Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead or any of its characters.
Thank you for all the great reviews. As I said at the end of my last chapter, I am going to skip over some of the group scenes from the episode at the CDC because we all know what happens so there's no point in doing them again. All I really want to do is get on to season 2 because I have some really good ideas for it. It's going to change completely, well sort of but there are going to be some really big changes.
Anyway, here's chapter 11. Enjoy
Danny's POV
A car door slams from right by our tent. I groan and roll onto my back with my arm over my eyes. I lay out my other arm beside me, expecting to come into contact with a warm body, but there's nothing there. I peer out from under my arm to find the chair Merle was sat in last night is empty too. I guess it's time to get up.
I rifle through my bag looking for something relatively clean. The only things I find are my last clean set of underwear and my last sort of clean dress I'll have to make do with my shorts I've been wearing all week, at least you can't see them. I also grab some soap and shampoo because I really need to wash.
I step out of the tent and actually do a double take because in the place of their beat up blue Chevy is a four door pickup. I take it I missed something. Merle spots me and gestures at our new transport.
"Whatcha think sweet cheeks? Sweet ain't it?" I just shrug at him because I'm not really into cars so this one sort of just looks like the other one.
"What was wrong with the other one?" Merle gives me an incredulous look and stalks towards me. He grabs my hand and pulls me over to the truck.
"This is brand new and it has more room. Since ya joined us it's been a bit cramped in there." He has a point. They're not exactly small men so sitting side by side was bit of a squeeze. This solves the problem. I do have one question though.
"Where did you get it and what about your other truck?" Make that two questions.
"Daryl went out this mornin', found a dealership in the nearest town and as for the other one, well it weren't ours to start with. Ours broke down a few days 'fore we meet ya". I glare at the man who is putting bags into the backseat.
"What does he mean you went out this morning?" Daryl's back stiffens, he then sighs and turns around slowly to face me. He looks like a kid who's been caught doing something he clearly shouldn't have been doing. A small ooh comes from Merles mouth as he chuckles and walks away. I guess he did that on purpose, he wanted me to find out. Daryl glares at his brothers retreating form before looking back at me.
"It was fine. We needed a bigger truck so I got one. Ya were a sleep, didn't even know I was gone. Didn't need ya to worry." I drop my things onto the floor angrily. It's not the fact that he went out without somebody, it's the fact that he went out without telling me. What if he had been overrun by walkers, the ones that are leaving the city? He might not have made it back. I would never have known he was gone.
"You can't just leave without telling me, I am part of this small group so I need to be included in all your stupid decisions". A small smirk forms on his lips as he reaches out to grab my upper arms. I cross my arms across my chest and do my best to glare at him. "Don't smirk at me. I'm angry at you. You went out on your own when it's even more dangerous than before".
"The only other person apart from ya that I would want to 'ave my back ain't exactly in the best shape right now. If I had told ya, ya would have wanted to come and then Merle would 'ave tagged along. The only way I could get him to stay was to tell him I wanted him to stay and keep an eye on ya. Which to be honest is true 'cause I still don't trust those pricks, 'specially not after what they done to Merle". I groan in defeat, he's got a point.
"Fine, but next time you tell me and I get to choose what I want to do, deal?" He gives me a quick nod before pulling me closer. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull his head down so I haven't got to strain up.
"I take it I'm forgiven then?" He's teasing me, he knows what I want but he's stopped his lips so painstakingly close, but too far for me to be able to reach up and connect them myself. A small whine makes its way out past my lips. He smirks again before taking pity on me. He places a hand on the back of my neck and gives me what I've been waiting for.
He pulls away way too soon for my liking but we do have things to do. I step away from him and pick up my dropped belongings. Daryl notices them for the first time and nods towards them.
"Ya goin' down to the lake?" I nod at him. "Wait a minute and I'll come with ya". He doesn't wait for a reply, he steps past me and walks over to out tent.
He steps out two minutes later with a pile of clothes in his hands. He whispers something to Merle as he walks past and then comes back over to me. He gestures towards the trail that leads to the water.
"Ladies first", I roll my eyes at him but go first anyway.
As soon as I reach the water's edge I drop my stuff onto the gravel and waste no time in stripping down to my underwear. As soon as my shorts pool down at my feet I remember that I'm not on my own. I look over my shoulder. Daryl's stood there with a smirk playing on his lips as his eyes roam up my body. He finishes his trail at my eyes where I'm staring at him with my eyebrows raised. He just shrugs and stuffs his hands into his pockets. I roll my eyes once, he always stares so unashamedly. I turn away from him and head out into the water.
When the water comes too just below my chest I dive forward and swim further out. I surface and look back towards the shore. Daryl's no longer there. I instantly sink down into the water and there swimming towards me his Daryl. He reaches out and wraps his arms around my waist. He then pulls us both back up to the surface.
"Every time ya come out here ya forget ya stuff". He holds up a small bag that I recognise as his, I've seen it in his bag.
"I was going to go back and get it actually". It's not true. He wraps his hand tight around the bag and brings it up in the air.
"Fine then ya can go and get it". He then swings his arm back to throw it. I jump up and push him down so I can grab for it but he pulls it up out of my reach. He laughs and lets it go, but it doesn't go anywhere except hang from his wrist. He wrapped the pull cord around his hand, the jerk. I push him so he falls backwards into the water. I grab the bag and pull it rather aggressively from his hand. I take out my soap and shampoo and then throw it back at him. He just chuckles and moves away so he can clean up.
I quickly wash myself and my hair before deciding that I better go back because we are supposed to be leaving soon and no matter how much I would like to stay here with Daryl, well his body actually. I know I can't. I make my way back to my clothes, leaving Daryl to finish up.
I grab my towel and secure it round me before turning back to the water. Daryl's already on his way up. I sit down as he walks closer. I'm holding a corner of the towel in my hand which I then place over my mouth to hide my slacked jaw, because my goodness he looks hot. The way the water is running down his chest and soaking into his boxers. I manage to keep my eyes from going any lower because now is not the time for ogling. I avert my gaze as he grabs his towel and dries off.
He grabs his clean clothes so I pull the towel up over my eyes. "I'm not looking".
He chuckles, "Ain't got a problem if ya do". I can only just hear him but I ignore him and keep the towel pulled up. I refuse to look because I want what he's got but I can't have it yet so I'm just going to wait.
The towel is tugged from my face, he's fully clothed so I grab my clothes and stand up. I drop my towel to the floor but he just stands there and stares at me. I gesture for him to turn around.
"Turn around or I'll shoot you". He laughs at my threat and lazily drops down onto the floor.
"With what, I know for a fact ya ain't got ya gun or ya knife on ya. Ya never do". That's true, in fact I don't actually no where they are. I really need to start keeping track of them both. I stamp my foot on the ground but he just continues to stare. Fine I can do this. I grab my bra and turn my back on him. I hear the sharp intake of breath he takes when I unclip my old one and then replace it with my clean one as slowly as I can. I down right refuse to remove my knickers stood here so I pull the dress over my head then turn round to face him, and there he sits still looking at me, he's sat leaning forward chewing on his thumb. I pull down my knickers but watch him as his eyes follow my movements. I drop them beside me and then ever so slowly pull on my fresh ones.
I'm done but he just seems to keep staring, no movement what so ever. I walk over to him and squat down by his legs. He slowly lowers his hand from his lips and places it in his lap.
"God girl, I'm tryin' ma best to keep ma word but ya start doin' things like that and ma restraint won't last". I want to tell him that I don't want him to wait but I keep it to myself because I know how much he wants to. I push down on his knees to make him straighten out his legs. I then climb onto them so I'm straddling him. His hands make their way to my hips as mine find their way round his neck.
"The same could be said about you." He chuckles then captures my lips for a quick kiss. It has to be quick because I can hear chatter coming from behind us which mean there are people making their way down here. He groans when he hears them and drops his forehead onto my shoulder.
"We can never get any privacy 'round 'ere". I pull on the hair at the base of his neck to force his head up, I then place another quick kiss against his lips before reluctantly standing up.
"We better head back anyway. I've still got to pack my things", I then reach out and help him to his feet. He gathers everything up and then slings his arm around my shoulder as we head back up to camp. We pass Lori, Carol and Sophia on our way up. I offer them a small smile as we walk past. Lori returns it and I even get a small wave from Sophia but Carol only looks at me. I guess I can't blame her she has just lost her husband even if he was a horrible man. She was married to him for a long time I suppose some part of her misses him. Daryl doesn't even spare them a glance.
I step out from under his arm as we arrive at our little campsite. I take the bundle of clothes from his hands and leave him as he starts fiddling with Merle's bike. I step round the end of the truck. I freeze where I'm stood and let the clothes drop to the ground. Merles bent double throwing up what little he has in him. I shout for Daryl then rush over to him. I place a hand on his back and start rubbing soothing circles against it. Daryl appears beside me and helps Merle back into his seat. He then disappears into our tent. I watch as Merle leans forwards and rests his head into his hand, he then places his injured one against his chest. It's clearly hurting him but he still refuses to say anything.
"You're an idiot". The words have past my lips before I can stop them. He glances up at me and frowns. "We told you, you need to rest." He scoffs and leans back in his chair.
"I don't need to, I'm fine". How can he say that? He doesn't even sound fine.
"You are not. You need to get it into that thick skull of yours. You are not fine and you won't be if you don't stop, you have to rest. We can survive a few days without you stalking around camp". I don't mean to shout but he just doesn't listen. I lower my voice slightly, "Let us look after you for a little while, please". Merle runs a hand over his face and when he pulls his hand away I see how upset he is, I've never seen him look like this.
He grunts his reply so I take it as a yes. It's not exactly the answer I was looking for but it's all I'm going to get. He doesn't want to rest he wants to be up and about helping his brother. Daryl steps up beside me and hands Merle a bottle of water and some pills. He looks at me and gestures towards the tent. I get the hint that he wants to talk to Merle alone so I climb into the tent to pack up my things.
I've really got to do some washing. I don't own anything that's clean other than underwear. I don't have time to do it know because we're supposed to be leaving soon, so I just bundle it all into a bin bag. I put the clean things inside my bag along with my IPod and one of Daryl's shirts. He's not going to miss it he never wears anything clean anyway.
I chuck the bin bag out of the tent with more force than his actually necessary. I guess I'm kind of angry at Merle. He's just too stubborn and stupid for his own good. Daryl suddenly appears in the doorway.
"Watch it Darlin'". I spare him a tight lipped smile as I force Merle's bag closed. I'm not going to sort through it because I have no intention of looking inside it. "I've got to hand it to ya sweetheart, ya've got him to do somein' I'd never thought he'd do". I slam my hand down angrily on Merle's bag.
"I haven't though because he won't do it will he? He's got a serious injury and he's walking around like it hasn't only been a day since it happened. If he doesn't rest then he won't get better, you know that". Daryl sighs then steps fully into the tent. He drops down beside me and places a reassuring hand on my knee.
"I know but he ain't the sort of man who likes havin' things out of his control. If it was just the two of us he'd have no problem restin' but it ain't. He don't". I cut him off by kicking the bag away and jumping to my feet.
"So it's my fault?" Daryl stands up and grabs my face with his hands, forcing me to look at him.
"No. God no! You're like a sister to him. He don't like those people out there though but he knows it's safer in numbers, he doesn't trust them to keep us, you safe. Neither do I but Merle wants the job of making sure you are that's why he's always up an' about. I tried to stop him but he said the exact same thing to me so how can I argue when he ain't wrong?"
"He doesn't need to look after me". Daryl sighs and closes his eyes.
"Look, he didn't want me to tell ya this, but he does. He blames himself for what 'appened with you and that bastard. He won't ever forgive himself for lettin' them get near ya. That's why he stays outside most nights. It ain't just because of the walkers." A tear slides down my cheek, not because of that bad memory but because Merle blames himself. I have and never will blame Merle for what happened, we were outnumbered and out gunned. It would have likely still happened if I had been with Daryl not Merle. Daryl slowly opens his eyes. He bends his head down and softly places a kiss against my lips.
"Just let him do what he's gotta do, I told him to take it easy, he's got to rest. I've told him I'll swap with him. I'll keep watch for a few days".
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Dale came over to tell us that everyone was about ready to leave and that Rick wanted us over with them so they could talk to us before we left. Before we could join them though, we had a small problem to deal with. Merle's bike needed putting in the bed of the new truck and it takes at least two people to get it in there. Merle couldn't help and I was definitely out so Daryl had to do something he really didn't want to do, ask for help. Well actually I went and asked for help, he made me. There weren't many people I could ask, T-Dog was out because Merle still sort of blames him for the whole roof thing. I couldn't ask Glenn because Daryl doesn't like him and Rick and Shane were definitely out because I don't like them. Jim's injured so the only person I could ask was Morales. He agreed to help but now I kind of feel bad about asking because Merle just yelled at him the whole time, telling him to 'be careful' and 'don't scratch the bike' or he'll 'knock his head in'.
In the end I couldn't take it anymore, I walked off to find Glenn instead. We talked for a little bit until finally Daryl's truck pulled up beside us. Glenn took it has his cue to leave.
I made myself comfy in the front seat because Merle has claimed the back as his own. He's in it right now pretending to be asleep so he doesn't have to listen to Rick and Shane. Daryl's stood in front of me, leaning against my door, huffing at everything that comes out of the men's mouths. At least I'm pretending to look like I'm listening although all I'm hearing is "blah, blah, blah". Well that is until Morales announces that he and his family aren't coming. They want to go and find their own family. I'm happy for them but Daryl's not. Not because their leaving but because Shane hands them a gun and half a box of ammo. I don't know what he's complaining about because I know for a fact we have a stash of ammo in this truck that neither Shane nor Rick know about, and we intend to keep it that way.
Rick says we're going so everybody says goodbye to the family. Well apart from the three of us. I never really spoke to them so I don't know them. Daryl steps away from my door so I can slam it shut and wait as everybody gets into their own vehicles.
All too soon we're driving away from the quarry. We part ways with Morales and start heading towards Atlanta, the place I really never wanted to go again, but we don't have much choice.
I snatch my IPod up off the seat beside me and place in my headphones. Daryl and Merle seem perfectly happy sitting in silence and although I like doing that I'd much rather be listening to music. I put my feet up on the dash and let my arm hang out the window. I like the breeze blowing through my hair and across my face so I place my head against the doorframe to allow it to do just that. Believe it or not but sitting like this, right here with Daryl and Merle by my side just feels perfect. The only thing ruining the moment is the fact that I know we're heading towards possible danger but I'm trying not to dwell on that too much.
We haven't even been on the road for more than 20 minutes before the cars in front pull to a stop. I groan and pull out my headphones.
"What's going on?" I don't expect an answer because it's a stupid question. They know just as much as I do.
"RV's fucked"! I have to supress a smile when both of them say the same thing at the exact same time.
Daryl opens his door and steps out but pauses to give me a stern look. "Stay here". I salute him mockingly. He just shakes his head and shuts the door. I watch him until he disappears around the other cars, until he's no longer in view. Merle leans over the back of the seat.
"Ain't ever thought I'd see the day when I'd be takin' orders from a girl". My jaw drops. That's definitely not what I'd thought he'd say when he leant over the seat.
"Excuse me?" He chuckles and nudges me in the shoulder.
"I'd me out there now if Daryl hadn't insisted that I do as ya say, which apparently means stayin' in the truck while they sort out that piece of shit up there".
"Yeah well at least one of you sort of listens". I don't wait for him to say anything in return because Daryl suddenly appears in my sight. I scramble over to the driver's side and lean out the window. A smirk forms on his lips when he notices me hanging out the window. He stops right in front of me, so close that his breath is fanning out across my face but I refuse to move back. He rests his hands against the door and looks at his brother in the back seat.
"Shane and T-Dog 'ave gone down the road to find a garage, they need somein' to secure the radiator hose back in place".
"If I remember correctly, both of you told me you were mechanics. Can't you offer to help him fix it?" Merle scoffs behind me, Daryl just shakes his head.
"We fixed bikes. We can do cars but it ain't our speciality, plus the things fucked without a new hose and we ain't got one of them lyin' around". I suppose that's a better explanation as to why they didn't help, I was starting to think they were just going to be stubborn and make the others deal with the problem. Although by the sound of Merles scoff a few seconds ago, I think my explanation was right for him.
"I've gotta take a piss". Merle then jumps out the truck and walks over to the edge of the trees. I look away because it doesn't look like he has a problem with being seen, he's in clear view of everyone.
"He has no shame". Daryl chuckles and shakes his head at me.
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It took 20 minutes for Shane and T-Dog to get back. They then must have fixed the RV as best as they could because they all gathered around the RV door. I start to think we're about to leave but Daryl's hearing must be much better than mine because he must have heard something I didn't. He swears to himself then makes his way over to them. I try to wait patiently in the truck but when Shane and Rick appear with Jim my curiosity gets the better of me. I ignore Merles protest as I climb out and head over to Daryl.
Daryl seems to know I'm coming up behind him because he grabs my hand in his without even looking at me.
"What's going on, what are they doing with Jim"? He sighs and squeezes my hand. That alone tells me that it isn't good news. Even Daryl's reacting to what's happening.
"Jim wants to be left here, says he can't go much further". Tears prick at the corner of my eyes but I don't say anything because it's Jim's choice. He knows there's nothing that can be done and he's accepted it. I would like to think that if it was me I would be able to make the hard decision of being left, but I don't think I could.
I watch on in silence as everybody says their goodbyes. I'm about to turn around to go back to the truck because he wouldn't want to talk to me. I mean 24 hours ago Daryl tried to kill him. I freeze mid step though because he's looking straight at me. His stare pins me in place. He lifts up a hand and weakly gestures for me to come closer. I cast a nervous glance at Daryl, he's staring at Jim but he must feel my eyes are on him because he looks down at me. He slowly lets go of my hand and then steps back.
I make my way over to Jim ignoring everybody else as they stare at me. I drop to my knees beside him. He reaches out for my hand and grips it as tight as he can in his weak state.
"I never got to thank you for puttin' yourself between Daryl and me. You didn't have to do it but you did, I know that couldn't have been easy for you". I shuffle forwards and place my hand on his knee.
"Nobody deserves to be treated like that." He smiles at me and looks behind me, no doubt at Daryl.
"He's a good man, they both are. They just need a little help in the right direction". He stops when a coughing fit takes over. I wait it out patiently. "Findin' you is just what they needed because I know you can help them". He squeezes my hand once more then let's go. "You better get going".
A tear slides down my cheek and before I can stop myself I lean forward and wrap my arms around him. I make it quick because Daryl's restraint and patience can only last for so long. I give Jim one last look before turning around and walking away.
I slide into the truck and slam my door shut with more force than is really necessary. Merle seems to understand that I don't feel like talking because he stays rooted in his spot, he doesn't make a sound. Daryl starts up the truck and as we pull away I keep my eyes down. I can't watch as we leave Jim. It doesn't matter that he's doing the right thing, it's still hard to grasp that we're leaving him behind.
Daryl places his arm on the back of my seat and puts pressure on my shoulder. I don't need any more encouragement to slide over and curl into his side.
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I reluctantly open my eyes when somebodies hand pinches my hip gently. I'm not sure how long I've been asleep but the sun is setting so I know we've been driving most of the day. I can see the CDC in the distance.
It takes us another 10 minutes to get there. When Daryl pulls to a stop I look around, the scene before us makes my jaw drop. I'm not sure what I was expecting to see but this definitely was not it. There are hundreds of bodies strewn all over the place. Most of them are in uniform, it looks like the military tried to protect this place.
We hurriedly slide out of the truck so we can catch up with the others. They're not going to wait. Daryl hands me his shotgun then grabs my free hand in his. He pulls me after him, keeping me tight against his side. As a group we make our way through the barriers, that's when the smell hits us. I try to hold back a gag as I lift my arm up to cover my nose.
We try to hurry because the sun is setting fast and nobody wants to be out here, this close to the city, after dark. Are hurrying is all for nothing. The shutters are down, there's nobody here. When everybody realises they aren't going to open the panic starts to set in.
I'm vaguely aware of Daryl and Shane arguing but I'm hardly paying them any attention, I'm too busy watching our surroundings. Merle grabs my hand and pulls me close against him.
"We're getting' outta 'ere". I'm not going to argue with him, but we're not going anywhere without Daryl. I look behind me. He's stood a few feet away. His head suddenly turns in my direction but he's not looking at me.
"Walkers", he's quick to fire off a bolt. I hear the sound the walker makes when it hits the floor. Daryl then comes towards me. "We ain't stayin' 'ere." Merle forces me forwards, neither one of us waits to see if the others are following.
We only take a few steps forwards but a bright light shining over us makes us stop. I turn around slowly. Somebody's definitely looking over us because the shutters are open.
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I think I'm still in slight shock. I'm currently sat on a cot inside mine and Daryl's new room. He disappeared not long after we claimed it as our own. I think he's gone off to find some more drink. I lean back with a sigh. I haven't been this full in weeks. Jenner allowed us free rein of his kitchen, although I'm sure he's slightly regretting it now.
After Jenner allowed some of the others out to grab our bags, he brought us down to have our blood taken. He wants to just make sure we're all ok, although we'd all be running fevers if we weren't. He was doubtful of Merle at first. It took a little convincing from all of us to get Jenner to believe that Merle's missing hand has nothing to do with walkers. I'm not entirely sure he believes us but he'll soon find out when he does an analysis on Merle's blood.
Jenner then took us to the kitchen. A few bottles of wine and whiskey were opened for the celebration. It was there, eating tea that Merle discovered he can't just go around assuming things about me. I declined the wine I was offered, I've never liked the taste. Of course Merle jumps straight in with a stupid remark.
"Can't our girl handle her drink? Oh that's right ya don't drink". I then to his surprise and everyone else's reached out and grabbed his full glass of whisky. I downed it in one, although I kind of wished I hadn't because it burned on the way down. At least I managed to keep a straight face. I then glared at him.
"If I remember correctly, I told you I'd never had any wild drunken stories to tell. I didn't say I didn't drink". Merle let out a long whistle.
"This one can shoot whisky bro, she's a keeper". He then laughed but was cut short when Daryl punched him on the back pretty hard. They then spent the next 20 minutes bickering.
It was there, while we were enjoying the last of our meal that Shane dampened the mood. He demanded Jenner tell us what happened here. Jenner claimed that a lot of people had left to be with their families. Those that stayed bolted when the military got overrun, although a few people did opt out. The meal was finished in silence. Jenner then showed us to our rooms. He even said there are showers with hot water. That's where I'm planning to go now.
I grab up the only clean things I have left, one of Daryl's shirts and some underwear. I then grab myself a towel and my toiletries and head towards our door. I step back in surprise though when the door swings open and Daryl steps into the room. He uses his foot to kick the door shut again and strides over to me.
His hands cup my cheeks as he pulls me in for a kiss. He tastes of alcohol and bacon but that soon fades away until I'm tasting nothing but him. I let my things drop to the floor so I can wrap my arms around his neck. He pulls my bottom lip between his teeth and lifts me up off my feet, which helps because I don't think my legs could hold me up any longer. I wrap my legs around his waist and bury my hands in his hair. I pull back slightly to catch my breath but he doesn't stop. He works his way down my neck leaving a burning trail behind him.
His hand slides up my back where he then slowly unzips my dress. His arms suddenly let me go and he lets me drop down onto our cot. I stare up at him, watching as he takes in a deep breath. I'm starting to think he's gone as far as he's going to go but his hands fly to the hem of his shirt and it's up and over his head before I can even blink. He drops to his knees above me and grabs my face in his hands. He's staring into my eyes, searching for something. He must find what he's looking for because he brings his lips back down to cover my own.
"Say the word and I'll stop, anytime". I shake my head and mumble against his lips.
"I don't want you to stop. I want this, I want you". His hands are at the hem of my dress, he pulls it off in one swift movement. He forces me flat on my back. A small gasp escapes my mouth as he places his lips against the hollow of my throat, while his hands find their way to my chest. I arch up into his hand trying to show him how inpatient I am for him to touch me.
He runs a hand under my back and unclips my bra with ease. His piercing blue eyes are pinning me in place as he removes my bra and tosses it across the room. The look in his eyes could be my undoing. His lips are back at the hollow of my throat. His hands are kneading my breasts. His lips are making their way down my chest. A deep throaty moan passes through my lips as he catches a nipple between his lips. I can feel him smirking against my skin. I look down at him to find him staring at me with his smirk still playing on his lips.
His lips slowly make their way down from my chest and over my stomach. He's quick to pull my shorts off. His hands run up my bare legs and rest against my hips. He leans up and captures my lips again. I splay my fingers out on his back as he hooks his fingers into my underwear and rips them off me.
He leans back and looks over me, all of me. I can feel the heat as a blush works its way up my cheeks under his intense gaze. He places one of his hands between us and ever so gently slides one finger inside me. My hips lift up on their own accord as a deep moan passes through my lips. My nails dig into his back as my body is taken over by pleasure.
My insides clench and I bite my lip to stifle my moans as Daryl's fingers bring me over the edge.
My breathing starts to even out and my trembling limbs become still. I push Daryl backwards so he's sat up on his knees. I sit myself up in front of him, I can't wait any longer I need him now. He helps me as my fingers fumble with his belt buckle. He stands up before me and removes his trousers and boxers in one. I stare unashamedly up at him, my eyes eagerly soaking him all in. He suddenly drops back down, forcing me down onto my back. He holds himself up with a hand by my head. The other is caressing my cheek.
"Darlin' this is gonna hurt". I place a gently kiss against his lips and press my forehead against his. He doesn't sound best pleased about it, his voice is strained and his eyes are showing me how much he wished it wasn't true.
"I know but I trust you". I couldn't imagine giving myself to anyone else but him.
He places himself against my entrance. He captures my lips for one last kiss before he thrusts himself into me. He breathes out a string of profanities beside my ear. My whole body tenses as the pain floods through me, my teeth sink into his shoulder to hide the small cry of pain that passes through my lips.
He holds still above me with his face buried in my hair, his body is shaking with the effort to remain still. The pain starts to fade to a slight discomfort before becoming nothing but pleasure. I grind my hips against him silently telling him I'm ready. He slowly starts to move. I lock my legs around his waist and force his head back down to mine.
My name tumbles from his lips as he picks up his pace. My insides start to clench as he captures my nipple in his fingers. I'm close and I know he is too. My fingers are tearing at his back, I should feel bad but I can't find it in me to care.
He tenses above me as a look of pure bliss washes over his face. That alone sends me over the edge. I keep my eyes locked on his has my insides tighten. His name falls from my lips as a breathy moan. My hold on him tightens as we spiral over the edge together.
We stay still, neither one of us wanting to end it but we know we need to move. He pulls out of me and I instantly groan from the loss. He places a lingering kiss against my lips before dropping down beside me. He pulls me onto his chest and wraps his arms tight around me. Both of us content to just lay here in silence, holding each other.
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I'm not sure how long we've been lying here and I don't care but we both know we need to get up. I move out of his arms and sit. My whole body tenses as I wince. The euphoria of earlier is wearing off, now I can feel how sore parts of body are. Daryl must have seen because he's suddenly say up beside me running his hand up and down my back.
"Ya'll alright?" I nod my head and smile reassuringly at him.
"I'm fine, never felt better". He chuckles lightly and pinches me in the side gently.
"Ya a terrible liar", I stick my tongue out and reach for my dress.
"Yeah and your nosey." He frowns, "Fine. I'm a little sore but". I stop talking as a look of guilt flashes in his eyes. I grab his face in my hands and move myself up onto my knees. "Don't look at me like that. I wanted this. I knew that it was going to hurt, it's natural. There's nothing more you could have done to have made it any better than it was". I smirk at him lightly. "Just means next time it'll be twice as pleasurable".
"Dam straight"! He places a quick kiss to my cheek before climbing to his feet. He pulls on his boxers then grabs my hand and helps me to my feet. I pull my dress on, not bothering with anything else because it's only a minute walk to the showers.
"I'm going to have a shower then go down to the rec room cause they've got to have books in there that I can read". He scoops up my forgotten toiletries and hands them to me.
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I was planning to only have a quick shower but as soon as I stepped under that hot spray all sense of time was forgotten. I take my time with washing myself but in the end I know I have heed Jenner's warning about going easy on the hot water.
I step out and with my towel wrapped firmly around me I stand in front of the mirror. I wipe my hand over the glass to clear away the condensation. I groan when I see my reflection. With my hair pulled back I can see the giant scar on my forehead as clear as day. Daryl's sure it will fade with time but I'm not so sure. I think he's just saying it to make me feel better.
My eyes catch a pair of scissors that are sat above the sink. I grab them and then look back at my reflection. I used to have a fringe. I use my brush to pull some of my wet hair forwards and then, as best as I can, I cut it to just below my eyebrows.
I stare at my reflection and smile, much better. A fleeting thought of cutting the rest of my hair passes through my head but I put the scissors down before I can act on it. My hair now falls to the middle of my back, and although I like it, it's not exactly practical. I shake my head to rid myself of the thought. Instead I dry myself off and put on my underwear and one of Daryl's shirts.
I make my way to the rec room. I push open the door and actually sigh in relief when I notice it's empty. Everyone must already be in bed. my eyes fall straight onto the book shelves that are lining the far wall.
My eyes are scanning over the shelves as I slide my fingers across each book in turn. I hear the door behind me shut. A pair of arms wind around my waist as Daryl rests his chin against the top of my head.
"I've been watchin' ya for 5 minutes. How long does it take to pick a book". I ignore him because my fingers have just run over my second favourite book ever, the picture of Dorian Grey. I eagerly grab it from the shelf as a small squeal of delight passes through my lips. He chuckles and snatches the book from my hand. "I've never seen somebody so excited by a book. I take it, it's ya favourite".
I move out of his arms and grab the book back. "I've really missed reading. It's all I ever did before, which thinking back on it know, it seems a bit sad but I don't care." I waggle the book in front of him. "This is my second favourite book of all time". He raises an eyebrow.
"Second? How many favourite books have you got?" I don't even have to think of the answer.
"Ten." I check them off with my fingers. "Number 1 is the wind and the willows. I know it's a kids book but my dad used to read it to me all the time. Then it's this one. Third one is of mice and men, then to kill a mocking bird. Pride and prejudice, Alice adventures in wonderland, wuthering heights, Moby dick. The secret garden and then lastly it's Jane Eyre". He just stares at me with a small smirk playing on his lips.
"OK, now that just makes me ashamed to say that I don't read books". I laugh as he grabs my hand. "Come on, I'm knackered". He then pulls me from the room.
Daryl's just opening the door to our room, and that's when I notice what's going on down the hall. I have to do a double take because I'm not entirely sure I believe what I'm seeing. There stood side by side, whispering to one another is Merle and Carol. I poke Daryl in the side to gain his attention while I keep my eyes on the pair. Daryl chuckles and wraps an arm around my waist. He actually picks me up and walks me into the room. He doesn't put me down until he's shut the door. I'm utterly gobsmacked, I gesture towards the door unable to think of anything to say.
He chuckles again and raises an eyebrow. "What".
"You did just see what I saw right? I'm not just imagining that he's out there talking to Carol". He pushes me on my stomach and forces me down onto the cot.
"He is allowed to talk to people". I scoff at him.
"I know that but well, you have met the Merle I know right? He doesn't talk to anyone". He only answers me with a shake of his head.
I lay down with head against the pillow. I'm all set for bed. Daryl reaches for the hem of his shirt and pulls it over his head. Before I can stop myself a gasp escapes from me. My hand flies to my mouth as Daryl spins around to face me. I reach out for his hand and force him onto his knees with his back to me. I run my hand over his back, over his old scars but that's not what's shocked me. There are fresh cuts along his back, made by me. not only that but on his shoulder, where I bit him, is a bite mark accompanied by a massive bruise.
I can feel Daryl vibrating under my fingers as he chuckles. "Don't think 'bout it Darlin', it's nothin'". He throws me a wink over his shoulder, "plus I like it rough". I glare at him at reach out to punch him in the shoulder, but before my hand can make contact he's spun around and has me pinned to the bed.
He runs a hand down my neck and over my collarbone. He then pushes the shirt to the side and places a light kiss against my shoulder. "I ain't the only one who came out of this marked. I might 'ave bit ya to". I look down at my shoulder and sure enough a bruise is forming on my skin. I didn't feel him doing it.
He drops down beside me and pulls my head onto his chest. He runs his hands through my hair as I read for the first time in god knows how long.
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I pull my feet up underneath me and open my book, but I'm not even paying attention to the words on the page. All I can think about is what we found out this morning.
After we had enjoyed an amazing breakfast of eggs and beef jerky, Jenner told us he had something to show us. He showed us a vigil of TS-19. The person had apparently been bitten and had volunteered to stay behind so they could watch what happens to the brain.
After we had watched it, I knew by the look on everyone's faces that any hope we had that the walkers might have any knowledge of who they were, was gone. The people who have been bitten, well they die. Their brains do restart but not like before. The brain stem restarts, but only enough to get them up and moving. If that wasn't enough bad news for the day, he also revealed to us that nobody knew what it was, and that it probably never would get figure out because apparently he has no idea if there is actually anybody left, anywhere.
I understood everything perfectly, well that is until Dale mentioned the big clock that seems to be counting down. Jenner didn't say a word, he just walked out. Vi said the basement generators will run out when the clock hits zero. She also 'wide spread decontamination will occur', whatever that means?
Rick ended up takin a few people down to the generator room to see what's going on. Daryl on the other hand pulled me straight back to our room. He pushed me in and then just disappeared again.
The door bangs against the wall, bringing me out of my thoughts. Daryl stalks in and drops down beside me. He pulls me into his side then offers me a drink from his half bottle of whiskey. I take a sip, give it back then darkness. The lights have turned off.
"What the fuck?" He jumps to his feet, pulling me up with him. That's when I see Jenner stalking past our door.
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Glenn has his arms wrapped around me, holding me as Daryl relentlessly tries to break down the door. We all know it's pointless, but he just keeps trying. Merle's with him, not to help but to keep him away from Jenner. He's already lost his temper twice already, nearly killed Jenner in the process.
"I told you, topsides locked down. I can't open those". My brain doesn't process the meaning of those words until the door slides open. Merle's suddenly in front of me, grabbing up our two bags.
"We gotta go". He then heads towards the door. Glenn pulls me along beside him as we hurry after Merle.
Daryl thrusts his crossbow at Glenn and takes my hand. He doesn't wait for the others he just pulls me down the corridor.
We made it up top. I'm stood with Carol and Sophia as everyone else tries to find a way out of here. A small hand touches my own. I look down as Sophia grabs it and steps into my side. I do my best to smile reassuringly at her. Carol steps away from us and heads over to Rick. I'm too far away to hear what she says to him but it turns out I don't need to hear her. She places something in his hand.
I have to look twice to make sure I'm seeing things correctly. She's just handed him a grenade, where on earth did she get one of those? I don't wait to be told what to do. I pull Sophia back and then force her to the floor. Carol down above her as a heavy body lands above mine. Daryl places his hands on my head as he places his own head in the crook of my neck.
My ears are left ringing when the grenade goes off but nobody waits around. Daryl pulls me to my feet and drags me towards the window. He jumps down and then wraps an arm around my waist to help me down. My feet touch the floor but there's no time to pause. Time is running out and walkers are closing in. We run as a group towards our cars, dodging walkers and taking out those that get too close.
I jump into the truck. As soon as my door is slammed shut Daryl's grabbing me by the shoulders and is forcing me down onto the seat. He presses his weight against me as the CDC implodes. He slowly sits up so I sit up to.
There's nothing left, just fire and debris.
Here we are, chapter 11 is done and dusted.
I know this chapter jumped from past to present quite a lot but I think I made it clear what bits were what. If not then let me know. Please review what you think.
