AN: Just an idea that popped into my head. If the age difference isnt your thing- why are you even under the Meth tag? :P As always read and Review, let me know if its worth continuing.

.1.

Beth Greene detested working the late shift at the diner- the grill closed around eight- but she alone had the responsibility of cleaning up, tending to drinks such as coffee or small sandwiches until close where she had to lock up. It wouldnt be such a big deal if the local bar wasnt directly across the street. Her father had nearly forbidden her to get a job- and she had nearly complied had she not wanted so desperately the breathing room from their farm.

She sighed, it was all about sacrifice. A couple scary hours a couple nights a week was nothing compared to the freedom and the paycheck. Still, as she watched the flashing lights of the bar from behind the counter she couldnt help but wonder if anyone would stumble over into here drunk. The last thing she wanted was to be ogled by an old drunkard. She suppressed a shiver at the thought as she watched people slowly started leaving the bar, most headed to their vehicles- but she knew some would come in. Some would come in to order coffee, or water, or just sit it off before they drove. Not many.

The door rang just as she started up the coffee pot, and she turned over her shoulder to see none other than Ed. The last person she wanted to walk through the door- shed take either Dixon over him. She only had heard rumors involving the Dixon- never having meant either of them personally. Her father had strictly forbid her to stay away from them should she ever see out in town.

"You are what you breed." her father had grumbled. Her mother had explained that a long time ago her father was familiar with their father. "If they are even half of their old man- they arent worth knowing." She explained simply.

It had made sense to go along with her parents. Still, she couldnt imagine any one being worse than Ed Peletier. She had been briefly acquainted with Sophia as her math tutor before he explained that that was Mrs. Peletiers job to assist in ALL of Sophia's homework and she was not to come over again. The man was just pure evil and she was surprised not everyone could see it as clear as it was on Mrs. Peletiers face.

"Good evening, Ed." Beth mutters through clenched teeth, tucking a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ears. The action makes her want to tighten her pony tail but she resists the urge as she grabs her pad and paper. "What can I get for you?"

He grumbles something unintelligible and Beth takes the moment to observe his haggard appearance- tie undone. Large sweat stains under his neck. Hair plastered in odd wet directions. Eyes red. She bites her lip to hide the disgust before she repeats herself. "Im sorry sir, what did you say?"

"Coffee." he says dismissing her with a wave of the hand and she returns to the safety of behind the counter. Her eyes watch out the window of the diner hoping for another drunkard to accompany her. While Ed looked harmless, she still was beyond creeped out being alone with him.

Your a big girl Beth Greene. You will be eighteen in a few short months here. Breathe. You can handle a drunk Ed Peletier. He's a fat uncordinated slob. He doesnt stand a chance if he were to harm you. Not a chance.

She poured him a cup absently and walked around with more purpose in her step as she set the white mug down in front of him.

"Its hot." she warned gently, though she desperately wished he would scald his tongue.

Its not until his hand encircles her wrist firmly does a jut of fear pulse through her. "You're pretty hot yourself."

Are you kidding me?

"Ed." she spoke calmly, hoping she sounded like an adult, hoping he couldnt hear the tremor in her voice. "I think it would be in your best interest to let go of me."

He doesn't seem to be fully present as he grips her wrist more firmly, red eyes finding her face- a small smile growing over his lips.

"Ya think ya stronger than me girl ? I could snap ya wrist in half if I wanted to." his voice slurred strangelly at the end as he moved to a stand. Its not until than did she realize how small she was compared to Ed. She had never found him a tall man, and in that moment he seemed to tower over her. The fear accelerating her heart rate and she found the urge to scream rising in her throat.

He must have seen it to because his other hand wrapped around her throat and he led her to the tiled floor with it.

"Ya bes' be quiet ya here?" He whispered- his breath smelled of stale alcohol, and she winced at the closeness between them. Tears were already forming in her eyes as she wiggled beneath him. He was going to rape her, she could tell. She knew the look- she was young but she was not naïve. She had been touched intamently briefly before by her boyfriend Jimmy. He always stopped though and never made it beneath her blouse and here was Ed. The hand that captured her wrist only moments ago was palming the weight of her small breast.

"Please" she whimpered, the tears staining her cheeks. "dont do this." his hand tightened on her throat with each word and she swore she could feel the world caving in on her.

It was the door ringing that saved her. She turned her attention to the door hoping it was a cop, almost begging for it to be Rick or even Shane. Someone to hull him off her and straight into jail- and if not at least someone who would get the police.

It was neither. In fact, Beth could see no more than a pair of black shoes and tattered blue jeans. It happened in a matter of seconds that Ed was off of her and Beth was gasping for air, coughing hysterically on the tire floor. The fluorescent lights of the diner suddenly blinding as she listened to the sound of flesh against flesh, she pulled herself up off the floor to watch her supposedly hero beat the shit out of Ed.

He didnt stop until she spoke raspidly to him quietly, "Thats enough."

He turned around to face her a small smirk crossing his somehow pale features.

"How old are ya darlin?' and she realized the man in the leather jacket with angel wings (how ironic) was at least slightly intoxicated as well. His voice softly slurred and his eyes slightly gazed with an influence she could only assume was alcohol.

"17." she said quietly, rubbing her throat as if that would wipe the traces of Ed away.

"Well. Damn." He said chuckling, a low rumbling in his chest, rubbing a hand behind his head. "Yous a pretty little thing. Oh well." He paused wiping Ed's blood onto his jeans as he rose to a stand. "Ya can keep a secret cantya? Cant afford ta get into anymore trouble for this shit."

"Youre a Dixon then." she said and she could tell he could even detect the surprise in her voice.

"The eldest!" He exclaimed smiling coyly. "Sure ya heard all the finnnne things Im capable of. Fraid yas a little to young ta have Merle at the wheel sweet thang but ya get a few years older. You can come find me ill make an exception."

She rolled her eyes attempting not to blush at his flirtation antics. "Ill take care of it.. Merle." she added at the end softly experimenting with the name, mainly to see if it was the right one.

His eyes lit up a bit when she said it, that smirk growing if possible even wider before shaking his head. "Damn shame."

Shes not sure what he meant by that- but before she had a chance to thank him- he was gone just the sound of a motorcycle revving off in his wake.

A/N: Reviews are greatly appreciated.