Is anyone else insanely nervous for tonight's episode?

piratejessieswaby- Thanks! MollyMayhem84 is the brilliant artist behind the book cover.

MollyMayhem84- I love writing Merle and I don't think he is quite the snake that everyone makes me out to be! He was fun to write in this chapter too.

Gunslingers- white- rose - Thanks again for your awesome review, hope you got my PM where I answered some of your questions.

chippyofblacksky- I think Merle has a good heart underneath it all. ;) Especially when it comes to Daryl.

Guest- Good point about Merle. I was playing off the line in his conversation with Hershel in the prison. "Woodbury had a damn fine library." Suggesting that he had read the entire Bible while he was there. I also see Merle being willing to say anything in that desperate situation, but still being sarcastic about things. Personally, I really like Merle- he cracks me up. I try not to let my personal feelings seep through. Leah hated both Merle and Daryl (they reminded her of her ex) in the beginning of AGOD, but now that she loves Daryl I think that she is slowly realizing that she is going to have to accept Merle now that he is back in the picture. She might not like it, but she is going to try. Plus, she is a completely different woman now. This world has changed her and her prejudices from her past life have fallen by the wayside out of sheer necessity. Anyway, so glad you have been taking the time to read and review!

SaidWhatIMeant- No harming necessary! Here I am with an update. And feel free to write as long as a review as you want. I. LOVE. IT. Seriously. If you would rather send a PM that is fine too though! You really *get* my writing, what I am trying to say and see the story like I do. I appreciate that a lot.

Ashlander- Love the long review! I agree about Merle, he is a softie when it comes to his baby bro. He's no picnic, but he loves Daryl! The Daryl/ Leah/ Merle dynamic is fun to pick apart, play with and write. I go back and forth so much on what should happen between the three of them and I hope I am doing a good job!

Littleblackearrings- When Beth sang that song I jumped for joy because it fit Daryl and Leah sooooo well. Glad you liked it!

NamelessWildflower - pass the popcorn. ;)

Thanks also to: Edy12345, mrskaz453, mrsgooglybear, ravenclaw slytherin, . , fanficgirl10, evangeline kenway, IrishBeauty294, Leyshla Gisel, Emberka- 2012, gary the snail x3, beccalbarclay, and kwril!

And also to everyone who has put this story in their alerts and favs. Hugs to you! I know I am not one of the best writers on this site (not by a long shot!), but I appreciate all the love you guys send my way. You are all friends to me and I look forward to "hearing from you" every week.

And now onto the good stuff...

Chapter 14

Leah lifted a handgun and checked the chamber for ammo. Empty. She slid the magazine out and swiftly reloaded. Handling guns was second nature to Leah these days. Almost as natural as breathing. Thanks to Daryl who had taught her everything she knew. Hell, he had given her the first gun she ever fired. The night the quarry was overrun, he had pushed it into her shaking hands while whispering angrily at her to shut up and stop screaming.

"This one's good." She said, handing it over to the woman beside her with a small smile playing on her face from the memories.

That was a year ago. She thought they would be back to normal by now. In a way they were. This was the new normal.

Michonne took it from her grasp and shoved it, along with one of their last boxes of ammo into an army surplus bag. "Thanks."

The Governor's attack and the threat of more had left them in dire need of more weapons and ammo. After a lengthy discussion between the group of who should go and who should stay, Rick made the call to take Carl and Michonne with him back to King County, leaving the rest of them to stand guard.

"I know the station there like the back of my hand." Rick explained to them. "I left a lot of guns locked in the cage at the beginning of all this."

"Ya think they'll still be there?" Daryl had briefly challenged him. It was a long shot.

Despite his respect for Daryl, Rick gave him the once over. "You have a better idea?"

Daryl just gave a casual shrug of his shoulders, ending the conversation.

Now, Leah was helping Michonne pack up the small SUV for the day's journey. A selection of weapons was scattered along the metal picnic table in a somewhat organized fashion as they separated them out. Choosing what stayed and what went on a run was more difficult than Leah thought it would be.

The amount of ammo that was left was scarily scant. Leah pushed two boxes over to the side of the table and frowned. Hopefully, this run would be fruitful. The Governor's next attack loomed over their heads like a giant, thunderous rain cloud. Even though Andrea had promised to set up a meeting, they didn't trust that Phillip would listen to her requests. Merle had them all on edge with stories of what the man in Woodbury was capable of. Not to mention what had happened to Maggie and Glenn.

Sometimes every uncertain minute seemed like an eternity.

Beth came out from the cell block , making her way out to the women with a sack in hand. Hershel kept a father's watchful eye on the three of them from the prison door.

"Here," the teen held up the bag filled with food and water, showing Michonne what she was doing. "I'm sticking this in the console. There should be enough for two days. Just in case." She left the food in the car and slammed the passenger side door closed.

Michonne nodded. "Thanks."

Leah walked around to the trunk of the SUV and together the two women closed the hatch.

"All set?" Came Hershel's voice from the prison door.

Leah gave him a smile. "All set." Then she turned to Michonne and lowered her voice. "Take care of them?"

Michonne's plump lips pursed. "You worried 'bout Rick?"

Leah nodded. "Aren't we all?"

Crossing her arms, Michonne's gaze drifted over to where Rick and Daryl stood deep in conversation by the fence. "Don't know what he was like before."

She followed her gaze over to the two men and thought about how they both had changed over the course of the year. "Different. He laughed. Was kinder, gentler, more trusting. But, weren't we all?"

"Mmmhmmm." Michonne agreed.

Feeling Leah's gaze, Daryl looked over then. When he caught her eye, Leah couldn't help let a small smile play on her lips. His own signature small grin met her in response. It felt so good to have him close again.

Carl stepped out of the dark prison and into the sunlight, sliding the heavy door closed behind him. He made his way out to the open yard, moving swiftly despite the numerous weapons that were strapped to his person. When he walked by Leah she stuck her hand out and gave his tiny shoulder a squeeze. "Take care of your old man out there."

Carl nodded. "Take care of my sister?"

"You got it, champ."

Rick strode over, with Daryl following close behind. As he walked, he looked at Leah through lowered brows. Fearing he might make a wrong move, he had been letting her call all the shots between them since making up. Sleeping with her body tucked into his last night had been wonderful torture. After she had kissed him, far gentler than he wanted, and fallen asleep, he let his eyes rake over her face. Taking in her upturned nose, full pink lips, the smattering of freckles on her cheeks and tucking the memories away for later. The smell of her hair, feel of her ass pressing into his groin, her breasts rising and falling with each deep breath- they had all stirred him up and left him frustrated beyond measure.

Now, she was standing just in front of him and despite their company, he still couldn't keep his blue eyes off her. The morning air was brisk and she had thrown one of his flannels on before stepping outside. The unbuttoned shirt revealed her black tank top underneath which hung low, exposing a hint of impressive cleavage. He couldn't see her ass, but he could imagine it. And he did. In all of it's tight, round glory.

He would do practically anything to get her alone. For a moment he cursed his decision to let her be in charge.

Rick was speaking and his thoughts snapped back to reality. He gave a small grunt of approval to indicate that he was listening and thought he heard Leah let out a small giggle beside him.

Leah wasn't oblivious. She had seen the hunger in his piercing blue eyes. It had been so long and her body started to betray her. A tight rope of longing coiled up low in her belly and traveled down between her legs.

But, if Daryl wanted her he was going to have to do something more than just stare. She needed him to take charge. As nice as last night was with their bodies touching all the way from shoulder to toes, she had been disappointed when his hand hadn't roamed anywhere other than her stomach. She had quickly gotten tired of waiting for him to progress things and had given him a small kiss before closing her eyes and sleeping until he woke up for his watch shift. She hadn't been able to touch him since and seeing him standing there, all strong and tall, only made her want him more.

There were no hugs, as the trio loaded up into the SUV, just pointed looks filled with meaning. Come back safe. Watch your back.

Glenn and Maggie slid open the gate as Michonne drove towards them, kicking up dust and debris behind the car.

When their taillights disappeared Daryl gave a gruff order. "Get back inside if ya ain't on watch."

Leah spent the rest of the morning caring for Judith and cleaning up around the prison with Beth. They folded laundry and delivered the clothes to their respective cells, washed the breakfast dishes, and started on lunch.

Beth hummed a sweet melody as they worked, which soothed the baby who was nuzzled against Leah's chest in a makeshift Moby wrap that they had fashioned from prison sheets. When she was pregnant with Asher, Leah remembered being so excited to receive one as a present at her baby shower. She and Aunt Erma had spent hours learning and practicing all the fun ways to tie them and carry the baby. It was easy and comfortable and she had been anxious to use it. But, never got the chance.

Meanwhile, Daryl stood outside on the loading dock. His eyes scanned the perimeter cautiously; keeping an eye out for anything that seemed amiss. He wouldn't put it past the Governor to have spies in the woods with a close eye on their comings and goings.

He heard footsteps behind him. Merle stepped out into the sunlight and squinted his eyes at the brightness.

"Hey." Daryl greeted him.

Merle didn't answer, just came to stand beside him. His astute eyes traveled across the yard too; keenly aware of anything that could be out of place. "Seems quiet."

Daryl nodded, agreeing.

The brothers stood in silence for a bit, watching the area like hawks.

Merle was the first one to break the silence. He gave a little nod of his head towards the prison. "She's in there right now. Just taking care of that baby. Get lost. I got this."

Daryl's eyebrows went up in surprise, but he quickly recovered and brushed off Merle's suggestion. He shook his head, even though the offer was tempting. Rick was gone, which unfortunately left him in charge. It wasn't a job he enjoyed, but he did what needed to be done. Plus, Leah was calling the shots now. He wasn't going to push her.

Merle scoffed. "Boy. What's yer problem? Limp dick? Cain't get it up?"

Daryl's jaw tightened. No, that certainly was not his problem. "What's it matter to ya?"

Merle shrugged and leaned up against the fence. "What? I can't just look out for my little brother?"

Daryl snorted.

"I think I'm growin' on that sweet little thing. While everyone else is looking at me like I am some kinda monster, she actually smiled at me yesterday."

Daryl frowned, perplexed. He didn't expect it to happen, but maybe she was trying to get along with Merle for him. "It's cause yer meaner than two rattle snakes fuckin' in a dirty boot."

Merle's laugh came from deep in his belly. "Whatcha talkin' 'bout? I'm charming as hell."

Daryl let out a breathy laugh. "You apologize yet?"

Merle snorted.

"Ya need to make this right." He shifted the strap of his crossbow, nervously.

Merle just shook his head and Daryl was ready to let the conversation drop. There was never any sense in making Merle try to do something. Plus, he wasn't in the mood for a fight.

But, Merle kept talking. "I was an ass. There is no way in hell that Asian kid is gonna let bygones be bygones. Michonne maybe. But not Glenn." He whistled low. "No way in hell."

"You ain't even tried."

Merle shook his head and changed the subject. "Go on now. Git in there and git laid."

Daryl shook his head again. "Too much shit to do. No time for that."

"Too much shit, huh? Yeah, watching biters gnaw on the fence for hours really keeps a man busy."

Daryl just shrugged.

Merle stared at his brother's profile, while Daryl wondered why they hell he suddenly cared so much about his love life.

"Suit yerself I guess." Merle threw his good hand up and wandered back inside the prison to find Leah. If his little brother wasn't gonna make the move, he would send her out to him on a fucking silver platter.

Daryl enjoyed the silence and peace of being alone after Merle left, wondering if he had made the right choice.

He knew exactly where he would take Leah if given the chance. The warden's office was just off C block and completely private. They had swept it clean one of the first days they had moved in, but no one had returned since then. It would be the perfect place. He could make her scream out his name and no one would hear.

He would do all those things that he knew she loved. Lick and caresses every hot spot. Take his time. Linger. Make her beg.

He stirred inside his pants and groaned a little. He didn't want to have to take care of things himself, but he might have to. Picturing her writhing underneath him was sending him over the edge.

"Hey."

Her musical voice started him and he jumped a little.

"Hey," he drawled and covertly adjusted so she wouldn't see how turned on he was.

Leah made her way over and stopped just short of touching him. Damn. He could practically feel the heat radiating off her skin. "Merle said you wanted me out here?"

Daryl couldn't help but laugh. "Did he?"

She looked confused by his laughter. "Yes."

Daryl just shook his head in amusement, and then suddenly realized that she had walked out without any weapons. "Where's yer gun?"

She turned a little, allowing him to see the pistol tucked into the back of her jeans. Right above her ass. His fingers twitched. All he had to do was reach out a little and he could feel the round curves in the palm of his hand.

"Don't worry." She gave him a smile and he returned it. "So, why am I out here?"

Daryl looked at her face and wracked his brain for something to say. "How's Asskicker?"

Damn. She looked at him with questioning eyes; he sure could be difficult sometimes. She had been hoping he had called her out to jump her bones. "She's fine. Beth has her now."

Daryl nodded and drug his eyes away from her face. He grabbed for the binoculars beside him and looked out along the tree line.

When he moved, his arms flexed and Leah felt herself filling up with want in the form of a hot tingle that had started to creep between her legs. She bit down hard on her bottom lip. Unable to stop herself, she moved closer and pressed into his side, laying her head on his strong shoulder. She let out a soft sigh then pressed her lips into his sun kissed skin.

This was good. She could encourage him, but would not make the first move.

Daryl let her lean into him and debated his options. This was normal, loving Leah. Not hot, sex crazed Leah. This wasn't the green light to get her naked. This was just her way of seeking safety and comfort. He had learned that about her. She liked to touch. She liked to be touched. It was how she expressed herself the best. That lesson had been a hard one for him at first, but he understood her now. She felt safest when she was in his arms and he was more than happy to give that to her.

But, damn if even the smallest act of wrapping his arm around her shoulders and kissing her forehead didn't have him hotter than hell.

Leah's breasts moved against his side as she breathed, causing him to imagine those pink nipples he loved to suck on so much. He took in a deep breath and focused on the walkers pressing into the fence.

All the sudden, he felt her thin fingers poke his side. He jerked. "The hell?"

The mischief in her eyes said it all. Her fingers crept up his skin and it was on. A full out tickle war. Daryl set the binoculars down as fast as possible and grabbed for Leah's sides. She backed up and reached for his hands, laughing and trying to pull away from his grasp.

"Nuh uh." He dug his fingertips into her sides, inducing peels of laughter from her.

She managed to reach around to his backside and gave it a rough swat.

Amused, Daryl caught her wrist and pinned it to her side while backing her up against the fence. Her eyes looked up at him, dark and heavy with desire. All his inhibitions dripped away as he leaned down and nibbled at the delicate skin on her neck. Damn, she tasted good.

She tilted her head back for him, giving him easier access to her throat. When he gently bit the skin of her collarbone she moaned and pressed her pelvis into his thigh.

He expected her to grind into him. So it came as a surprise when one of her hands swiftly reached up his shirt and resumed tickling. His lips broke away from her neck with a jerk and he chuckled low in his throat while twisting away from her. "You play dirty."

She grinned while grabbing a fistful of his shirt and pulling him back. "Oh, I'll show you dirty, Dixon."

"Interrupting something?" Merle's booming voice held an edge of slyness to it as he sauntered outside.

Both blushing from embarrassment, they pulled away from each other. Daryl shot Merle a scowl.

Leah held back a frustrated groan and adjusted the flannel of Daryl's she was wearing, making sure it hadn't been knocked askew and that she was completely covered. They had been so close. She threw Merle a dirty look. That bastard had promised her alone time with Daryl. Now he was casually leaned up against the fence and looked like he didn't plan on moving anytime soon. Reluctantly, she told the brothers that she was heading back inside to check on the baby.

As she walked back through the loading dock a small smile played on her lips when she heard Daryl hissing at his brother.

"What the fuck, Merle? Shitty timing."