but responded, “Yeah, it’s great reconnecting with old friends.” He paused and looked at Tara, “I’ll see you soon, Tara, maybe same time next week?” Tara loved his calm demeanor. “Definitely” and David headed to his car.
The look on Jax’s face was priceless. All Tara could think was, good grief, this alpha male shit never changes.
Opie, Tig, Happy, Juice, and Chibs stayed outside on their bikes. Jax sat at the booth and looked at her like he was going to throw her over his shoulder and take her back to a cave. “So, you going on dates now?”
She looked at Jax and started laughing. “Yeah, I’m going on hot lunch dates with David. What’s up with you rolling up with the posse? Are you here to take me on a hot lunch date, too?
Jax looked at her in that same way that always sent a trickle of a mixture of desire and fear from her chest to the pit of her stomach. Why did he have to do that? Think sex toys, Tara, think sex toys.
“No, but I would like to take you out to dinner” Jax replied.
She looked at him suspiciously. “Oh really? And where are we going?” Their dates in high school usually started out at the movies, or Daisy’s Diner, then progressed to making out and eventually lead to…ok, this train of thought has to stop.
But hey, if he’s going to pull this alpha male, caveman bullshit, she’ll take all of these free meals and they save her the trouble of cooking.
“Well, the club is helping a family open a Thai restaurant down the street and the grand opening is tonight. Will you be my dinner date?”
December 1994
As Tara, Donna, Jax, and Opie left for their date Tara wondered what exactly they were going to do. They pulled up to the Charming movie theater which had The Crow and The Flintstones.
No one questions Jax or Opie on their age since it’s R-rated, exactly because it’s Jax and Opie. Tara tries not to act shocked, but actually holds onto Jax’s hand when they tell her the basic plot as the movie is starting.
Jax was genuinely surprised but loves when she grabs his hand. It gives him a feeling of that alpha male protectiveness. He snuck glances at Tara as they watched the movie. She is so beautiful. He put his arm around her as they share a popcorn.
As the movie is ending, Tara is trying not to cry but fails miserably. She’s embarrassed that she got so weepy but Jax was actually sweet and gave her a hug and kissed her forehead.
They all head over to the ice cream parlor and talk about how they loved the movie. Jax gets flirtatious looks from the girl behind the counter, which Tara notices he actually ignores as he’s placing her order too. She gets a death glare from the girl, a junior, who she assumes either hooked up with Jax, or wants to.
The front door to the ice cream parlor opened just then and David Hale walked in with another football player and two girls. They looked to be on their own double date. Tara saw David and he looked surprised to see her. Surprise turned to shock when he realized she is also on a double date with Opie, Donna, and Jax.
“Hey, Tara, how are you doing tonight?” David walks over and sees Jax place his arm possessively around her shoulders. Tara nervously looks between the two, “Great, we just saw The Crow and are hanging out. What are you guys up to?”
Hale’s football buddy was eyeing Jax and looked at Tara, “Didn’t Teller push up on you in the smoking area at the Homecoming game?” Tara could sense Jax switching gears. She grabbed his hand under the table.
”Oh yeah, we were just laughing about that, weren’t we guys?” Donna laughed, “I was just telling Tara I was going to do some backflips and take out him and Opie that night. Jax went to stand up but Hale didn’t want this to go any further, for Tara’s sake.
“Well, it’s good seeing you Tara. I’ll talk to you soon. Jax, Opie, Donna too. Have a great night.”
After Hale left, Tara had never felt more relief in her life. She looked at Donna who could obviously tell they dodged a huge bullet. Donna breaks the silence and brings the conversation back around to the movie.
As they talk about the movie, it’s closing time and they get up to leave. Jax takes her hand and she’s pretty sure she’s falling for him. When they leave on the motorcycles, Opie takes off towards Donna’s and Jax takes Tara home.
He walks her to the door and she holds her breath as he gives her that look. “I had such a good time, Jax. It was really the best first date I could think of.” Jax thinks the same and as he leans in to kiss her, he has decided that she is his first and last girlfriend.