Chapter One - Rick
Beth's blue eyes pinned Rick, and as had been the case since he'd found her in that cell, his breath caught at the fierce beauty she had become, overnight, it seemed, "You have to talk to Daryl, Rick. It's been 3 days."
But he didn't want to think about Daryl yet, or Daryl's suggestion. Rick's eyes lingered on the curve of Beth's lips and he imagined leaning forward and kissing her. He pictured her reaction, the sweet response from the rooftop. She'd been watching him forever, her crush a tangible thing between them. Before, he'd been able to easily put her attraction to him in perspective, but the man he was now knew her abduction and experiences had aged her, and not just physically. A woman stood in front of him, the wise blue of her eyes looking into his soul.
"He's hurting. Just be honest with him. If you can never reciprocate our feelings, he needs to know. Instead, you just stare at him. At me."
Rick sighed, "I know. I'll talk to him tonight, on watch duty, okay?" His hand, on its own volition, cupped her cheek, and he felt her sway toward him. Quickly, he dropped his hand, backed away from the temptation that was Beth, and pleaded with her with his own blue eyes.
"I'm not ready for any of this," he whispered and the sound was harsh, like he blamed her. Or even Daryl.
The burn of Daryl's stare drew Rick's gaze across their temporary camp. The archer leaned against a tree, watching Rick and Beth with molten heat in his eyes, and Rick felt the now accustomed tightening of his body. Why was this so damn confusing?
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