A.N: First off, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE LOOONG WAIT! Secondly, hope you all enjoyed the awesome premiere of TWD S8! I was going to upload a week before but decided the day after the 100th epi airs would be better so people are pumped! These next couple of chapters are a time lapse. They can be placed anywhere between other scenes within whatever make believe show plot maybe out there and gives a sense of how the archer's relationship is developing before the next major arch. SHOUT OUT TO ANIMECRZYGRL99 & UIET87 for the wonderful reviews! Even if I enjoy writing, the reviews reassure me you enjoy reading. So read on! :)
EXT. WOODS- EARLY EVENING
The season of Summer is coming to an end as the rains move over the land to prepare for the next. Still, the forest hang on to as much of it's thick, lush, greenery to sustain the life that depends on it for a while longer. Two deer, a buck and a doe, take advantage of what nature has to offer. They forage about under the trees unaware of the eyes in the shadows watching them. Lurking a few feet away in the foliage, a hunter and huntress wait on the opportune moment for the deer to come within range. Perfectly camouflaged, they move not a muscle as they study their quarry. A raspy voice speaks softly.
DARYL
(Speaking softly)
I'll take the one on the left you the right.
They wait but after a moment only one deer moves within shooting distance of their arrows as the other heads in the opposite direction.
DARYL (CONT'D)
Shit.
TESSA
It's okay. One is better than none. Let's go for this one on three. One...
They both ready their weapons. Daryl with his crossbow and Tessa draws her newly replaced Recurve. They simultaneously inhale and on the exhale fire upon the animal. Both arrows miss, spoking the creature as it leaps into the air and darts off flashing it's white tail in the opposite direction of the couple. They unveil themselves from their cover.
DARYL
Damn. That should have hit from my angle.
TESSA
Yours got closer than mine. I'm still breaking in these new bow limbs you found me.
DARYL
Yeah.
Tessa wraps up the cover sheet and packs it away in the backpack. After gathering the things, she starts to walk off but Daryl reaches for her, gently taking her by the wrist and pulling her in to him. He stands inches taller looking down upon his lady as she look up to him. The chemistry between them is mutual and they affectionately nuzzle heads.
DARYL (CONT'D)
Maybe we can get an earlier start tomorrow.
Set up on the other side of the creek.
TESSA
Maybe. Just depends. (Beat) I wanted to tell you last night...
I'll be tied up at the greenhouse for the rest of the season.
Trying to make sure we're good on certain produce for
the colder months. No more hunts for a while at least.
A bit disappointed with the sudden news, Daryl slightly nods. He enjoy their hunts together as it's one of the only times they could escape the pressures of community duties. Besides, if there is anyone he could trust to have his back in the hunts and know what they are doing, his mate is one.
DARYL
Alright... at least you'd be safe inside the
walls. I can hold it down out here.
Tessa inhales a deep breath with a bit of concern. She knows the news disappoints him but there are other things to be done. Thunder rang out across the land signaling coming rain.
TESSA
C'mon.
They break the bond as Tessa lets her hand fall from his and she trails off into the brush with Daryl following.
About two mouths have passed since The Archers sealed their bond and hid their love from the world. To live in secrecy is hard especially when there are so many in the community who openly display their affection with love ones. Why not Daryl and Tessa?
For a start, Daryl has at least seventeen years on Tessa. Even if she is peaking the mid to late twenties range, Tessa being with Daryl is equivalent to her dating Rick. Sure Rosita and Sasha are within her age range and both have slept with Abraham who is possibly ten to fifteen years older than either but this leads to the second reason.
Rosita and Sasha doesn't have a living blood relative to possibly condemn their romantic affairs. Seeing that Tessa was a baby the time Michonne was breaking teens means that Michonne has a kind of motherly authority over her young cousin. Considering the adapted relationships within the group, Daryl and Michonne best friends, Rick and Daryl brothers, Rick and Michonne lovers, Rick and Tessa "step dad/daughter" leaves no true wiggle room for D & T beyond either "just friends" or brother and sister. With that being said, imagine your daughter dating your best male friend or boyfriend's brother. For Tessa, it'll be like dating an uncle. But aside from such logic, the two care little of any differences they may have...
The Archers continue through the darkening forest as the rain clouds move in and wind picks up. Arriving at a clearing, they stumble upon the buck and doe from earlier. The creatures see them and stand pondering at their presence. It's the perfect opportunity for one more shot whilst the creatures stand just yards away.
Daryl raises his crossbow and aims for the buck. The doe's ears perk in response to the sudden danger but a gentle hand is placed on the limb of Daryl's weapon and lowers it. Soft, graceful eyes gaze upon him and Daryl looks to his lady in understanding- there is harmony in this moment. Tessa gives Daryl's vest a tug and walks off. Daryl gives one more glance at the deer before leaving the creatures in peace.
INT.- ALEXANDRIA- DARYL & TESSA'S HOUSE- EVENING.
The raging wind howls and blows natural debris about the streets of Alexandria as the rain makes like wave upon hitting the ground. Daryl and Tessa run onto the porch, soaking wet to the core before entering their home.
TESSA
Ugh, my god. I didn't expect it to come down so hard.
DARYL
Well... when it rains it pours.
TESSA
Let's leave our clothes at door so we aren't dripping all over the house.
She takes off her wet over shirt letting it hit the tile with a splat. Daryl hangs his vest on the rack then mirrors Tessa while she takes off her belt, holster and boots. They sneak glances at each other as they undress little by little.
Tessa then attempts to take off her tank top but it gets tangled in her hair after lifting it over her head. Daryl offers his help and unravels her tresses from the soggy top. Once free, he lets it drop to the floor next to the other clothes. Tessa turns to him and places her hands on his strong chest. He places his hands on her hips as she returns the favor by unbuttoning his black shirt. Daryl just glares onto his lady with a certain glow on his face as she do so. It isn't a look of lust but a soft yet rugget hint of genuine love.
Once she slips off his shirt, Tessa slightly reacts to a small discovery on her man's body.
TESSA (CONT'D)
Oh... D, you have a tick on you.
His attention is drawn to the area on his side where Tessa plucks the tiny vermin and crushes it's thin body between her index finger and thumb nail.
DARYL
Little bastards been tough this Summer. All this rain ain't
making it no better. Glad it's coming to an end.
(Beat) C'mere... make sure ain't none on you.
From behind, he moves her hair over her shoulder before unhooking her bra and gently gliding his hands across her back to examine his female. Daryl feels her tenseness and messages parts of her back with his thumbs. Tessa tunes herself with his motions as he goes lower to the top of her jeans but he doesn't stop there. He moves his hands across her hips and unfastens Tessa's jeans then closes in for a love bite to the base of her neck. Feeling coy, Tessa stops him.
TESSA
Move... you're not checking for ticks.
DARYL
Yeah, I am. The lil' bastards can be hiding anywhere.
Tessa smiles amused.
TESSA
Well we can get them in the shower.
DARYL
Might as well finish getting dirty before we get clean don't 'cha think?
TESSA
We can get a little bit of both. C'mon, before they cut
the power. I'm gonna warm up some left overs too.
Tessa picks up her wet clothes and heads off.
LIVING ROOM.
The power has been shut down across the community as a way to reserve energy and avoids surges. After their shower, the couple spends more quality time in the living room nestled by the fireplace. Daryl stokes another piece of wood to warm the area as Tessa comes over with their leftover food. She sits on the bundles of blankets and pillows in front of the pit before Daryl settles in beside her. Tessa eats but Daryl just stares into the fire.
TESSA
You okay?
DARYL
Yeah. I'm good.
She hands him his bowl but he places it aside.
TESSA
You should eat while your food's still warm.
DARYL
I ain't really hungry, babe.
TESSA
You haven't eaten since breakfast. One bite.
DARYL
I don't want any.
TESSA
Why cause it's plant base?
Daryl shrugs.
DARYL
Cause I don't want it.
Tessa takes her utensil and teasingly airplanes it to Daryl's mouth. Through his nonchalant expression, a smile slightly tugs at the corner of his lips as he resist Tessa's force feed.
TESSA
You're gonna eat it.
DARYL
No.
TESSA
Uh huh.
DARYL
No, I don't want it.
TESSA
Yes you do.
DARYL
Gone nah.
TESSA
And if I don't?
Daryl picks up a sofa pillow next to him and pops Tessa in the head. The utensil drops making a slight mess on the hardwood floor.
TESSA (CONT'D)
(Amused)
Punk. Now you gone clean that up.
DARYL
It's yo fault. I ain't cleaning up nothin'.
Tessa picks up another pillow and bashes him with it over and over. Daryl blocks some of her licks before he retaliates with some of his own. It's a full blown pillow fight between the two until Daryl's pillow slips from hand. Tessa continues the assault but Daryl playfully tackles his woman to the ground and pins her by the wrist.
DARYL (CONT'D)
Give up.
TESSA
Like you did last time?
The couple continue to rough house beside the fire light. Tessa attempts to knee him in the side but Daryl moves over her to avoid the attack. With Tessa in a submissive position, he eventually lets go of her wrist and kneels over her. She looks at him from over her head and follows up with pokes to his midsection. He flinches upon impact.
DARYL
Hell naw. No poking.
TESSA
There are no rules.
She continues but Daryl break through with a different attack.
DARYL
Alright...
Daryl tickles her midsection as Tessa scream out in laughter.
TESSA
Daryl... NO!... Okay, okay.
She curls in a ball to deflect him.
DARYL
Naw... ain't no "okay."
Daryl drags Tessa towards him a bit by her legs and smothers her beneath him.
TESSA
Move... you're crushing me.
DARYL
Good. Now sit still.
TESSA
You not the boss of me.
DARYL
I'm on top, so I think I am.
TESSA
Wasn't like this last night.
DARYL
It's like this tonight.
Tessa blow in his face.
DARYL (CONT'D)
Now why you wanna do that? How you like it if I blow in your face?
He does.
TESSA
Ew. Dragon breath.
DARYL
I sholl had a cigarette when you were finishing in the shower.
TESSA
Not in my house you better not. I hope the
world runs out of those disgusting things.
DARYL
It will cause I'm gone smoke 'em all.
She grins at his tease.
TESSA
Ugh... much rather you smoked weed.
DARYL
Grow me some.
TESSA
I ain't growing you no damn weed, you junkie.
DARYL
Then don't worry 'bout it.
TESSA
Daryl, you're a grown man, I don't care what
you do. Just know that I don't like it.
Suddenly, Tessa counters him and knocks him on his back. They bunt heads before Tessa breaks bond with a soft kiss to his cheek. She gets off her man and takes the spoon from Daryl's bowl to eat her own food. Daryl sits up.
DARYL
Why you gone take my spoon?
TESSA
Cause you knocked mine on the floor. Besides, you didn't want any.
DARYL
I do now.
Tessa shoots him a soft annoyed glare then feeds him a scoop from the spoon. He takes the bite. D & T bond through the night.
Next Chapter Please... :)