Chapter 4 - Love in a Hopeless Place
Note To All: I am absolutely overwhelmed by all the love everyone has been sending me. I'm so beyond stoked that you like my 'Lane' and her crazy aunts. My version of season 3 is a bit lighter and brighter than this season is turning out to be...so I hope you like my variation as the real season unfolds.
Reviews: You all are the crack to my review habit! Like a junkie, I keep checking my email. You keep me going and keep me challenged. Even when it's just a little something, a review from people who've read what I put out there...it's the most thrilling thing. So Thanks Ya'll..and if you have any suggestions, feel free! I'd also love to hear your thoughts on Season 3. Gossip, musings, wishes...anything!
marianasgirl: I'm so glad you think so. I hope I don't disappoint.
BarnWalkersSuck: You are so nice. Thank you for joining me and I hope you like.
Eternalshifter: I'm planning to update at least once a week in response to the show, and filler as 'necessary'! Love filler!
BoneyKingOfNowhere: You are the bomb. I wasn't sure if anyone else would pick up on the Godiva. Smore's with Godiva. Does it get any better. I always look forward to hearing from you. If I get to Belgium, expect a call!
kschu02: Thank you so much. I'm glad the writers made Carol stronger too. You'd think she'd be the strongest considering she'd lived with Ed. But I'm going to use her newfound strength the way I think she would. Knowing how precious time is, I'm thinking she's gonna go all out for what she wants.
Audrey Whyte: Thank you so much. I'm planning on updating weekly, with extras thrown in as the muse strikes.
Bellllllllasaurus: I'm so glad I'm growing on you and that you're hanging with me. I hope to keep you entertained and intrigued.
JavaNut: I'm glad you saw the strength. Like everyone she is strong in some areas, yet needs help in others. I like the complexity of her.
Emberka-2012: I know it was probably jarring, but hopefully things have been explained to Lane now...and Rick also is reconsidering.
piratejessieswaby: Thank you so much. He is such a fun, complex character to engage.
Leyshla Gisel: I can't thank you enough for hanging with me through everything! Such a support.
Marulk: I'm so glad you like the humor. I have to imagine they'd be able to find humor, in spite of it all.
GypsyWitchBaby: You see the layers that not everyone does. Keep the insights coming, so I can incorporate them.
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So here we Go: Chapter 4: Love in a Hopeless Place:
"What happened out there. We heard such a commotion." Ethel accused them all, reaching for Miriam's hand as they both waited for the group to lock the anteroom and enter the cell block.
"How's daddy?" Maggie threw her stuff down and ran over to Beth and Lori.
"He's alive, thanks to Lori. She gave him mouth to mouth and did CPR. I was so afraid, but Lori never gave up. She actually brought him back," Beth gushed with gratitude and clear devotion for Lori. Beth glared at Maggie who might be ok with writing their dad off but she wasn't ready to dig his grave just yet.
This news jerked Rick's head up, and his eyes lovingly rested on Lori's face and for just a millisecond Lane glimpsed the man Rick must have been. And then, just as quickly, Lane watched Rick literally force his humanity away. But in that brief moment Lane saw a different man. A man who had moved heaven and earth to find his wife and son, and fought to keep them safe. And he was closing himself off from them as a form of self-preservation. Lane was all too familiar with that coping technique.
Lane felt her aunts pull her into their arms and she allowed herself the luxury of being comforted in their embrace...listening to them cluck, tisk and task over her. But before she even realized she was doing it she found herself glancing around the room to find Daryl, like he was the missing half to her whole. This was becoming a reflex, she scolded herself. Isn't it enough you practically jumped his bones in the janitor closet?
Or had she, she asked herself as anxiety set in. Everything was becoming so fuzzy she wasn't sure what was real...and what wasn't. Kissing him had sure seemed so real. It felt so real, but now she struggled to remember. She raised her fingers to her lips, trying to find a physical reminder.
"What happened out there?" Miriam reiterated her question.
"We got separated...This herd broke free and cut us off. We had to hole up in a broom closet," Daryl answered instead of Lane.
"But hey, we found a lifetime's supply of toilet paper. Buncha towels, sheets and other shit too," Daryl tried to sound lighthearted because he didn't want everyone to see how freaked out Lane's aunts were... and it seemed to work. Soon everyone was swooning over the thought of an unlimited supply of toilet paper.
"Oh, dear God, Lanie! Are you ok? You look ok! Miriam, doesn't she look ok?" Ethel began babbling and she shoved Lanie in front of her, inspecting her...turning her this way, then that.
Finally convinced Lane really was ok, Ethel glanced over to Daryl who just gave her a subtle nod ... He was letting her know he had used the meds she slipped him. Silently, Ethel mouthed 'thank you'.
With a quirk of his head he acknowledged Ethel and decided he needed to get away from this mayhem. He needed to go take a piss or something. Things were getting way too touchy feely in there.
Miriam watched Daryl hurry away and head outside... There was a strength in him she admired. But there was so much pain and uncertainty. Something about this man touched her and when he looked at her Lanie, there was something important there... It wasn't just lust. But still, she'd seen him shut down that fire, those feelings that simmered just under the surface, and as quickly as they flashed, they disappeared. It was heartbreaking to watch, Miriam shook her head.
"Why'dya give my meds to Daryl and not me Auntie?" Lane whispered to her aunts after they escorted her to their own room. It was a room now, no longer a cell since Ethel and Miriam spruced things up. Heavy blankets hung along the bars, and the walls had been scrubbed spotless.
"Sweetie, I know you! You would deny it was happening and just try and fight it and fight it... until the point you couldn't fight it anymore. But I am so sorry I didn't tell you. I should have and it won't happen again," Ethel promised, refusing to meet Miriam's 'I told you so' eyes.
"It's ok, Auntie," Lane forgave her aunt. "I did end up needing them, and you're right. By that time, I couldn't even..." Lane's humiliation was making it difficult to continue.
"Daryl had to put them in my mouth for me," Lane explained, surprising both aunts with how well she was doing. In the past, an experience like this would result in at least a month of in-patient care. Ethel took another look and realized just how flush her niece's cheeks still were. Was that stubble burn?
"Do you maybe want to tell us if something went on between you and that hot blue eyed hunter while you were cooped up in that room with all that toilet paper?" Ethel probed, her blue eyes alight with mischief yet again.. Something had happened in there she was sure of it. But was Lane prepared to talk about it? Ethel had a strong feeling it was way juicier than the last time.
"You are impossible ya know! I can't keep anything from you can I?" Lane accused her aunts with good nature, but Ethel and Miriam were equally concerned by the weariness in Lane's voice. Lanie was scared, and wouldn't tell them why?
With every second that passed, Lane became even more unsure if anything had actually happened in the closet ...or had she just imagined it all. Like when she used to escape to her happy place to get through 'things' years ago. Was it happening again? If it was, it could put them all in danger.
"Sweetie, you know Ethel packed your guitar. It's still under the bed in the RV?" Miriam suggested gently after Ethel left to get a cool rag. Miriam remembered how much music had helped Lane with her recovery. Miriam admired Ethel's intuition, and something told her, Lane just might want it even though she hadn't played in years.
Lane had never let anyone hear her play, except Miriam found a way to listen anyway. There were days that haunting melody, Lane played over and over just broke her heart. And the worst part, was that she didn't know how to help Lanie, even with all the help and advice of the best psychiatrists and experts money could by.
So instead Miriam just listened, ear pressed up to the door while Lane hid herself away... often playing the same melody over and over. Miriam still wondered what that tune meant. She'd been so haunted by it she recorded it one day on her cell phone and gave it to the FBI...and the psychiatrist. But they weren't able to find anything...no connection at all. Still, Miriam knew that song was somehow important.
Even more difficult was that Lane never spoke to anyone about what happened to her. Other than what the FBI put together, Lane never said anything...and she and Ethel never pushed
Lane looked up at Miriam, meeting her wise, caring blue eyes. She knew Miriam wouldn't push her. It was just one of the millions of things she loved about Miriam. She always allowed Lane to work things through in her own sweet time.
"Why don't you go cleanup! You're disgusting!" Miriam shooed her out of the room.
"Me?" Lane protested. "What about you?" But then she got a good look at herself. "Yeah, you're right, I am disgusting." Lane admitted. She gave her aunt a quick kiss on the cheek. But before she left to go cleanup, she whispered, "I love you, you know that?"
"I love you more!" Miriam swatted her behind, instantly bringing Lane back to the grade school routine that they shared.
"She's pretty isn't she?" Carol snuck up behind Daryl who was standing along the fenced ledge and watching Lane pace around the yard. She reminded him of a caged animal at the zoo.
Daryl glanced down at Carol before scolding himself for letting Carol sneak up in him like that.
"You're really getting good!" he accused, but a little proud since he was the one her taught her not to clod around like she used to.
"Don't patronise me. You're just distracted," she chided in a sing-song voice, hiding her irritation that this new girl had taken up so much of Daryl's time. Time that he used to spend with her.
"I ain't distracted!" he protested with a low grumble. But here he was, starin' at Lane and thinkin' 'bout what happened between them in the closet. Wondering if it would happen again. Who was he kiddin'? He was hopin' it would happen again.
"She's an amazing woman! But I don't need to tell you that!" Carol knew she had to thread this needle delicately, so she proceeded cautiously, yet still sidling up to his shoulder. While it was technically a compliment, so nobody could say Carol was criticizing her, the way she said it implied that Lane was out of his league. That women like Lane didn't belong with the likes of him. They should be placed on a pedestal and admired.
"Her aunts told me how she just sold her software company for a half a billion dollars. That's how they bought that fancy schmancy RV. Can you imagine having so much money?" Carol exclaimed.
"I remember struggling to choose between paying the electric bill or buying groceries! What in God's name could a person would do with all that money?" Carol rambled on and on.
Daryl's head whipped around and then stared back down at Lane as she continued pacing the fence line. The Lane he was watching had no resemblance to the person Carol kept describing.
"None of that matters now does it?" Daryl reminded Carol. Rick had been a cop, but still had always treated him like they were equals. This new, fucked-up world had a unique way of leveling the playing field.
"Yeah, but still. Did you know, she had dinner with the President...she actually stayed the night at the White House!" Carol didn't sound impressed though. She sounded critical.
"If I had that much money, I would have sent Sophia to the best schools...and hired the best divorce attorney," Carol's eyes misted at the memory of her daughter. Still, she asked God for forgiveness for using the memory of her daughter to manipulate this man. This man that had been so good to her. But it really was for his own good, she assured herself.
"What would you do with that much money?" Carol asked him. Daryl knew she hadn't come up here to discuss Lane's bank balance, but she was up to something. She had never acted like this before which ironically was why he'd liked her. She'd always been straight with him.
"Carol? Whatcha really here for?," In spite of what people often thought, he wasn't stupid.
"I just...I don't want to see ya get hurt," Carol placed a tentative hand on his back.
"Why do ya automatically assume that I'm the one that's gonna get hurt," he snapped.
"She doesn't know you...she doesn't understand people like us," she reminded him again of how she had seen his scars, had tolerated his hatefulness when he lashed out and still she'd stood by him. It forced Daryl to actually consider, what would Lane do if he lashed out at her the way he had with Carol? He became disgusted at the thought.
When Carol looked up into his assessing eyes, she wanted desperately for him to kiss her. Or just once, look at her they way he looked at Lane. And as quick as a flash, Daryl put it all together.
"Carol...you know I don't" he was suddenly beyond uncomfortable as he struggled to find the words to make this whole 'situation' go away.
"You know I like ya and all. But you must know I don't...I don't think of ya like that." he knew he was hurting her and he hated it. He hated it because he did really care for her...just not like Lane. But he hated being the cause of that pain and betrayal on her face. All those emotions were so raw on her face. Things were never supposed to get like this between them. He'd just thought they were friends and that was it.
"But you do her!" Carol didn't need him to answer. It wasn't a question...merely a statement of fact. And it stung. So Carol tucked the pain away...she wasn't sure what she'd do with it...but this new Carol was not going down without a fight. She just figured Daryl needed to work this little bit of flotsom out of his system first. And she'd be there to pick up the pieces.
"Don't say I didn't warn ya?" Carol left him alone with her parting words.
"You just better hope someone else doesn't come along, because you and I both know she'll be gone when that happens. She ain't one of us, Daryl." Carol's voice echoed in his ears with the implicit promise that she'd be there waiting...
Daryl heard her coming long before she appeared. She slowly creaked open the tower door to join him on watch. He gave himself a mental note to teach her to not clomp so loud.
He'd hardly seen her since they'd got back, except to watch over her while she paced the yard. Other than that, she remained cooped up in her RV.
"Hey you," she said in a whisper, strangely averting her eyes as if she was embarrassed to be up here with him. Or was she embarrassed at the memory of being with him? Screwing with the help? he snarled in his head.
"Hey," he said just as quietly, feeling defensive as a thousand sets of insecurities began rampaging through his psyche. Did she think it was ok to 'get all up on him' in the safety of the closet, and now act like it never happened? Stuck up bitch, he mentally accused as Merle's voice echoed in his head. Even now, she figured he wasn't good enough fer her?
He sat and stared out across the dark yard while she situated herself awkwardly in the chair. With a deep breath that could be seen in the cold night air, she spoke.
"You ever heard of Sam Edgars?" Lane whispered out of nowhere. Daryl snapped his head around, all his attention on Lane while his own breath snagged and caught in his chest.
"You don't mean Sammy The Freak?" Daryl begged her to say no, his stomach sinking at the realization of where this story might be heading.
"Ya said you wanted to know? That still true?" Lane asked, her voice haunted and dull. She stared down at her fidgeting hands, unable to still them.
Daryl felt ill. Physically, nauseatingly ill. He remembered how Merle used to crack up laughing about the horrible things this serial murderer had done when the stories aired on the news...as if it were a big joke
Daryl nodded yes to Lane. Except he was lying. He didn't want to hear a single word... but he knew he needed to.
"I've never told anyone about what happened," she admitted before she began.
"I was almost 17 and it was the start of my senior year. It was supposed to be the best year ever. I had no idea he'd even been watching me until the FBI showed me all these pictures he'd taken," her voice hitched at the memory of the FBI, laying down picture after picture on her hospital tray, asking if she remembered anything.
"I drove my best friend home from school that day... I was so excited to be driving my new car," she said with a wistful smile. "Aunt Ethel and Aunt Miriam surprised me with the most perfect red BMW convertible. You have no idea what that car meant?," she tried to focus on how she felt when her aunts handed her the keys, rather than the terror that ensued. She'd never been able to even look at that car after that, much less drive it. Her aunts donated the car to support Victims of Violent Crime, before she got home from the hospital. Every since, she drove silver or black cars.
Daryl remained silent and listened. He knew some of what happened since many of the more salacious details had been splashed all over the tv. He vaguely recalled there'd even been one of them movie of the weeks on that chick channel.
"When we got to Lynn's house he was there waiting. He'd already killed her mom and dad. There was so much blood...but yet he was just sitting there. Lynn was hysterical, but he just grabbed her and slashed her neck right in front of me. It was really for me...like he was giving me a performance. Killing someone meant nothing to him," her voice cracked as she forced herself to remember the horror of walking into the blood spattered kitchen. Like a nightmarish Jackson Pollack painting. And his eyes, the way they were so turned on by what he'd done. Or was he turned on by her complete terror? But she knew she'd never forget his eyes. That same cold deadness she recognized in Tomas' eyes.
"He loved it ...he was so turned on by it," she clarified causing Daryl to grunt in disgust.
"He knocked me out and the next thing I know, I'm in this room...completely dark. I guess I was there a month...I couldn't really keep track but that's what the FBI told me," she couldn't tell him what went on during that month. Whatever happened during that month, she either couldn't or wouldn't allow herself to remember.
"What he really liked was drowning women. That was the ultimate for him. He loved to watch them as the life left their eyes. He'd actually make videotapes. Then he'd spend hours recreating it in his paintings," Daryl hadn't known this part. There apparently was a lot the FBI kept out of the papers. What he was most concerned about was how Lane's voice changed...like she was on autopilot.
"That last day, I guess he was ready to move on. So he put me into his plexiglass tank and stood by the tank watching me," she was trembling and it was getting harder to continue. And it was getting harder for Daryl to hear. He wanted to smash something or beat the hell outta someone.
"I was still in the tank when the FBI rushed in. I couldn't hold my breath any longer. But I refused to let him see my face, so I curled up away from him. I don't know how I knew it was important, but for some reason I just couldn't give him the satisfaction of watching me die." Lane remembered how furious he'd been. The way he'd banged against the plexiglass. Threatening her, his madness making him go berserk. He'd actually been trying to get her out of the tank so she wouldn't ruin it for him.
"Come here," he pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her until she stilled and leaned her head into his neck. She loved the way he smelled...like man, woods, leather, sweat and strength.
"It was the stupid tank!" Lane cried out as she shook in his arms.
" That was how they found me, you know!" she laughed wryly and mumbled against his neck.
"I'm forever grateful...but it was this analyst lady, she took it upon herself to track every Plexiglass order in the entire country. They'd analyzed it from some of his snuff videos they'd found. What was it the FBI called it? His signature! It was the damn plexiglass," she repeated. "Not me, or all the women he killed before...it was the damn plexiglass."
Her voice faded until he could barely hear her even breathe. Daryl desperately tried to think of something... to say something comforting that might help her. But all he wanted to do was track this guy and kill him. Kill him again over and over, if he'd turned. Even better, he'd take his time killing him over and over and over. Instead, he held her in his arms and they sat there in the silence of the night.
"Daryl?" Lane's voice was an awkward whisper after they'd sat there a half an hour.
"I need to know? Did we ... kiss and do 'stuff' today? In the closet?" her voice sounded terrified and so small. Was this where she told him they should both forget anything ever happened? Or maybe she'd just deny it ever had?
"Yeah, we did. Why ya asking? Ya was there with me. Did ya forget what happened already?" Daryl accused while at the same time feeling uncomfortable, making Lane wonder if he wanted her to get off him.
Instead Lane, threw herself against him, nuzzling his neck with her lips, unable to keep from taking a quick taste and nipping him slightly.
"As if I could? I'm just so glad," Lane felt giddy with relief. "I was so afraid I was..." Lane wasn't sure how to explain. But she was encouraged when she felt Daryl relax beneath her and tightened his arms around her to pull her closer.
"Afraid ya was what," Daryl prompted, craning his neck to look at her face.
"I didn't tell you about what happened in that closet he kept me in, cause I don't know. I can't remember," Lane tried to explain. "I would go 'away', ya know? Like to this place in my mind. Where it was better ...and I wasn't so afraid. My doctor told me I was safe and I didn't need to go there anymore, but after what happened today I started to wonder. I was afraid I maybe 'went to that better place in my head' today. That you were my better place," she looked down in shame.
"I was so afraid that I made it all up in my head." her final words tumbled out.
"Naw..,,ya didn't make anythin' up," Daryl told her, refusing to think about why he was so relieved to hear she wasn't ashamed to be with him. Carol's words seemed to keep running on some stupid loop in the back of his mind.
"I'm so glad!" she lifted her head to smile at him, placing her hands on either side of his face, luxuriating in his sexy stubble. "Would ya mind maybe refreshing my memory? Just so I can be sure?"
Looking at the relief and joy in her eyes that he'd really been kissing her, was too much for him.
"Well, as long as it's fer a good cause!" Daryl surprised himself with his humor. So as not to startle her he slowly reached up to cup the back of her neck and pulled her closer, at first inch by exquisite inch, then millimeter by millimeter until they shared each other's breath.
She leaned in, unable to stand it any longer as their lips met. She was starting to understand what it meant to crave another person.
Daryl felt Lane sigh into his mouth and he began to break apart and lose control. He crushed her hair in his fingers, guiding her closer while he snaked his tongue between her half open lips. Lane responded with equal hunger and slid and tangled her tongue so perfectly against his.
This time it was Daryl that sighed and deepened the kiss, getting harder by the moment when she responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and grabbing hold of his hair.
"You feel so good," she mumbled against his mouth, trying to memorize every sensation. The way he felt, the way his stubble tickled yet burned her cheeks, and the way he smelled... He smelled so perfect. It was a heady concoction of soap, his own musky sweat and leather.
When they eventually came up for air they were both panting hard, eyes dilated telling each other they both needed more. But with a look at their surroundings, Lane acknowledged this was not safe.
"I want you so desperately right here...and right now. So I think I'd better sit back over there," Lane reluctantly extricated herself from Daryl's arms, forcing herself to pull away while simultaneously dreaming of getting him alone.
"Ya don't gotta," Daryl surprised himself by protesting and pulling her back on his lap. For a moment she allowed the fantasy.
"Ummmm," she groaned, gripping his head in both hands while she snaked her tongue in his ear...nibbling playfully on the lobe. But still, in the back of both of their minds they knew they had nothing.
"I can't think straight while I'm on top of you. I can't even focus ... Being this close," Lane admitted even as she struggled to breathe and purposefully squirmed on his lap. Her answer and labored pants seemed to please Daryl, since he eventually released her, but not before kissing her yet again.
So they sat in companionable silence the rest of their watch. Still, every so often she'd catch him giving her those long heated looks that curled her toes. And the way she bit her lower lip when she peeked over at him made his dick strain against the unforgiving fabric.
Lane also glanced over at him for any signs that he might now think of her as damaged goods or too dangerous to partner with. But other than the looks that reminded her of why she had to stay in her own chair, there was nothing that made her concerned..
Rick came up to relieve them for next watch at 3:00 am with Glenn right behind.
"Daryl! Ya mind holding up?" Rick placed a stilling hand on Daryl's shoulder. Lane gave Daryl a backward glance, feeling strangely comforted by Daryl's heated nod to go on ahead. Still Rick stood with Daryl while they both waited for Lane to disappear around the corner and Glenn to go on up to the tower.
"Ya ok bein' partnered with Lane?" Rick knew he had to proceed cautiously when talking to Daryl about this.
"Yeah, I'm good. She holds her own." Daryl said in all honesty, but that wasn't what Rick had really been asking. But Daryl decided to stay quiet and make Rick be more specific.
"I saw Ethel give pills to you. Looked like the same pills you gave to Hershel, ya know...when he got bit. I spoke with Hershel, and told him what ya did. He said ya done right by him, giving them to him when ya did. He said it helped keep him from going into shock or cardiac arrest," Rick complimented Daryl. Rick knew he looked to Daryl more and more these as a moral touchstone. At times, Rick felt he might just be slipping away. The part of him that was still 'Rick'needed Daryl to be the one to pull him back from the brink.
"I just need to know if this gerl could be a risk to ya. I mean she's a damn fine fighter, no doubt about that. But if she can't be counted on, then I need ta know what situations she can and cain't handle," Rick's eyes bored into Daryl's. Daryl looked around wondering, 'why the hell is everyone warning me about Lane?'
"She ain't comfortable in tiny spaces is all. Fer good reason, ya ask me." Daryl added while trying to minimize her issue. "But she's gettin' better at it." Daryl smirked, remembering her comment about their 'therapy'.
"Ya wanna fill me in?" Rick asked but Daryl hesitated. Daryl struggled with telling Rick what Lane had just confided to him in confidence.
"Ain't really my shit to tell." Daryl qualified but then figured he trusted Rick. He'd done right by him so far.
"She was Sammy the Freak's last victim. She was the girl that was with him when they caught him". Daryl figured that much had likely been a matter if public record.
"Holy Shit? That was Lane?" Rick didn't know what to say. He'd been privy to some of the details about the case but he and Shane had literally just started on the force. But he did remember learning that the officers involved needed counseling to deal with the horror.
"I remember. Everyone was terrified. That was when I insisted Lori learn to shoot," Rick remembered that fear-induced nausea he felt every morning when he kissed a pregnant Lori goodbye.
Rick, began remembering Lori pregnant with Carl. He'd been so in love and so excited for Lori to have their baby...how they'd married right away. Now, looking back, had Lori been as excited as he had been? She'd been the one to give up her dreams. She'd been the one to drop out of college, but he hadn't given up anything. Rick snatched his thoughts back to the present...back to this situation with Daryl.
"Daryl? I know how a woman has a way of getting under yer skin. Can make ya consider things ya wouldn't otherwise" Rick pressed. "Make ya do crazy things..." Rick let his voice fade away.
"Are we talkin' 'bout me? Or 'bout you and Lori?" Daryl snapped back, confused by the abrupt change in conversation.
Daryl was actually shocked when Rick began to laugh ... Not a chuckle but all out belly laugh. Daryl really had to search the ol' memory bank to remember when the last time he'd seen Rick smile, much less laugh.
"Daryl. Thanks man. I love that I can depend on ya to call me out on my bullshit," Rick slapped him in the back. "I need that from you."
"Ya really like her, don't ya?" Rick did an about face, suddenly feeling like he did in high school. Like those old days talking to Shane about his latest conquest, and getting shit for not doing the same.
"I s'ppose I do," Daryl answered in typical Daryl style. Absolutely no details. The complete opposite of Shane. But Rick noticed how Daryl kept shuffling his feet.
"You suppose? I think that ship sailed the minute you laid eyes on her," Rick said matter-of-factly, remembering how Daryl had honed in on Lane the minute she drove up in their RV.
"It's obvious you're ...'into' her and Lane obviously feels likewise." Rick stated things the way he saw them.
"I don't need to be the one to remind ya, there's not a whole lot of chances fer good things like this these days. Ya might want to grab hold and enjoy it. You may not get second chance." Rick hated to sound like the Grim Reaper.
"It's just that ya got experience and know what to do. Ya know, how to be with a woman. She ain't some skank," Daryl paused, shocked by his own admission.
"No, she definitely is not 'some skank'. And that's a good thing," Rick muttered good-naturedly, forcing himself to remember Merle had probably been Daryl's biggest influence with regards to women and sex.
"So, you been with 'that other type' of woman?" Rick didn't want to continue with the 'skank' thing. "But you're right, this is way different. But a million times better, I promise."
"Rick? I ain't been with anyone when it's mattered...I don't wanna her to think I'm just some dick er nuthin," Daryl burned with humiliation at his admission, but comfortable with Rick that he wouldn't screw him.. Still, Daryl damn sure couldn't tell Rick he'd only been with two women and neither of them seem particularly impressed with his performance...until they got their money.
"Lori and I went to counselling some years ago. Being married to a cop isn't easy, and we needed some help." it was Rick's turn to be embarrassed, but Daryl seemed relieved to know that everything didn't just come so perfect to Rick.
"Anyway, she gave us these sex homework assignments." Rick explained.
"Sex homework?" Daryl snorted.
"Yeah," Rick laughed with him. "I wasn't the best about doing my homework in school, but suddenly I was determined to be an A+ student."
"Well, I tell ya about the advanced stuff later," Rick promised as he fondly remembered when they'd been told they couldn't have sex for two weeks, with the reward being they could have sex every day for a month after. He hadn't known until later that the therapist was planning on that they'd cheat...and lie about it together. It was intended to be team-building.
"One of the first assignments we had was to mirror what the other person was doing. Usually people do things to their partner that they'd like to have done to them. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes a fun way to tell each other what you want more of," Rick remembered how much fun they'd had. How they'd used the entire box of condoms that weekend they'd snuck off, leaving Carl with Lori's parents.
"When the time comes, you'll know what to do, I promise. Best advice is to take your time and enjoy it. Pay attention to what she likes." Rick encouraged. "and do more of that. And you are THE most observant man I know."
"Oh and Daryl? Forget anything you ever seen in pornos." it sounded like a joke, but Rick was completely serious. What he was really saying was, if you think it's something Merle would do...then do the opposite.
"We good?" Rick offered his hand.
"We good" Daryl went to leave but then something Lane said kept ringing in his head. Daryl turned back to talk to Rick.
"Hey Rick, Lane didn't much cotton to how ya was treatin' Lori. She thought ya was bein' mean. I told her she might outta wait til she had the facts before she went to judging," Daryl looked down, not sure it he wanted to continue.
"And? Does she have the facts now?" Rick pondered as he realized he'd never once thought about what his behavior must look like to someone who hadn't been with them for the last eight months... Didn't know that Shane now stood between them stronger than he ever had when he was alive.
"Don't suppose any of us do... 'cept ya and Lori," Daryl answered.
Rick stood there in the moonlight watching Daryl's back disappear. Was Daryl was trying to tell him something? Rick admitted he might outta be concerned if Daryl Dixon had taken it upon himself to give him relationship advice.
Lane lay there hoping he would come and stay in the RV with her again. She'd even quickly brushed her teeth...and as an afterthought...she gave her legs a quick swipe with the razor, unable to ignore the sting of pain. Oh yeah, this is way sexier than stubble, she glared at the angry bumps on her legs that she tried to soothe with lotion. But after lying in bed awhile, she figured Rick must have lifted the ban. That was probably what he'd pulled Daryl aside for. And she couldn't really expect Daryl to babysit her because she couldn't sleep in the prison.
Yeah...she was disappointed, but still, it had been a spectacular day...in spite of the fact she'd been locked in a broom closet and gone into a nearly catatonic state. But Daryl had been there with her, and she'd come through with little more than a headache, and the pleasurable memory of how she got the stubble burn. And those were her last thoughts before her eyes fluttered shut, lightly rubbing her cheek at the day's memory.
Daryl crept into the RV after doing another perimeter check of the fences, but she was already sound asleep. He told himself he'd intended to just check on her and then go lay back down on the sofa, but he found himself lingering as he leaned against the wall. She looked so beautiful, her hair fanned all out. What does she see in me? He went over and over every possible explanation, while Carol's words haunted him. 'She ain't like us ' he heard over and over in his head. But still, standing here looking at her, he couldn't seem to find a reason to care.
As if she felt his eyes upon her, Lane rolled over and opened her bleary eyes. He stood still while she struggled to focus. He prepared himself for signs of disappointment or anger but instead he saw relief. She reached to him and grasped his hand, linking her fingers with his while pulling him onto the bed with her. He laid his head by hers on the fluffy pillow and allowed himself to get lost in her foamy green eyes.
"Mr. Dixon, I really hope this is real, but I don't care if it isn't," Lane whispered as she ran her fingers through his now longish hair. Daryl was equally entranced, even when her eyes fluttered closed again. How did this woman waltz in out of nowhere an grab holda him like this?
Daryl looked down at Lane, who had snuggled and fidgeted until she tucked perfectly against him. He wasn't no cuddler, Daryl recalled Merle screaming at the whatever woman of the week had decided to linger. Daryl wondered if he should move to the couch. But in this moment, he forced himself to admit that he loved holding on to her...and had no desire to move to the couch. Fuck Merle!
Daryl woke to a face full of flowery hair and the smell of strong coffee. Instead of jerking up, he let himself nuzzle the source of the softness, deciding he wouldn't mind waking up like this every morning. His lips settled on the softest skin, and he felt Lane shiver when he ran his lips upon her skin.
It was the clank of a cabinet that jerked his eyes open. He abruptly sat up, grabbing a blanket to cover his 'morning wood'.
"Shhhhh go back to sleep" Ethel scolded him, motioning for him to lay back down. She frowned even more when he ignored her by getting up and quieting out of the RV for a morning piss.
Daryl couldn't meet the woman's eyes, even though Ethel smiled heartily at him when he crept back into the RV. She even handed him a giant steaming cup of coffee. With a shrug, he accepted it, hoping he wouldn't be interrogated. But that was too much to ask for.
"So ya and my Lanie?" Ethel prodded while grabbing her own cup and sitting across from him, looking rather ridiculous in her fluffy pink duster and bunny slippers.
"Ya mad?" he inquired cautiously, not bothering to deny anything. Looking at Ethel, he suddenly became confused.
"Only that I found ya both still fully clothed and you on top of the covers. Good Lord, kids these days?" Ethel exclaimed is mock exasperation. "Ya need a damn diagram?"
"Ma'am?" Daryl asked, perplexed as to how to act or what to say next. Was this old lady fuckin' with him?
"I'm sorry...I'm just teasing you. Miriam keeps trying to tell me not everyone 'gets' my sense of humor," Ethel admonished herself as she made little quotey marks with her fingers .
"Be good to her," Ethel stopped all 'fuckin around' and her tone was deadly serious. Daryl began to wonder if maybe Ethel was the fiercest one among this group. The switch in her eyes, told him this woman would do anything to protect her own.
"She told me about that monster takin' her," Daryl revealed. Ethel's eyes opened up into gigantic orbs. Not just that Lane had spoken about it. But she had chosen Daryl to tell. Ethyl suddenly looked at Daryl with an entirely new perspective.
"Then you probably also know that she's never spoken of what happened...not to the FBI, not to us, not to anyone. You are a very special man, Mr. Dixon." Ethel said, with more than a hint of admiration in her voice.
"Just tell me. Is she ok?" Ethel hated not being in the loop. Daryl nodded yes, but Ethel knew she would make sure for herself later.
"Mr. Dixon, tell me a little about yerself," Daryl realized, this was not a question.
"Ain't much to tell," Daryl looked down at his coffee. "And my name's Daryl." Ethel hadn't meant to make him so uncomfortable. She was usually quite good at charming men and getting them to talk. But this young man was different...which was probably why Lanie liked him.
"Well, Daryl? What were you doing before the sickness broke out?" Ethel decided to try again.
"I'd just started my roofing business with my brother, Merle," Daryl remembered the pride he'd felt when he'd picked up his first set of business cards and slapped those magnetic signs on his truck. 'Dixon Roofing'. Granted, it wasn't a half billion dollar software company, but it had meant everything to him.
"My granny used to say that you can always depend on a man who isn't afraid of an honest days work," Ethel replied with a look of admiration, that Daryl kept inspecting for signs of critique or mockery.
"Have you ever been married?" Ethel decided to quit pussyfootin' around.
"No Ma'am," Daryl's gaze was bashful.
"A special girlfriend?" Ethel admitted she was herself becoming intrigued at the puzzle that was Daryl Dixon.
"I can't imagine the women of south Georgia could be that dumb and blind...,but then I have been proven wrong before," Ethel complimented Daryl, but her words held an uncharacteristic cynicism based on her own memories of her years living and growing up there.
"Auntie, why don't we let Daryl drink his coffee and give him a break from the inquisition," Lane surprised them both when she emerged from the bedroom. She'd actually been listening for a while, but decided to rescue Daryl from her Aunt's clutches.
"You know, you could give the CIA lessons on interrogation techniques," Lane teased Ethel.
"You never let me have any fun, dear," Ethel pretended to scold Lane but went over to give her a quick morning hug before she left.
"Don't be too good," she whispered to Lane, who began blushing head to toe while Ethel scooted away, leaving Lane and Daryl alone.
"Mornin'," she ran her fingers through her hair as she padded awkwardly to the coffee pot.
With steaming mug in hand, she turned around, taking in his attractive face over the rim of her coffee mug.
"I slept really really well," she told him, but quickly averted her gaze.
When Daryl didn't answer she turned away, feeling suddenly mortified. Was she pushing him? He did just sleep beside her, not even under the covers. And she had the nerve to snap at Aunt Ethel for being forward?
Daryl stared at Lane's back, her shoulder blades protruding through the fabric of her giant T-shirt. All morning he'd wanted to say something perfect to her ...something Rick would say, not something Merle would say. But looking at her now, all he could think of was what she'd look like wearing one of his shirts. One she'd thrown on after spending the night with him.
And so he said nothing. All he knew was that he wanted her. And he wanted to stop the shadows that darkened her eyes. Silent, like when he was hunting, he moved behind her, placing both hands possessively on her hips.
He felt Lane gasp at the unexpected touch and just like that...the air in the RV changed... It became charged with electricity.
All he could focus on was the amazing softness of her neck. He dipped his head for a taste.
Lane had to grip the counter at the intensity of such a simple action. Waves of pleasure washed over her, so raw, so hot. Emboldened by her reaction, he grazed her skin lightly with his teeth then licked the tender area beneath. Without meaning to, he pressed his hips up against her ass, letting her feel how raging hard he was. He felt her tremble and lean back against him.
Lane was convinced he was trying to kill her with pleasure as he continued to nip and soothe her neck with his kisses. She wanted to turn around, needing to wrap her arms around him.
She made a move to turn, but he refused. Instead he held her tight, essentially pinning her against the counter. He was simply having too much fun at the moment with her body free for him to explore. With few options left she had no other choice but to raise both arms up over her head, gripping his scalp and running her fingers through his hair. She craned her neck to give him more access.
He accepted the silent invitation and slid his hands under the bulky t-shirt, groaning in her ear when he realized she didn't have a bra on.
"Shit, yer so fucking soft...so perfect," he explored until finally he was cupping her tits, 100% fascined by her nipples. Taking turns he'd pinch one then flick the other, worshiping each nipple with his thumb and forefinger.
Lane had never experienced anything close to this sensual onslaught. With a mere flick of this thumb, hot zings of pleasure shot straight to her core and made her knees collapse. She would have collapsed to floor, except he held her up.
"Ahhhhh dear God...Daryl, yer killing me," she cried out, nearly in tears at the intensity of the pleasure.
"Please?" she begged, yet not sure for what. Just more. More!
"What?" Daryl murmured into her ear. "Tell me baby," his voice was so husky.
Daryl was fascinated with her body as he ran his hands all over her, overwhelmed yet amazed by how she reacted to his touch. Rick's words echoed in the back of his head. 'When you figure out what she likes...keep doing it.'
Daryl's response to her plea was to greedily kiss her neck while continuing to tantalize and cup both her tits. The tingling between her legs was building and a strange dampness began to seep between her thighs. She squeezed her thighs together.
"Daryl...Holy Jeezus. I need you," she wimpered and she spun around. This time she refused to be denied, and she greedily sought his mouth.
Daryl knew things were getting out of control but still he jerked her up onto the counter. Fuck, who was he kidding? He'd lost control the moment he touched her. But he couldn't seem to find a single reason the care. If a million walkers attacked them, at least he'd die happy.
Lane immediately fisted her hands in his hair greedily seeking more as she tangled her tongue with his, periodically nipping at his lip. Daryl snaked his hand down her sweats to hold her ass, lifting her up, yanking her closer to his hard on.
Lane tore her lips away, seeking the pulsating point in his neck. Following what he'd done, she began laving and nibbling then moving to his ear lobe. The feel of her hot breath followed by the sting of sharp teeth made Daryl throw his neck back and growl, while his hips thrust toward her.
"You feel so perfect," she whispered into his neck. His response was to reach for her ass and thrust against her in spite of her sweats and his pants that obstructed them both.
Lane didn't know what else to do except open her legs wider and then thread her ankles together around his back in a desperate to pull him closer. Daryl shuddered at the image her doing this to him, except instead they were completely naked. Lane wanted to feel his skin against hers so snuck her hands under his t-shirt, raking her nails along his back. She felt these strange cords, which she could only assume were those scars Maggie told her about.
"Yer killing me gerl," his voice had become deep and husky.
"I'll only kill you if you stop..." she warned. "So don't you dare stop," she pleaded. "You feel so good. Ooohhh God," she screamed when he yanked her t-shirt down and greedily sucked her exposed nipples, flicking the tip with his tongue before lightly nipping the now engorged nubs with his teeth.
He gasped when she boldly peeked her hand down the front of his trousers, deftly popping the snap to give her more room to maneuver. She slipped her hand down and delicately grabbed hold of him.
"Oh my," she breathed into his mouth, holding his entire length in her hand, wondering if what she was thinking would even work. Still she marveled at the feel of him, so soft and delicate yet hard as steel.
"Wow," she whispered into his mouth as she began running her hand up and down his length. This time it was Lane that exulted in the knowledge that Daryl was pleased by what she was doing. Daryl reached his hand down to grab hold of hers. At first, she'd been afraid she'd done something wrong. But Daryl kissed her, while simultaneously guiding her hand around his erection. With his hand over hers, she learned how to stroke him...
And the way he threw his head back, it made her want to do more of it. She grabbed him again and began stroking him...up and back...up and back.
"Fuck GERL! Ya gotta stop," Daryl groaned in reluctant protest. Lane complied by releasing him but only so she could lightly run her nails along his balls, then his entire length before toying mercilessly with his engorged tip. She imagined her tongue doing this as she circled the tip with her forefinger.
"Shit Gerl!" Daryl had to grit his teeth to keep from yanking her pants down and plunging into her right then. Daryl had to do something. He gripped her head, tipping her chin up and forcing her to look at him.
"Are ya sure?" he pleaded with her to say yes. And the desire that clouded her eyes was intoxicating.
"I want you so badly!" she said with conviction. And if he needed to be convinced, she gripped his length in her hand and began stroking him again, empowered by the reaction she received. She craved the way he shuddered when she held him.
Daryl mentally thanked whatever God that existed that had seen fit to gift him in this moment, as he carried her off from counter to walk the couple of feet to the bed. He collapsed on top of her while her legs were still wrapped tightly around his waist.
Lane giggled as the whole RV shook and they fell on the bed together. They struggled to re-situate themselves, both trying not to break apart so they could continue kissing. Their panting and laughter filling the RV.
But then Daryl suddenly stilled. Lane looked at him but still lightly caressing his cheek. Daryl was resting on his side but he gave himself a moment to take in just how beautiful she was, except Lane started blushing at the examination.
"What's wrong?" Lane was concerned at the sudden change in him. He had this strange intense look in his eyes. Was he having second thoughts?
"Not a damn thing!" Daryl broke from his reverie to grip her chin and kissed her until they both were unable to think anymore.
He pulled her shirt up over her head, giving him free access to her body.
"You're so gorgeous," he groaned while he caressed her tits. For some reason, he needed to watch her eyes while she was naked beneath him. He frowned when she cringed at his compliment. Was it in any way conceivable that she didn't know how gorgeous she was?
Her tits were so perfect, he marvelled. Unlike Maggie and the other women in the group, Lane's tits were still full and round... and fit into his hand perfectly. In fact, he loved how she responded when he sucked on them. He flicked her nipples, playing with the firm tips with his finger while his mouth was occupied with the other.
Emboldened, he slipped his hand down the front of her sweats. Her eyes suddenly switched to alarm, so Daryl slowed down but refused to stop. He inched the fabric down her hips and when he reached her soft curls, he looked at her. Lane gripped his shoulders but he continued kissing her. Still he made sure to pause and look for those signs Rick told him about.
He took his time by running his hand softly over her core, gauging her eyes for any sign he was doing something wrong. Periodically she would look at him with fear and hesitation, but it would quickly be replaced with desire. Daryl slicked his finger along her damp center and while kissing her he slowly entered her with his middle finger.
Lane gasped into his mouth and arched beneath him, gripping his shoulders for support. Daryl continued his exploration by sliding back and forth until he felt her swollen bud enlarge. He felt her hips convulse against him, writhing against his hand..and he kept rubbing against her
"Jeezus you feel so good to me," he ground into her neck, dipping down to suck an an erect nipple.
"I want you inside me," Lane grabbed his face, pleading with him to keep going.
Bam. Bam. Bam. They both startled as the RV quaked at the repetitive pounding.
"Yo...Lover ...we's got to get moving!" T-Dog slammed his fist against the RV door again, but having the good grace to stay outside and give Daryl some privacy. "Let me know ya heard me or I'm coming in to get yer sorry ass!"
"Noooo!" Lane moaned against his lips, realizing it wasn't going to happen.
"Dog. I'm Coming!" Daryl screamed, frustration consuming him. "Just Gimme a Damn Minute!" he yelled.
"Ya got Five!" T-Dog sounded benevolent, but Daryl was sure he knew exactly what he was doing. Cock-block!
They both stared in each others eyes, forehead to forehead, each grasping how out of control things got. And how much they both wanted to keep going.
Not wanting to test T-Dog's restraint, Lane groaned as she reluctantly pushed herself up, resigned to the fact they would have to wait to finish what they'd started.
"I suppose we better get going," she leaned on his shoulder. "There's a cellblock to clear for our new neighbors."
"Wrong! I've got a cellblock to clear. Ya ain't going with us!" he said, leaving No room for negotiation.
"What? Is this because of...?" Daryl refused to let her finish, instead gripping her chin and kissing her until they both forgot about T-Dog.
"No. That has nothing to do with it. Maggie ain't goin' either," he explained but he couldn't miss the hurt in her eyes.
"We don't trust Tomas! An I cain't concentrate if I'm worried about Tomas grabbing ya." Daryl mumbled.
Somehow Lane knew it had taken a certain amount of trust for him to admit this to her. She grabbed his face and tenderly kissed him.
"I don't like it... I won't lie! But I'm pissed at Tomas not you. Just be careful...come back to me." she nipped at his lower lip before forcing herself to get dressed, swinging her legs over to the side and proceeding to dress.
"I'm starting to really look forward to night watch duty," she said, feeling newly bold. Daryl wasn't one for fancy words but he found himself answering.
"Me too," he told her as he stepped out of the RV. T-Dog gave them both a cheery wave, ignoring the murderous looks and the middle finger Daryl gave him.
Lane spent the day helping Maggie clean up the prison, focusing on the newly cleared hall. Since she and Daryl found that linen closet, they now had stacks and stacks of clean(ish) sheets and towels. And the bottles of cleanser and miles of paper towels made their job so much easier.
"Gerl, toss me another roll?" Maggie asked as they cleaned the infirmary together. They'd even removed all the corpses to the yard, where they'd be burned later.
"Ya gotta love stainless steel," Lane admired the counters that now gleamed.
"Yeah, but the odds of finding any OB-GYN equipment aren't good," Maggie kind of knew what she was looking for.
"It is a men's prison afterall. And, it's more than we had a week ago. Plus, other than the dreaded stirrups, what exactly is OB equipment? They must have anesthesia equipment around here somewhere right?" Lane began shining her flashlight, trying to find anything that might fit the bill.
"So, you and Daryl huh?" Maggie probed after a while, continuing to look through cabinets and drawers. Things were surprisingly well stocked...a testament to how quickly this prison must have been overrun.
"He's nice," Lane answered, noncommitally. But Maggie had years of interrogation practice. She had no intention of taking this crumb of an answer.
"Daryl Dixon? Nice?" Maggie fell out laughing. "Now Daryl's been called a lot of things, but nice? That ain't even in the top twenty." Maggie continued to press Lane. "I want deets. There's no TV or magazines anymore. So please, gimme something?" Maggie pleaded.
"Me? What about you and Glenn? At least you've got 'deets'," Lane complained, still feeling frustrated so she tossed her wad of used paper towel at Maggie.
"Glenn is amazing! I'm grateful everyday I was lucky to find him." Maggie glowed. "But Lordy! When Daryl stares at you, I feel like I'd better grab a fire extinguisher. Just tell me? Is it as hot as it looks?"
Maggie knew she'd hit the jackpot when Lane began scrubbing the blood off the wall with a new vehemence. If they had overhead lights, she lay odds Lane was the color of a beet right now.
Lane didn't know what she was ready to share, but the idea of having someone near her age to talk to proved irresistible.
"We kissed," Lane mumbled, embarrassment returning with a vengeance.
"And?" Maggie sidled next to her, but both continued squirting and wiping. "How was it?"
"Oh God Maggie! It was like nothing I've ever felt. It's like electricity!" Lane's words suddenly started to tumble out. "I couldn't think of anything but him. I just wanted more of him. I'd have crawled inside him, if it were possible."
"Gerl!" Maggie whistled. "Have you closed the deal?"
Maggie frowned at Lane's shake of the head.
"Are you kidding me? I jumped Glenn the first day. We don't have time to screw around. You want him, ya better grab him." Maggie scolded, but then regretting it. Lane wasn't her...and not everyone just knew what they wanted in that moment.
"Lanie...I'm sorry. I mean well...I just sometimes run off at the mouth." Maggie apologized.
"When I first met Daryl, I have to tell you, I wasn't sure what to make of him. Honestly, he kinda scared me. Thought he was maybe a member of those Hell's Angels. But these past months as you can imagine, we got to know each other. And Daryl's one of the good ones!"
"He is, isn't he," Lane agreed, feeling strangely proud that Maggie agreed..
"Carol's not gonna be happy, I should probably warn you," Maggie continued cleaning, feeling like she was betraying Carol. And Carol had done so much to take care of her daddy.
"Oh No!" Lane's head snapped around to look at Maggie. "Are they together?" Lane began to feel sick to her stomach. She couldn't imagine Daryl doing that...being a player...but still. Men were men.
"No, Daryl has never treated her like that. Ya see, Carol's changed a lot since they came to the farm. Her daughter'd run off and they kept looking for her. Daddy let them stay while they looked her. But Daryl was the one that searched night and day...never giving up. Even after our horse threw him and he got hurt so bad." Maggie told her. "Still he kept searching."
"He didn't find the little girl?" Lane's heart broke for poor Carol. Since the girl wasn't there she assumed the worst.
"We found her," Maggie's voice quivered as the memory of that day came rushing back.
"But she'd been bit.". It was the little girls ankles Maggie knew would haunt her forever. They'd just prolonged Carol's pain by keeping walkers in the barn. Hell, her Daddy had prolonged all their pain...having them feed their corpses?. But Daddy had been so sure...so adamant they'd find a cure.
"Poor Carol," Lane's eyes filled with tears of empathy.
"Yea, she had a rough go. She and Daryl became tight during all that. Lori also told me how her husband used to beat her before he got bit. While Sophia was missing she and Daryl spent a lot of time together." Maggie explained not missing the frown of worry on Lane's face.
"They've become friends. But I can't tell ya I'm not worried. I've seen Carol look at Daryl. She looks at him the way he looks at you. But I've never seen him give her any reason to think they were more than friends." Maggie stopped cleaning to look at Lane.
"Carol is so nice," Lane felt terrible. If what Maggie was saying was true then she felt even worse for Carol.
"Yea she is. I like her a lot. And I love her even more for helping Daddy. But I'm worried about her. I heard her talking to Lori about you. She made sure to choose her words wisely, but she's jealous. I just want you to be aware," Maggie tried to explain.
"Maggie...Thanks. I haven't had a girlfriend to talk to in ...well, it's been a really long time." Lane appreciated everything Maggie had told her. She had no idea what to do about it but it was nice to have Maggie to talk to.
"Hey Lane, lookie what I found?" Maggie said in a singsong voice. Lane shined her flashlight on box after box of condoms.
"Dibs," Maggie yelled, grabbing the first box for herself.
"But how? Isn't this a men's prison?" Lane sounded so naive, utterly surprised at the industrial sized boxes that lined the shelves.
"Come on Lane! Really?" Maggie scolded. "No women, year after year? That just leaves prison sex. And that can lead to STD's and HIV. They're cheap and effective!" Maggie tossed her a box.
"Shit Lane...come here. I think this fridge is still running, How can that be?" Lane swung her flashlight at the object on question. It was the like her dorm fridge only bigger and fancier.
"Hand me that bolt cutter," Lane asked and Maggie handed it to her. Within seconds the fridge was open.
"Look at all that the insulin." Maggie held up the small boxes. It would be a lifetime supply should they live long enough to get diabetes.
"I wish Daddy was here," Maggie began to become overwhelmed as she looked at all the other vials. "He would know what all these meds were for. I only know some of them, like the antibiotics."
"Well, you have to figure there must have some serious prison fights here and we're a long way from any hospital so there must have some serious capability here... certainly something to help Hershel. We just have to find it. " Lane said with more optimism than she was feeling. She looked over at Maggie, who leaned against the door jamb obviously wondering what the point was.
"Maggie? Hershel's gonna get through this, you know that don't you?" Lane grabbed her new found cousin's hand. "Not only that, we're gonna find everything we need to deliver Lori's baby," Lane refused to let Maggie think otherwise. Maggie stared at her crazy cousin for a moment...but Lane's insane optimism made her hope anyway. She doubted whether it was realistic, but gave in and decided to believe.
And when they left, the infirmary had been scrubbed clean and they wheeled a large gurney, medications and supplies galore sitting on top. They'd selected the IV antibiotics and pain killers to bring with them. Maggie looked over at Lane and mouthed 'Thanks'. It had been another good day.
Lori and Carol yelped in amazement when she and Maggie wheeled the loaded gurney into the cell where Hershel was resting.
"I think there is power of some sort. We just have to get it back running. But the fridge was on a battery and was still working," Maggie told everyone.
"Why don't we take Hershel to the clinic. I'll stay with him," Carol offered.
"We'll all take turns," Miriam offered hers and Ethel's services and they all wheeled Hershel back to the clinic.
"Carol...Lori," Hershel croaked as he gained consciousness and looked around him. His voice was barely audible. "Angels...saved...me," Hershel's eyes closed again, but likely because of the meds they'd started in the IV before they'd moved him. Lane grabbed a PDR and brought it with her simulataneously lamenting she used to be able to search this type of thing in a matter of seconds. Instead they could only use what they had and do their best. As Carol sat there she vowed to make Hershel teach not only her, but all of them some more advanced medical skills.
"It looks like a real clinic now thanks to you two," Carol admired and Lori took note too, figuring she was the next likely visitor.
"Yes, it just looks amazing," Lori's eyes started to water as her voice wavered. This just might work. She allowed herself a moment to hope.
"Thank you," Lori's voice became weak with tears.
"Now, Now none of that," Ethel sat Lori down in one of the reclining bed/chair things, intent on making her more comfortable.
"This baby! Why it's a bona fide miracle!" Ethel reminded them all. "Look around you, Lori! In spite of all the madness going on out ther, we have this infirmary. And a safe place to care for a baby?" Ethel reminded them all while Miriam stroked Lori's back.
Lane stood around in the infirmary with the others, and realized she felt really great...like she was a part of something really amazing. Here she was, building a new life for herself... and the future.
"You know, we deserve a celebration tonight," Ethel announced. "We should get started now so it's done by the time the others are back? Let's dig into the wine stash shall we?" Miriam added with a devilish grin.
Hopefully, Daryl's day was just as successful. That Tomas and gang would be locked up on the other side of the prison by the time dinner was ready.
"Lanie, take this out to the table for me?" Ethel handed her a stack of plates topped with a clutter if silverware. Lane stood back a moment to look at the long table they'd cleaned and then carefully covered with a bed sheet to serve as a tablecloth.
"Are we going a bit overboard?" Lane whispered to Maggie who was helping her.
"Hell yeah, we are," Maggie grabbed Lane around the waist and spun them both around. They'd found the battery powered boom box with an iPod adapter. With a shank of her hips and a spin to the left, Maggie began singing...."Yeah, I heard ya were a Wild One. Oooooh if I took ya home, it'd be a home run," they all laughed as she pretended to bat a home run. It was when she and Beth both started rapping the verses that it got out of control. Lane was even more surprised when her Aunts both joined in and started rapping..."Doooze it, Doooze it, Doooze it.".
"I just love that Flo...Rida," Ethel whispered to Lane, who just shook her head. Jeezus, her aunt was hipper than she was. Still Lane was soon taking part in the craziness as they all sang, danced around, and cooked. But an hour later, Daryl still hadn't arrived.
"I just wish they'd get back already," Lane couldn't get rid of this nagging chill on the back of her neck. It shouldn't have taken this long. Unless something went wrong?
"Everyone or a certain hot, blue eyed, crossbow carrying...?" Maggie's eyes glowed with pleasure and a hint of orneriness.
"Everyone!" Lane poked back at Maggie. So yes, she had been obsessing about Daryl all day. But she did want everyone to come back safe...the sooner the better.
"They'll be back soon," Maggie said with complete confidence, but Lane caught the hint of worry in Maggie's eyes..
"Yeah I know! It's just...that guy Tomas worries me," Lane admitted, twisting the dishtowel she was carrying. Her aunts, and Lori and Carol joined them.
"Rick will handle it. I promise ya that," none of them had missed how much Rick had changed. Maggie wasn't sure how she felt about it, but she had complete confidence Rick would do whatever was necessary to keep them all safe. It was Lori that was terrified what his self-appointed duty was doing to his soul.
Lane and Maggie spun around as the double doors to the cafeteria slammed open. Rick walked in followed by Glenn, T-Dog and Daryl. Maggie ran to Glenn but Lane stood there transfixed to the spot, looking at Daryl. Should she run to him? Should she wait for him to come to her? Maybe this wasn't the place?
And then she caught Daryl's eyes. Something was wrong. She continued fidgeting with her towel, and nobody was talking. In fact she'd yet to look any of the men in the eye.
"What happened? All ya'll ok?" Maggie embraced Glenn, raining kisses on his cheek, over and over, peppering him with questions in between.
But Glenn's body language told Maggie all was not well. Maggie settled and skirted behind Glenn, gripping his hand tightly.
"The prisoners? Did they do something?" Maggie began throwing out scenarios, while Lori, Ethel and Carol joined them from the kitchen.
"That big guy got bit...Big Tiny they called him," Daryl spoke first. Lane stared at Daryl wondering what else went wrong.
"Then that crazy guy, Tomas just started bashing Big Tiny in the head. He just killed him." Daryl turned away, remembering how he'd threatened to do something similar to Jim. Now, the idea sickened him. He'd never want Lane to look at him like that...if she'd known.
"Tomas and his buddy tried to kill Rick," Glenn's words began racing out of his mouth while Rick stood there, eyes distant.
"There's only two of them left. We gave them Cell Block B," T-Dog took over as spokesman.
"None of ya'll have ta worry bout them bothering ya. They can't get outta there.". T-Dog began looking around, his nose sniffing as he noticed how they'd cleaned everything up.
"Dang, something smells delicious!" T-Dog wandered toward the kitchen. "Damn, if that don't smell like peach cobbler?".
"Not yet, but soon," Ethel scolded while Carol shooed T-Dog out of the kitchen.
But Lane couldn't get over the haunted look in Rick's eyes. She knew that look. Had seen it in the mirror for far too many years. With cautious steps she approached him.
"Rick?" Lane barely touched him, but it brought his attention round. "I refilled the tank in the RV today. The water's even hot...hottish anyway? Why don't you go and shower. Take your time. We'll hold dinner for all of ya'll". She caught Daryl's bewildered expression over Rick's shoulder. 'You too,' she mouthed.
She desperately wanted to run into Daryl's arms. But she read something strange in his eyes. It was like he didn't want her to touch him, while he was infected with such filth. It wasn't actual filth though. It was more like the psychological filth we wanted to wash away before he could be with her. He didn't want to bring any of what happened today, back to her.
Lane was still terribly worried about what had really happened out there but she did her best not to focus on it. Nor would she press any of them to talk.
"Lanie, here," Ethel passed her a large serving bowl heaping full with mashed potatoes, and another full of corn which she set down next to the green beans and meatloaf already set out. Miriam dug into her cases of wine and evenly spread out the bottles, making sure everyone's glass was full.
She had her doubts about the TVP meatloaf but T-Dog, now back and cleaned up, had declared it perfection. Lane was just grateful for the vast quantities of ketchup.
She spun around to wipe down a few more chairs, getting everything ready. She never heard or even felt him come up behind her. But as soon as she felt his hands on her hips, she stilled.
Daryl felt her freeze under his touch. But then she slowly twisted her head round to look at him, both of them remembering the last time he'd had his hands on her hips like this.
"Ya want some help?" he asked innocently while he pressed still closer to her, his eyes smoking with desire. Lane felt all the moisture in her mouth disappear and she struggled to form a coherent thought, much less a response. She slowly reached her neck around to whisper in his ear.
"You're going to hell for this," Lane made sure to speak very slow...using extra breaths to speak into his ear. Her body was still on fire for him...and any slight excitation would push her over the edge.
"Baby...you have no idea," he nuzzled her neck and actually nipped her earlobe before he disappeared to take the clean chairs to the long dinner table. Soon enough they had all gathered round the table, even wheeling Hershel in so they could all dine together.
"Rick would you like to say grace?" Ethel asked. Miriam watched Rick struggle, so with a tender tap to Rick's thigh she stood in his stead. Miriam began.
"Bless us our Lord, for these thy gifts which we are about to receive...,." Miriam's voice hushed over them all.
Lane sat next to Daryl, their legs touching. She longed to do something, to touch him. She slowly crept her hand over his lap to reach for his hand, lightly grabbing hold for a second and running her thumb along the firm sinew.. She waited to see if he would pull away. And after just a millisecond, he did. He pulled his hand away and out from under hers.
She refused to look over at him...refused to acknowledge her shame. Instead she kept her head down, while she awkwardly began to walk her hand back to her lap.
Then she felt Daryl's hand quickly switch positions so he could grab hold from beneath, tightly interlacing his fingers with hers. This way he was able to stroke her hand with his thumb. With a smile, she bowed her head feeling more blessed than in a really long time.
There had been so much darkness today...but there had been even more light! It had been a really good day!
Lane looked around the table...taking in all the love, and then squeezed Daryl's hand a little tighter. They needed more days like today.