I done a thing and I'm curious if anyone will notice. It has no bearing on this story in the slightest really. Its just a small detail. Let me know if you spot something... :D
Daryl was getting tired of all the bullshit that came with this wedding. Even Rick looked like he was wearing thin. For the most part he'd kept his opinion to himself but anyone who knew him would likely see just how aggravated he really was. Michonne was demanding that the entire wedding party retake photos because just two of people weren't up to her standards. What the fuck did she expect? He couldn't help he had a fucking busted lip and a partially bruised cheek. Rick's looked worse anyways.
"Rick, don't argue with me." Michonne hissed while gripping Rick's wrist roughly.
"I'm just saying that the next pictures are going to look the same." He insisted. "We can't magic black eyes away."
"That's what makeup is for."
"No." Daryl said.
Michonne shot him a withering glare. "You're ruining my day!"
Michonne's mother was standing by her side and sighed. "Honey, they have a point."
"It isn't just your day." Rick's mother's voice brooked no argument. "You are both getting married tomorrow. It is both of your day."
Rick was tense and Daryl shifted. It was no secret that Michonne and Rick's mother did not like each other. First impressions to Mrs. Grimes are everything and Michonne's wasn't very great. Daryl never got the full story of what happened and honestly didn't want to know. Anything that was about both these women in one thing was bad. Michonne clenched her jaw and stared at Rick like he'd personally insulted her.
"I've seen the pictures and I think they look fine. He's a cop dear. He's going to get hurt on the job and I think you're overreacting." Mrs. Grimes voice was saccharine. "Now Daryl I need you to introduce me to that lovely lady you came with."
Daryl flushed violently but took the out offered him. Mrs. Grimes glided next to him and smiled at people as they walked by. She forced a smile for Michonne's parents and grit her teeth once they were past them. He'd known this woman his entire life and he knew she could be cut throat when it came to people she cared about. She was the mayor this town after all and you didn't get there without having drive.
"Oh look that them!" She clapped. "She's even charmed your dad."
Daryl followed her eyes and found Will twirling Carol around. She was laughing with her hair fanned out behind her. Will's eyes were lit with amusement and his smile was wide. Daryl could recall one other time he'd seen his dad dance with someone that wasn't his mother. It was Travis and Karen's wedding. Rick's mother nudged him and they walked over to the table his brothers were at. Harley beamed at him and slapped the seat next to her. Daryl slid into it and Mrs. Grimes took the one next to him.
"Harley it's good to see you."
Harley turned to Rick's mother while sweeping her hair over her shoulder. "Pamela!" Harley laughed loudly. She leaned over and hugged Rick's mother. "Having a good day?"
Pamela sighed heavily but forced a smile when she a few of Michonne's family looking towards her. Daryl shot a look at his brother and grimaced. He really didn't want to be here if Pamela Lillian Grimes blew her top. Harley seemed to read her mind and both women were whispering to each other. Mac slid him a drink and Daryl knocked it back.
The night was almost over. He understood in a way why Michonne was basically having two receptions. Part of her family wasn't going to be able to stay for anything more than the wedding. They'd have to leave immediately after but he felt like this was excessive. If the look on Pamela's face was anything to go by she was displeased. She'd been grinding her teeth since Rick started dating Michonne. It wasn't that Michonne was really a bad person but that she was bossy. If she said jump asked how high.
"Daryl here hasn't introduced me!"
Daryl looked over and flushed seeing both Harley and Pamela looking at him. Both were grinning. Harley was close to Pamela; the woman almost like a second mother. Pamela had four sisters. The Isley sisters were notorious. Pamela was suck out though with her shocking red hair and vibrant green eyes. Her pale skin made all her features pop and Mac had lusted after the woman for years before he'd met Harley. Harley looked like her but with jet black hair.
"Daryl's shy Pam, you know that." Harley winked at him.
He sneered at her and Mac slid him another beer. Daryl tipped it at his brother and Merle slid him a shot. Daryl thought maybe he'd feel bad for what him and Rick were going to do to him but he didn't. Not in the slightest. Between tomorrow morning and tonight Merle was going to hate him. Add Carol's own personal brand of revenge in and Merle was miserable.
Will appeared over his shoulder leading Carol to the table. He pulled her chair out and she set next to him. Pam looked up at him and smiled. Daryl raised a brow watching as Pamela blatantly checked his dad out. The woman wasn't shy and sometimes it was laughable how different Rick was from his own mom.
"Daryl you have terrible manners." Pamela laughed. She leaned around him and smiled at Carol. "Hello dear, I'm Rick's mother Pamela."
Carol smiled and her eyes were slightly wide. Was she buzzed? Will and Merle were talking silently and Daryl could see Rick trying to get his attention. Jesus was standing with him a gleam in his eyes. Daryl wanted to go so they could finish up with their plans but Carol had ahold of his wrist like she was trying to keep her balance.
"I'm Carol!" Carol hiccuped and laughed.
Daryl gave her a wide eyed look and shot his dad a murderous look. Will just raised a brow. Why the fuck would they get her drunk. Carol told him herself she'd never really drank. He stared at his beer and then felt his stomach churn. Fuck, if she got sick like he did at all he was going to be up all night thinking she was going to drown in her puke. It served him right though. She did take care of him all those times. He was a piece of shit and this was his reward.
Pamela smiled while laughing the sound light and musical. Merle took the beer when it was clear Daryl wasn't going to drink and he let a mean smile slide into place. Mac seen it but he didn't give a fuck. Harley was enough payment for the shit that Mac done. She was going to give him hell. So would Carol now that they were staying at the house. No, Merle was going to pay.
Daryl stood as Rick finally got desperate and came to the table. He gave Daryl an impatient look. He felt eyes on them and his buzz was slight but it wasn't enough that he really was impaired in the slightest. He just had less reservations.
"Merle." Daryl nudged. "Come on."
Merle stood laughing with Jesus. Jesus winked at him and Merle missed it. Pamela and Will eyed both of their sons. Rick looked guilty and Daryl knew he looked smug. Will tensed and Daryl told them he'd be right back.
They'd just stepped outside and Jesus was hanging Merle another drink. He gave Daryl significant look before sipping his own beer. Rick was drinking but it was so slow he knew he was drinking a hot beer by now. Daryl for his part had water. He was eyeing his brother but by now Merle was lit. He wasn't sure who produced the liquor but Merle started hitting that while complaining about Penny. Apparently she'd groped him more than a few times. Merle almost broke her wrist earlier was the only reason she'd let go of his dick.
"Daryl?"
He spun finding Carol doe eyed and flushed walking towards him. Merle eyed her through drunk eyes and leered. Daryl resisted throwing a punch into his brother's face. Instead he urged Rick to get him into the truck. Jesus was manhandling him.
"Are we leaving?" Carol giggled.
She was fucking giggling! He bit his lip to keep from saying something stupid. He took a deep drink of his water and Carol took it right out of his hand. She caused him to spill it down his chin since she was pulling it away from his mouth. He was wide eyed and let her have the bottle. She turned it up and drained it.
"DARYL!" Rick hissed. "Are you good to drive?"
Daryl turned and Jesus leaned out the driver side window of his vehicle. "We gotta go before Bridezilla starts looking for Ricky! Meet us."
Daryl nodded and watched his two friends leave with his brother. His brother who was passing out drunk. He looked back at Carol about the time she hugged him. He stumbled but kept her upright. She was letting her weight rest against him and he looked down at her like he wasn't sure what to do. It wasn't the first time she'd been pressed against him but that'd been on the bike. This was decidedly different. It had his heart racing and he really wished she wasn't drunk right now.
"Carol." Daryl slid his arm around her waist to steady her.
He looked to at the door and grimaced. Carol snuggled closer into his chest and made a sound like she was purring. He looked down at her and his mouth popped open. She was nuzzling her face into his chest. He pushed her hair back from her face and her eyes popped open. Carol smiled up at him and the wet sheen to her lips had his blood rushing south.
"Are we leaving?" Her voice was breathy.
"I've got to help Rick with something and then we can go."
"Rick just left." Carol pouted, tightening her arms around his waist.
Daryl started untangling her from his body. He looked up when Penny stepped outside. Of everyone here it had to be Penny! The girl was watching them with interest. Carol was oblivious and was pawing at him. He caught her hand as she started rubbing along his stomach and made sure she didn't fall. Harley wasn't far behind Penny and came outside. She slammed the door harder than she should and it hit Penny.
She barely spared glance for Penny and walked straight for them. Daryl felt relief. Harley could watch her till he got back and then he could get her home. Harley gave him a sly look that made him tense. It was too much like his brothers looks for him to trust it.
"Here I thought Penny was following her to start trouble." Harley cooed.
"Harley." Daryl gave a pointed look. "Just- I..."
"Are you two leaving?" Harley interrupted. "I brought her purse and your jacket. We'll be by later. If you haven't changed the locks then Mac still has a key."
Daryl glared. "I have to do some shit before I can go home."
"So." Harley grinned.
His glared deepened.
"Carol." Harley pulled her into a hug. "I'll see you in the morning. We can get ready together! I always wanted a sister to play dress up with."
"You have a goddamn sister Harley."
"Yeah well she's a idiot and we don't get along." Harley snapped. "Besides I like Carol better. She's adorable. Don't you agree Daryl?"
She was a hell a lot more than just fucking adorable but he couldn't very well say that. Instead he stood there. Harley smiled even wider.
"Don't be rude Daryl. Your silence could be taken two ways. Carol here is insulted!" She nudged Carol while hugging her, "Isn't that right Carol."
Carol smiled at him and leaned her head on Harley's shoulder. "Yes." She jutted her lip out and he thought about throwing himself into traffic.
"Now be a good date and get her home." Harley cooed. "I'm sure whatever you, Rick, and Jesus are up to will be hindered by Carol." She gave him a sharp look. "Besides Carol doesn't want to be here without you. She got up to come out here the second you left the table even though we tried talking to her."
Harley let go of Carol and she immediately walked to him. Penny was watching again and he felt his blood pressure rising. Why was everyone fucking with him? Harley sauntered off winking over her shoulder before she disappeared inside. Carol was yawning into his side and he looked down at her. She was going to fall asleep soon. Hopefully she wasn't too hungover since tomorrow was the wedding. He took a step and Carol stumbled slightly.
"The world's spinning Daryl." Carol laughed. "Why aren't you?"
"Why am I what?"
"Spinning! You're like a rock." She stared before she started laughing. "Liiiiike a rock! You're as strong as you could be, like a rock! Nothing ever got to you, like a rock, you were something to see!" Carol sang loudly, her voice echoing off the building.
He rubbed his face and gave up. Bending swiftly he picked her up. His arm went behind her knee and the other around her torso. He made sure she was tight against his chest as he started walking. She was still singing but now her arm was around his neck while the other was thrown wide. Her legs were kicking and her dress was riding up. Her thighs were more and more exposed and really he just wanted to die. His brothers got her drunk. His brothers were bastards who made her think he was a queer and then set him up to blow the fuck up on them in front of her. Then add to that when she's pawing at him he has to go and meet Rick because of his brother again. When was there a time that Merle wasn't cock blocking him? Because that was basically what he'd done.
If he'd just shut his fucking mouth at the start of this things with Carol would have never been as weird. Maybe she wouldn't have acted the way she did and made him feel like there was no chance. Instead they fucked him over and cock blocked him. Well he'd had blue balls since meeting her and it was only fair that Merle suffer the same way.
He got her door open and Carol clambered in. He tried to step back after getting her seatbelt done but she caught his shirt. He looked up sharply and barely had a chance to meet her eyes before her mouth crashed into his. He groaned when her hand tangled in his hair and she deepened the kiss. His heart started pounding, roaring in his ears, and he wanted nothing more than to sink into that kiss. He could taste the aftertaste of alcohol though on her breath. Pulling away and panting for breath he stepped out of her reach. He wouldn't do this to her while she was drunk. He wanted her warm, willing, and fucking lucid.
Carol gave him a hurt look and flushed. "I'm...I made a mistake didn't I?" Carol's voice was rougher. "He was right about me."
Daryl blew out a breath and caught her hand before she could cover her face. When Carol met his eyes she looked slightly more sober but still not enough.
"Don't misunderstand Carol." He grit out. "This-" He motioned between them like he was underlining something, "I want this. Goddamn do I but I'm not doing this while you've been drinking. If you feel the same in the morning when you're sober talk to me then."
Carol blinked at him owlishly and smiled. "You want me?"
He glared at her and Carol laughed. He shut the door. Her drunk was trouble. He got in his truck quickly but not before he seen Penny slack jawed and glaring. He ignored her and Carol turned her head watching him. He was use to that by now though. Her lips were bruised and every instinct he had was telling him to pull over and do exactly what they both wanted. It took a miracle for him to keep his eyes on traffic as he watched her out of the corner of his eye push her dress up a little higher on her thighs and throw her legs up in his lap. Her legs slightly parted….she was oblivious to just how fuckable she really did look.