I love Wednesdays! Thanks to everyone who is reading and following our sweet couple on this journey. And, especially reviewing! I really appreciate it!


Snorting, Jason half rolled his eyes. "That's it? I'm pretty sure that doesn't count as a first kiss."

Beth watched Daryl's face as he inhaled, before turning back to their son. "Your dad needed a pre-kiss. I could tell he wanted to kiss me, but he was so… Awkward I was afraid he would never kiss me on his own." Daryl's quiet snort did not go unnoticed. Needlessly fussing with the top edge of his sheet, Beth smiled down at him. "Oh course he would challenge that. He would say he was just biding his time, but if I hadn't pre-kissed him I would probably still be waiting for him to get around to it."

"I thought your first kiss was at the end of the driveway, mom." Annie, the oldest of the children added.

His lip twitching, Daryl grunted. "Five and dime."

~.~.~

Dropping Beth off at the end of her driveway that afternoon, Daryl resisted the urge to jump off his bike and devour her mouth. Blinking back thoughts of running his fingers through her hair and licking up her neck and… Not yet. We got time. Shit, you're just seventeen. Still got six more weeks a school. But his eyes rolled back when he got another whiff of her lemony hair. Damn you smell good. And he decided right then that the library wasn't so bad, in fact whatever she wanted to do, he wanted to do it too.

The next day, pulling into the grass behind the parking lot, he scrubbed his face after taking off his helmet. Resigned to spending another afternoon in the library. Maybe find another hunting magazine, to look at today. Or guns. Or go someplace else. His eyes restlessly scanning the parking lot. Waiting for the bell to ring. When it finally did, he took a step forward. Eyes squinting. The corner of his lips pulling up when he spotted her. Her skirt flapping behind her, blonde ponytail bouncing against her shoulders, and clutching her books to her chest. Taking quick little steps, heading directly towards him. Damn, I'll go anywhere she wants to go.

"Hi." Her voice sweet, and slightly breathy. Blinking up at him, a smile crossing her face. "I wasn't sure you would come back today." Her legs spread in a narrow A, she slowly swayed from side to side. Her cardigan buttoned at the top under the peter-pan collar of her blouse, but mostly hanging down her back. Leaving her bare white arms exposed. Looking so perfect, Daryl almost couldn't see her face.

What. Her mouth's movin'. Shit. "Whatever you want. I don't mind the library." His chin jerking up. Their eyes meeting, hers seeming to laugh at him.

"Library? I said five and dime. I don't really have much homework to do, so maybe we could go to the five and dime. I mean, if you don't have some place else you have to be. Unless You wanted to go to the library."

Nodding, Daryl pulled his helmet from the handlebars. And held it out to her. "What me go to the… No. Five and dime sounds… Let's go." Pretty much don't' care where we go, long as we're together. Biting back a smile when she held out her books for him to strap into the saddlebag. Her head bopping as she pulled the helmet on.

"Why do you always give me the helmet? Don't you need it more? You're in front and all." Tightening the chin strap, just like he had taught her. Her eyes looking out from under the large bowl shaped helmet.

"I don't need it." Rather you're safe. "We don't go very far, or very fast." His words coming out choppy, as he shrugged out of his jacket. Sliding it around her narrow shoulders. Jiggling each side so she could wiggle her arms in.

"Uh huh. And your jacket." Beth pushed at the sleeves, until the tips of her fingers poked out. And she could start working on the zipper that went all the way down the front.

Got thin little fingers. What the hell is wrong with me. Always starin' at her. Wantin' to… "Jacket? Um, so you don't get cold." Or tore up if I lay the bike down. "You ready?" His hand reaching out to squeeze her shoulder, he turned back towards the bike. Easily swinging his right leg over. Then waiting, as she smoothed her skirt. With just a few rides, Beth had gotten proficient at getting on the motorcycle with her skirt all tucked in around her. Being modest and not letting it get caught up in the tires or anywhere, at the same time. Another couple minutes and she was snuggling up to his back, her head between his shoulders. Letting out a content little hum. Kicking up the kickstand, Daryl pulled out. Heading for the five and dime.

Walking in the front door, Daryl wasn't surprised when Beth's hand found his. Her soft fingers curling around his, bringing that rumble to the pit of his stomach. Following her through the store, he didn't even bother to look around to see who else was in there. Or where she was headed. Until she abruptly stopped in front of him, causing him to come to an arching stop on his toes. His chin brushing through her hair as he loomed over her.

Glancing over her shoulder at him, Beth smiled a big, excited looking smile. "See, listening booths. I heard they got some new music in and wanted to hear it. Doesn't that sound like fun?" She looked so excited, all he could do was bob his head. And squeeze her hand.

"Yeah. Great." Listening booth. Ain't never tried one. "That's where ya listen to the new music, before ya buy it, right?" Craning his neck to look around her at the row of five smallish open booths, each with a record player outside it. Pretty small lookin'.

But, Beth was already looking through the records that were available to be sampled. Holding up an unfamiliar jacket. "Ooh, Shake, Rattle and Roll." Her smile growing again, she quickly slid the record out and carefully put it on the turntable outside one of the listening booths. Brushing a loose strand of hair from her face, she motioned for Daryl to go in the booth. Then pushing the start lever, she squeezed in next to him. Standing less than an inch apart, Beth clutched her hands behind herself. Her head tipping back, she looked up at his face. Making his heart stop beating, again. And the music hadn't even started yet.

A few seconds later, the music was pounding into the listening booth. Filling his ears and preventing any discussion. Which he really didn't mind, because Beth immediately began squirming against him, not intentionally it was just a very small space. Especially for dancing. Her chest pressing up against him, he desperately tried to think of a way he could get his jacket off without making her think he just wanted to feel her boobs pressing against him, which he absolutely did. Instead, he let his head drop forward a few inches, straining his ears so he could hear her softly singing along with the record. Sounds perfect, better than the singers. Damn, could stand here all day. Don't even have to listen to nothin'. But, a couple minutes later the song ended and Beth was stepping out of the booth. Giving him a chance to… Make some quick adjustments in his jeans. And catch his breath.

It only took Beth a couple minutes to pick another record and step back into the booth. But it was long enough for Daryl to slide his jacket off and hang it on the hook outside the booth. Then Beth was pressing up against him. "This is Only You by The Platters. It's brand new." This one had a slow beat that made him want to start moving, as the beat pumped through his veins.

When the chorus started the second time, Beth was singing along with the record. And she was moving her hips, pressing up against him. And before he could stop himself, his arms were around her, pulling her into his chest. And his lips were pressing up against her cheek and her nose and the side of mouth, trying to find her lips. Damn, you're so soft. And smell so… Damn. And she didn't hesitate, her arms wrapping around his shoulders. One hand at the back of his neck. Her other hand on his back. And then, he probably shouldn't have, it was way too soon. Especially with a nice girl like her, but he couldn't help himself. His tongue was pressing against her lower lip. Just want to see what ya taste like. It only took two passes before her lips parted, and his tongue was diving in.

The record ended, and Beth pulled her face away from him. Her tongue swiping along her lower lip. Her hands sliding away from his neck and his back, down the sides of his arms. Until they were hanging limp at her sides. She stared up at him. "I, um…"

With an effort, Daryl let his arms completely drop, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. "Sorry, I shouldn't a…." What the hell was I thinkin'. Grabbin' her like that, an'

A smile starting at one end of her lips, Beth whispered. "Don't be. Sorry I mean, I'm not sorry we…" Her words trailing off, as her smile grew and she seemed to sort of puff up.

Damn. "Well, alright. So. I like that one. I really liked that one. Why don't ya…" Start that record over. Maybe you'll let me kiss you again.

Nodding, Beth backed out of the booth. One hand dabbing at her lips. Daryl's eyes following her every movement. The music starting up again, Beth was back in the booth. He wasn't sure if she was pushing up against him, or he was the one pushing up against her. But neither of them was complaining. With a quiet groan, his arms were around her and he was pulling her in even closer than before. Lifting her off her feet, as her arms circled his shoulders. His face nuzzling into her hair, he could hear her little peeps as he rubbed his nose and scratchy cheek against the side of the face, to press his lips against her forehead. Giving her hot kisses. This time he couldn't really hear the singing, but he could feel the music pulsing through him. And her. In the way they were moving together. Briefly thinking, Good thing we got clothes on. They were so wrapped up with each other, neither of them heard the record end. Not aware that it was silent outside their booth. Until there was a loud knocking on the outside edge of their listening booth.

Abruptly separating, Beth swiped at a strand of hair that had escaped her ponytail and was hanging down her cheek. While Daryl tried thinking about kittens and baseball—the most boring game of all time—and what her dad would say if he caught them. Anything to make his dick behave.

"That's enough of that. I'm starting to get complaints about you two." A deep, booming voice greeting his ear, Daryl looked down at Beth. Who had turned the brightest shade of red he had ever seen on a person. Her hand hooked around his wrist, her fingernails starting to cut into his skin. She seemed to be physically shrinking.

Clearing his throat, Daryl tried to call his voice back before answering the man. "Yeah, um. It's a really good song. Sorry we got so…" What the hell do I say we was doin'. "Noisy in here. You know, tryin' to sing along." Even I wouldn't believe that broke dick line.

"Well, try to keep it down." Finally the man's head appeared in the doorway. His voice dropping to a stage whisper. "Next time angle yourself into the corner, and shield your girl."

Next time. "Yes sir." Called her my girl. His eyes rolling back, Daryl stared at the ceiling until the man's footsteps disappeared. Then, leaning down, he whispered in Beth's ear. "It's okay, he's gone." Relieved when Beth tipped her head back, and giving him a brief smile she pressed up on her toes and kissed him. Full on the mouth. Well Damn. Ain't missin' that next time.

After listening to the song, Only You, a couple more times Daryl insisted it was time to leave. Gotta go someplace more public. Weaving their way through the five and dime, this time he was leading the way with Beth clinging to his hand. He was sure every person he saw was turning to stare at them. Scowling at the sight of a greaser apparently dragging a cute little teeny bopper through the store. Beth's red scratched cheek and disheveled sweater didn't help. Reaching the front of the store, the man who had spoken to Daryl appeared. Only now he was all smiles.

"Did you find everything you were looking for, son?" He was addressing Daryl, but his eyes were on Beth. Looking at her face, and lower.

He just makin' sure that… "Yes sir. We're gonna get this one." Lifting the forty-five with one hand, he squeezed Beth's hand a little tighter with the other. Trying to pull her behind him a little. Asshole. Ain't gonna have you starin' at her like that.

The looks from the cashier sort of made his skin inch, until Beth started giggling behind him. Then he could hardly keep a straight face long enough to drag his wallet from his back pocket. After Daryl paid for the forty five, they didn't even wait for a bag before running outside. Both of them laughing. Daryl stuffing the forty five in the saddlebag, while Beth pulled on his helmet. Tightening the chin strap, sort of, while she bounced on her toes.

"That was so fun." Sinking on her heels, standing still long enough for Daryl to wrap his jacket around her shoulders. Letting him hold out the sleeves for her arms. Not protesting when he started fooling around with the bottom of the zipper, which was hanging several inches below her waist. Lightly tripping forward when he grabbed the collar and pulled it—and her—towards himself.

Staring into her big, blue eyes, and that smile. And the lemony smell of her hair. Damn, how'd I get so lucky. "So, we got a little time before ya have to be home. Ya wanna…" Anything, anywhere. Today, just tell me what ya want.

At Beth's urging, he was back on his bike, with her snuggled up behind him. Too soon, he was pulling up on the end of the long gravel drive. With Beth taking her time to climb off, her hands seeming to keep finding his shoulders and arm. She seemed as reluctant to say good-bye as he was. But it couldn't be put off forever. And eventually, he was off the bike, also.

His helmet resting on the seat of his bike, Beth started fooling with the end of the zipper on his jacket. Daryl watched for a moment, before reaching out to unstrap the saddlebag where her books were stashed.

"Wait. I. Um…" Twisting her saddle shoe in the gravel, his jacket hanging open from her shoulders. Just the tips of her fingers visible at the ends of the sleeves, Beth looked up at him. Slightly biting down on her lower lip. "I've been having a ball the last few days. Going to the library and the five and dime and the park."

Just want to hug ya one more time. Today. "Yeah, me too." And without over thinking it, or talking himself out of it, his hands were reaching inside his leather jacket. Snaking around her waist, pulling her off her feet into his chest. His lip twitching at the sound of her soft moan, one hand sliding up between her shoulders. Pressing a hot kiss to her willing lips. Shit, could just devour ya.

When his arms gave out, he let her slide down to her toes. Their foreheads pressed together. Both of them panting. Staring into each other. Daryl was the first to pull back, or maybe it was just because he was taller it seemed like he was first. But eventually he straightened. Not moving far, they were still breathing each other's air.

Catching his breath, he forced out. "Can't believe…" Swallowing thickly. "Mmm. I can't believe it's only been a week or so. Seems like…"

"I know." Her hands still gripping his arms. The blue of her eyes seeming to grow, drawing him in. And her perfect lips. Swollen, pinker than usual. He was blinking hard to keep from kissing her again. "Daryl. I have to go in."

"Um hmm." His fingers tracing down the side of her face, brushing her hair back. "Yeah. Before you go, um…" Pulling back, he straightened his shoulders, a little grin on his face. A nervous grin. "I know it ain't been long, but would… Would you… Um, would you be my girl?" Sound like a damn high school boy. Shit, what if she says…

And her arms were around his neck, and she was up on her toes, with a flurry of "Oh golly, yes! Of course I'll be your girl." And his lips found hers again, his hands tightening around her lower back. As he tried to absorb her.

Running out of breath, they pulled apart simultaneously. Both panting, again. Beth's hand going to her forehead, brushing her hair from it was sticking to her damp skin. "I have to… I…"

Nodding, his arms loosening, but not releasing her. "I know, Sweet Pea." Sweet Pea? What the hell. Never called nobody nothin' like that before.

"Sweet Pea? I'm your Sweet Pea? Oh Daryl." Bouncing on her toes, eyes sparkling. She seemed to be having as much trouble saying good-bye as he was.

Daryl was the one to actually step back first. "You have to… But…" Digging in the saddlebag, he pulled out the forty-five. Pressing it into her hands. "Here."

Pulling it up to her chest, she bounced on her toes. "Daryl, this is our song. Thank you." And with a couple more hugs, Beth took her school books and started running up the driveway.

Daryl watched until she disappeared, before pulling away. The next three weeks, he picked her up behind the high school parking lot every day. Both of them ignoring the looks her friends gave him. And the fact that the number of friends she walked out with grew smaller every day. Leaving the back of the parking lot on his motorcycle, they would head for the diner for sodas. Or the library, which turned out to have lots of dark corners where not many people went, that were good for sneaking some kisses. Or the five and dime to check out the new tunes in a listening booth. Or, necking while they played Only You over and over. Or walking in the park, while Daryl thought of all the pretty places he wanted to show her. Instead, he taught her how to move through the woods without making a sound, and they spent time in private areas necking. Before he dropped her off at the end of the driveway.

Sitting in the diner or the library, Beth told him funny stories of trying to explain away her swollen lips and messy hair, or how she used a knotted scarf to cover the occasional hickey on the side of her neck. Which he really tried not to do. But, sometimes he just could help it. Her skin tasted so sweet, and she made the prettiest little sounds when he sucked along her pulse points, he got a little carried away. What he really wanted, was to see her on Saturday's and Sunday's. And to tell everybody that she was his girl. Especially her parents.


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