A/N This story is set directly after "Hell Followed" but can be read without too much of the episode in mind. No changes in canon except that Juice isn't a Sons member. There will be a lot of pairings in the story but the most important one will be Jax/Juice. Enjoy.

Juice sat on the bed in his room at the Mayan clubhouse and stared at the photograph in his hands. Esai was gone. It had been a day and Juice still hadn't fully processed the information. How did that happen? Esai had been so young, so full of strength. Maybe not the sharpest tool in the shed but the same could be said about many other Mayans who were still very much alive. Juice didn't know exactly what had happened to Esai just that it involved the Sons of Anarchy, a rival MC based in a small town nearby. Over his years with the Mayans, Juice had heard quite a few things about the Sons, none of them good. The Mayans really hated these guys but they seemed to give them a good run for their money. When Alvarez had broken the news about Esai yesterday everyone had been solemn and sympathetic but overall Juice had expected more shock and grief. Esai had been the president's son, after all, one would think that the news of him being killed by a hated rival MC would cause outrage. But the only person who had fallen apart at the news had been him, even Alvarez hadn't seemed too upset. Juice had spent the night alone in this room, thankful that the members had left him alone for once. Now it was morning, probably close to noon but Juice had not moved much. He should eat something and probably get some more sleep but he couldn't bring himself to. Given the circumstances, they were lucky he was wearing boxers.

A knock on the door startled him. Weird, usually they never knocked. "Come in," he croaked – he would prefer to be alone but knew that refusing wasn't an option.

The door opened and Alvarez walked in. "How are you feeling, ese?"

"Bad," Juice said, looking back down to the photograph.

Alvarez moved closer and gently took the picture from him. It didn't show Juice – he was pretty sure no pictures in the clubhouse did – but Esai, smiling in his cut. It wasn't more than a few months old. "He was so happy that day."

"What happened to him?" Juice asked.

"He screwed up a hit," Alvarez said. "There were consequences. That is all that you need to know."

Of course. Nobody ever told him anything important. Not Juice, the lackey, the punching ball, the slave in all but name. Esai had been the only one who actually treated him like a human being – sometimes at least – and now he was gone. "I miss him."

"I know you do", Alvarez said. "I might not have approved at first but I think you were good for my boy. At least better than the whores he usually frequented. Shame it had to end like that." Juice paused and looked up in surprise. Alvarez was looking at him with something that could be fondness. "Come here."

Juice moved closer and Alvarez kissed him. Juice wanted to move away but he could not refuse the president. They had not done that since he had gotten serious with Esai but apparently this respite had ended now. "Alvarez…"

"Shh, Juice. I just want to feel what you gave Esai. And I only need your mouth today. Out of respect for my son."

Juice thought this was a strange way to show respect but what did he know about Hispanic MC concepts of honor or family? So he watched impassively while Alvarez undressed himself and sat down on the bed. Juice kept his underwear on for the moment, Alvarez would tell him if he wanted to see more. The president lay on his back in the very same bed Juice and Esai had so often shared. Juice had enjoyed these times together, at least as much as he could enjoy something like this. "Get on top of me," Alvarez said.

Juice did what he was told and moved into position. Alvarez hard cock was already pressing against his stomach and Juice mentally steeled himself. This was so fucked up. Sucking off your dead boyfriend's – was that what Esai had been? – father had to be a new low for him. But it wasn't his choice so he probably shouldn't care. To his surprise, Alvarez kissed him, hard and aggressively. The president's hand found his crotch and caressed the currently still limp dick through the boxers. "Even this way it is big," he said. "Pity you never get to use it, eh Juice?"

"I don't mind," Juice said tonelessly. "I just do what is asked of me."

"And that's good." Alvarez pushed Juice's head down towards his crotch. "Now make me come."

Juice gently kissed his way down – extra effort to keep his president happy –, and gently took Alvarez in his mouth. The president wasn't as big as his son had been so Juice easily swallowed it down and got busy. It didn't take long to take care of Alvarez, he knew how to please the guy – and most other Mayan members – by now. As usual, the older man finished in his mouth and Juice swallowed dutifully. He had never gotten used to the taste but knew it was pointless to resist. It was just expected of him to take what they offered. "Damn. No wonder Esai was all over you. You know, when my boys first started fucking you, I thought it was degenerate and perverted. I wanted to tell them to stop. But when I tried it myself, I knew they were right. You are a great lay."

"Thanks," Juice said automatically. He didn't think getting used so often that you were getting good at it was something to be proud of but he knew better than to contradict Alvarez.

"Pity it has to end," Alvarez said. "I think I will miss it."

"What do you mean?" Juice asked.

"You are leaving tonight."

Hope suddenly flooded Juice. "You are cutting me loose?"

Alvarez smiled. "Oh no, ese, we still need you. Just not here."

"I don't understand."

"You will soon." He stood up and got dressed again. "I will tell the others to say their goodbyes as well. I told them to show respect for Esai as well, so it should be light duty. Tell me if anyone gives you trouble. You will be gone soon so you don't have to be afraid of them anymore. Make sure you shower once they are done. I want you pretty for tonight."

Juice did not know what to make out all this but he wasn't too worried at the moment. He figured it could only go up from here.

Jax took some time off from his duties this day to meet Tara in Saint Thomas. She still seemed pretty shaken by the Kohn situation and he wanted make sure she was alright – for both their sakes. He didn't need relationship troubles on top of everything else, Opie had enough of these to keep the whole club occupied. The VP found Tara in her office, brooding over some files. "Hey," he said.

"Hey," she said, suddenly alarmed. "Is somebody hurt? Do you need me to come?"

"Everyone is fine," Jax said, "Can we talk?"

"Sure, but close the door."

Jax smiled. As if she had to tell him how to keep a secret. He probably told more lies in a month than she had in her entire live. "Thank you for patching up the Irishman. It really helped us keeping our relationships intact."

"I can't really let a guy bleed out just because he is a criminal."

The VP chuckled. "Good to know. I will remind you of it, should you ever have to stich me up." When she didn't laugh he grew serious again. "Are you okay? Is the Kohn thing still bothering you?"

"Of course it is, Jax! It was just a day ago! How could I forget it that soon? Did you move on already?"

"No," Jax said. It wasn't strictly true – he had no remorse at all – but he guessed Tara needed to see a softer side of him. Telling her the cold hard truth – that he couldn't afford to get sentimental over every dead body – would probably shake her up even more. "But I know I made the right choice. It was you or him and we both know this wasn't a choice at all. Besides, you did nothing wrong. I pulled the trigger, the death is on me."

"I helped you cover it up," Tara said. "Maybe I even caused it."

"Because you dated Kohn? Bad dating decisions aren't a crime, Tara."

"No, because I came back." The surgeon said, now a slightly haunted look in her eyes. "I came back to Charming because this was the only place I felt safe from him. Because I knew you would have my back, no matter what. Because I knew deep down that you would protect me whatever the cost."

Jax felt his heart contract. "What does this mean? Was this all a show? Means to an end?"

"No!" Tara immediately said. "I meant everything I said and did. I think I manipulated myself more than anyone else. So I could go through with a murder."

"Relax Tara. I told you, this is all one me."

"And the Irish guy, is this also on you?" Tara asked. "Or am I responsible for that one?"

This made no sense to Jax. "What do you mean? You helped him."

"Yes, I stitched up a guy, hiding evidence of an attempted murder. Who exactly was he? Your gun supplier?"

"Tara, you know I can't talk to you about that," Jax said. "Who he is isn't important anyway. You saved a man's life, that all that matters."

"And I took one the day before," Tara said. She sighed. "Jesus, last week I thought I wouldn't even be capable of something like that. And now look at me. I killed a man and am getting deeper into trouble the longer I am with you."

Jax was now quickly losing his patience. "Look, I get that this is completely new to you, but you are beating yourself up over nothing. I promise you nothing will blow back on you, neither Kohn nor the club business. If anything happens, I will take the fall."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better? How do you think I would feel, if helping me with Kohn sent you to prison for decades?"

Jax smiled thinly. "Highly unlikely. There are a lot of other things I could go to prison for."

"Is that how it is going to end?" Tara asked. "You going to prison?"

"I don't know Tara," Jax said honestly. "It's possible. I might end well, though. Or with me being dead."

"I don't know if I can do that, Jax," Tara said. "I love you but this life is more than I can take. I don't remember it being that grim."

"We were young then," Jax said. "Now I am deeper in the club than before. Being at my side will pull you deeper as well. You need to know that."

"I...I need some time to think about it. Can I call you?"

"Sure," Jax said not that he had a choice. What could he say instead? Tell her to get her shit together now or get lost? This likely wouldn't help. "I have to get back to TM. I will see you around."

He left, not caring if she thought he was being rude. On his way out he started to boil internally. He could not really blame her for being upset but this was starting to get ridiculous. What else was he supposed to do? The way she was beating herself up you would think she had put the bullet into Kohn's head herself. But maybe he was stupid for trying to get back together with her in the first place. He was chasing something that was gone and for good reason. He wasn't a teenager anymore but the SAMCRO VP and Tara would have to be strong if she wanted to be at his side. Maybe she couldn't do it. That would be a disappointment, especially so close after all the trouble with Wendy. Women! Jax loved them but they were a pain in the ass way too often. Maybe he should take a leaf out of Tig's book and stick to whores. Or maybe get together with Ope, which would also quickly solve the guy's marriage problem.

Just as he amused himself with the thought – Opie in a white dress with a veil and high heels would be a sight to behold – his phone rang. Chibs. "Yeah?"

"Jackieboy, Clay wants us at the table."

"On my way," Jax said, happy for the distraction from his messed up love life.

"I just talked to Alvarez", Clay said. "He wants to re-negotiate on our peace agreement."

The tension immediately rose around the table. Nobody here, Jax included, apparently thought this was good news. "What does that mean?"

"Their Arizona charter has some beef with SAMTAZ. As with our agreement they were supposed to grant SAMTAZ the territory they were fighting over but apparently their local chapter is unwilling. Now Alvarez is panicking and is offering to compensate us if we agree to let this one slide."

"Shouldn't SAMTAZ decide that?" Jax asked. He definitely wouldn't want other chapters to make decisions for SAMCRO.

"I already brought them on board," Clay said. "They will follow our lead."

Of course you have, Jax thought. This whole setup was Clay's operation and he wouldn't have anyone meddling with it. Which was understandable given that it was him who had almost gotten a bullet in the head but Jax was pretty sure that the old man also wanted to show him how to be a proper leader. He wondered if Clay had already tagged him as a do-gooder who was too weak to lead the club like Tig apparently had. If yes, he was severely mistaken but Jax knew he would have to solve this problem sooner or later. If he had learned one thing from his father's rants it was that SAMCRO had to change and he probably needed to be president to make the necessary adjustments which would be hard with Clay fighting him. But this was a problem for another time. "What is he offering us?"

"250k," Clay said. "Most of it will go to SAMTAZ but we will keep fifty as a finder's fee. Alvarez said he would throw something on top for us but wouldn't say what. Said it would be a surprise."

"Maybe a lot of tacos," Chibs suggested. "Or some new Mexican whores for Tig."

"In that case, I think I would take the tacos," Clay said. "Anyway, the exchange is tonight but I wanted to bring it to the table first. All in favor?"

Jax did not miss the pointed look Clay gave him at this but ignored it. He had no opposition to this plan and whatever Clay might think, he was not opposed to his every move – just those that were wrong. All voiced their agreement and Clay slammed the hammer down. "Alright, passed. Don't drink too much, I want you sharp for later – just in case it is a trap."

Jax and the others met Alvarez and the Mayans on a deserted crossroad a bit out of Charming. The Mayans carefully approached and seemed to do their best not to appear threatening in any way. Jax guessed chances were good that this wasn't a setup of any kind. Alvarez would be a fool to try anything – attacking SAMCRO would only result in a much harsher response by the other chapters and the Mayans had already decided they did not want this war – but that would be a small consolation when they put a bullet into his head. So he didn't relax yet and eyed the Mayan's van wearily. Probably the money was in there – it wasn't easy to transport 250k on a bike – but it would also be a good hiding place for additional manpower or weapons. Granted, they also had a van for the money so the Mayans were probably thinking the same. Still, the Sons stayed behind their bikes for the moment, wanting the additional cover in case push came to shove.

Alvarez left his helmet on the handles of his bike and approached them. "Relax, gentlemen. We are all friends here."

Clay left his cover and met him halfway, probably to appear strong and fearless. "You can't blame us for being cautious. You tried to have me killed only days ago."

"And I have come to make amends," Alvarez said, shaking his hand. "Here is your money."

Two Mayans unloaded two large duffle bags from the van and carried them over to Alvarez. The Mayan president opened it, giving them a look at the dollar bills within. They would have to count it and check it for fakes first but Jax guessed everything would be in order. Alvarez knew there would be massive blowback, if he tried to weasel out of the deal. Clay motioned for Chibs and Happy to take the bag. "Check it and put it in the van. Now, you said something about a special gift, Alvarez. Where is it? At the risk of sounding greedy."

"It is a bit unusual but I am sure you will like it." He motioned to his men. "Bring the boy."

Boy? Jax wondered. He had expected a gun or some fancy motorcycle part and this didn't sound like either. Unless they meant an old Fat Boy motorcycle but he doubted that was Alvarez' style. But apparently the Mayan president meant a literal boy because seconds later the Mayans had grabbed a guy from the back of the van and were pushing him towards them. The guy seemed really unwilling to move and gave them a good fight, though Jax doubted he would win it.

"Please, Marcus," the struggling man said, probably meaning Alvarez. "You can't just throw me to the wolves like that. I will do everything you ask!"

"You already do that", Alvarez said. "And it is nothing personal. I am just doing business here."

"Why are you doing this? I thought we were good. Is this about Esai?"

"Shut up!" Alvarez snapped. He turned around, grabbed the guy by the neck and pushed him towards the Sons. The prisoner stopped fighting, apparently resigned in his fate, and landed on his knees in front of Alvarez.

Now he was close enough that Jax could get a good look at him. He made a quick assessment. The guy looked young, early twenties at most. He had a small frame and a Mohawk with strange tribal tattoos on the shaved sides of his skull. He was looking down at his feet, making it impossible to see his features in the low light of the street lamps. Jax saw no cut or Mayan ink on him which made Jax wonder who he was and what to make of it.

"What is this?" Clay asked, apparently as nonplussed as Jax was.

"This is our boy Juice," Alvarez said. "A friend of the club. He has come in useful over the years and I am sure he will be useful for you too. I almost cost you a member, so I thought it would be fair to add one – or at least something like that."

"What should we want with some Mexican whelp?" Chibs asked from behind and Jax had to agree with him. This was highly unorthodox and Juice – what kind of nickname was that? – didn't look like much.

"Actually, he is Puerto Rican," Alvarez said. "White enough for you guys, I am sure."

"Chibs got a point," Clay said. "What should I do with him?"

Alvarez changed his grip and force Juice to look up. He had huge eyes, Jax noted, and looked definitely terrified. "He might not look like it but he is actually pretty smart. Good with computers and shit. He could help you with that – or scrub your clubhouse if this is more to your liking. And there are other uses as well. My club had a lot of fun with him over the years."

The implications were clear to Jax who did a double take. Had Alvarez just implied that the Mayans had fucked his guy? That he was some kind of male Crow Eater? Jax guessed it might be possible, people could ignore a lot of things, if the head was good enough. But most Crow Eaters were incredibly eager to spread their legs for any biker while Juice did not seem happy at the prospect at all. Clay, on the other hand, looked calculating which surprised Jax. He doubted his step-father wanted to actually fuck the boy – it would probably be an incredibly stupid idea since Gemma might flay them both alive – so he had to have some other angle here. "You are telling me that you fuck this boy?" Clay asked. "Did you spent too much time inside?"

Alvarez took this comment in stride. "Don't knock it till you've tried it, ese. I know, I had my doubts but Juice here can give most women a run for their money just with his mouth"

"How do I know I can trust him?" Clay asked. "He could be spying for you."

Now Alvarez laughed. "Him? Ese, if you knew him at all, you would know that Juice can't tell a lie to save his life. And do you really think I would make it so obvious, if I wanted to plant a mole? Besides, you will have this to keep him in line."

He pulled out an envelope and handed it to Clay. "Evidence for some of the crimes Juice here has committed. If he runs or gives you any trouble you can put him into jail for a long time – or just kill him if you want to. But I doubt you would need it, he is pretty good at doing what he is told."

Clay considered it. "Then why do you want to part with him? He sounds pretty useful to me."

Alvarez's good mood vanished. "Let's just say he overstayed his welcome. It was either shipping him off to you or putting a bullet in his brain. So you might want to consider your answer."

"Hmm," Clay said, making a big show of considering. Jax could not tell if he was really undecided or if he was just play-acting to get a rise out of Alvarez. Maybe he wanted him to give them something else on top. Jax met Juice's eyes, saw the terror in them and decided to intervene. Juice could be useful and he didn't want to waste this opportunity for some power play. "We will take him."

"We will?" Clay asked.

"We can use a tech expert. It would give me more time for my VP duties. Maybe we can get some decent equipment for once. You could help us with that, right, Juice?"

"Yes," the Puerto Rican stammered. "Yes, I can hook you up. Burner phones. Better surveillance, custom programs, everything."

"Look at that," Alvarez said. "I didn't even know he can do all this." He pulled Juice to his feet and shoved him forwards toward Clay. "Get lost."

Juice quickly scrambled onto the Son's side, coming to rest next to Happy who gruffly grabbed him and started to pat him down. Jax guessed the kid really had a bad luck, getting greeted by Happy was no picnic. "I guess we have a new tech," Clay said. "Thanks for that, Alvarez. I trust we do not have to pay him."

Alvarez shook his head. "Just give him some food and a bed and he will be happy. Some dick from time to time, so he doesn't get lonely."

"I think I will outsource that one," Clay said, shaking hands with him. "See you later."

The meeting broke up and the Mayans quickly left, leaving the Sons alone. Clay coolly regarded the trembling Juice, who was pressed against the van by Happy. "Not much to look at, is there? You can let him go, Happy."

Happy did but still glowered at Juice. Given Happy's usual demeanor that did not have to mean much but Jax guessed he did not trust he Puerto Rican. Jax guessed that was wise, though he found it hard to consider the guy a threat. "Turn around, kid," Clay said. Juice tentatively did.

"Please," he said, "I am not a Mayan. Don't hurt me."

"Nobody is going to hurt you," Jax said but he had to admit that this was probably hard to believe.

"Unless you deserve it, that is," Clay added and Juice went a shade paler. "Is it true what said earlier? You some kind of computer expert?"

"Yes," Juice said. "I taught myself. I am sure you can help you."

"Well, I hope for your sake that you can. Just know that if anything strange happens with you around, you will be the one we string up first."

Juice nodded and Jax had a quick look around. Most faces were impassive but Bobby looked worried about something. Tig, on the other hand, looked positively giddy and Jax didn't need much imagination to know why. He was probably dying to continue what the Mayans had started with Juice.

"We need to figure out how to handle Juice," Bobby said, eyes on Tig. "Lay down some ground rules to make sure everything runs smoothly."

Jax expected Clay to shrug it off but the president nodded. "Agreed. Put Juice in the van with Sack. We are taking him back to the clubhouse. Then we figure out the details."