Keep Singing, Songbird
Chapter Nine:
Thanks, Maggie
After several minutes of their perfect embrace, Daryl began pulling away slightly, so he could just stare down at Beth, and take it all in. He had trouble believing that he was awake. As he stared down into her lovely irises, he grew lost in that haunting sea. Any time that Daryl tried to retreat into himself, it would just take one look into those inviting pools and he was putty in her hands; he would never be able to stand tall when Beth opened those big doe eyes. He was a sucker that would tumble, his foundation crumbling at her feet into a gooey, soft, teddy bear puddle. This sweet little woman had him curled around her little fingers, and what's worse is... She knew it. This evil little vixen knew everything she did to him. She could play innocent all she wanted. He knew the truth.
And as he gazed down into the windows of her soul, he felt a silent plead emanating from their depths, beckoning him near to her, to close the distance between them. It ignited a spark deep within his chest, drawing out a deep stirring in the pit of his soul. The rustling flourished throughout his body, edging him forward into her personal space. Beth began getting that stupid grin on her face that she always got when Daryl would begin to cave to her, relinquishing his grasp to give into her desires. That was at least motivation enough to know he was making the right decision, and not just reading what he thought were signs. But dammit, Beth! She always knew how to play him! Beth Greene would never take advantage of anyone; she was too sweet and too kind to have an evil bone in her body. But she just had to exist- to just be- to get Daryl to fall at her feet and bow down to her. He would never understand how such a little thing could have such a power over him.
He was baffled and confused. He just hoped against hope that the signs he was reading were insight into the future. That this would be an invitation for more to come, if he's good that is. Excitement surged through him at the possibility. He wasn't that old, but he sure wasn't a teenager, and right now, he just felt like a dumb, lovestruck teenager. But honestly? Right now, at this point in time, he didn't care. He was fine with being a lovesick little puppy if it meant the possibility of Beth Greene being his woman... More than just in his mind.
Secretly, he feared that he just misinterpreted the situation, that she didn't want this. But the fact that she smiled softly at him after giving him those big eyes pushed him in the right direction. It also helped that she didn't pull away from him as he started closing in toward her lips.
Beth Greene was in a dazed trance as she watched Daryl Dixon slowly approach. Her heart began pounding as she watched him, her eyes fluctuating between gazing into his piercing blue eyes, and at his warm, inviting lips. She wondered if they were as soft as they looked. She wondered what they tasted like. She wondered why they couldn't move faster.
This was the moment of Beth Greene's life. Jimmy, may he rest in peace, was not even half of what Daryl was. As mean as it was to say, because he did die trying to save these people, he didn't mean anywhere near as much to Beth as the man right here did. The man in front of her is the one she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her days-no matter how long her how short they were- with and no one could change her mind. They have grown so much in the short amount of time they have been shoved together, that Beth was a different woman from the weak-willed, little girl they found on the farm. He had changed her for the better. He's the reason she became a fighter.
He slowly eased his head in, allowing her more than enough time to back out if she wanted, but dear God! He hoped and even prayed that she wouldn't. He knew he was moving at a snail's pace, but he couldn't help it. He was terrified, and he didn't want to screw this up. This could be the moment to make or break them as a whole.
Right as their lips were about to make first contact, Daryl's lower lip just barely grazing Beth's upper lip, the door to Beth's room flew open, revealinga man in a white lab coat sickeningly pale, hunched over as he attempted to catch his breath from bursting into the room.
Daryl's lips immediately skimmed past Beth's and onto her cheek, quickly jolting him backward as the doctor continued trying to catch his breath. Anger flared throughout Daryl's body at the interruption of what had taken all the nerve in the world to work up to. His nostrils flared as Daryl slowly inched further away.
"Is she okay? Is she breath-" he began, suddenly taking notice of the two figures, oddly close, even closer than traditional familial quarters would allow. "... My sincerest apologies for disturbing... Whatever this is. It's just... Beth's heart monitor alerted me... And now I know why... Carry o-" The man was quickly cut off by the next figure to poke their head in.
"Is Beth okay?!" Maggie's concerned voice called out, fear evident in its whisper. "Beth!"
She dashed across the room, shoving Daryl out of her way as she took his place next to Beth. He quickly grew irritated at the woman who threw her arms around his fragile angel. His knuckles began to clench when he saw Beth's head poking out over Maggie's shoulder. She shot him the softest apologetic smile she could manage, given the situation. He softly smiled back, shocking Beth to her core.
It was truly rare to be met with the smile of Daryl Dixon. Even moreso when he was angry and upset. But she would take what she could get.
"Hi Maggie. I'm here. I'm fine." Her soft southern bell accent was enough to drive Daryl mad.
"I uh... I'm gonna go talk to Rick for a few minutes. Be back soon."
And with that, Daryl quickly slipped out of the room, allowing the two sisters to catch some time alone while he found Rick. He had some things he needed to talk about- man to man. And, as everyone knows, Rick is the know-it-all when it comes to stuff... And things.
And no, I don't hate Maggie. Just a little miffed. Anywho, I hope to have some light and fluffy stuff in the next few chapters, but don't get used to it lol C: don't worry, it's bethyl endgame and such, but that doesn't mean our favorite group is in the clear yet.
I'm trying to stave off the dark chapters as long as possible, but, before we even approach them, I want to explore this relationship and continue to do so, the further this story goes.
Thank you all. Thank you so much for supporting this story! It's just getting started C: (And sorry for not getting responses out to your reviews yet, I've been trying to keep up with juggling my normal schedule and throwing this story into the mix-I'll try as soon as possible)
