A/N Thank you, thank you! He's awake, YAY! Now let's see if we can get that man home :) Oh, and there's a big surprise for them at the end.
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The night nurse walks in his room at three a.m to check on him, and it's right there in front of her. Not only is her patient awake, her patient's wife is in bed with him. She opens her mouth to say something but he's waving her over as he tries to shake his head "no."
Before he can speak she quietly tells him, "I'm sorry but your wife can't be in the bed with you Mr. Dixon, that's not how this works."
He hoarsely whispers back, "I know. I get it, but please, she's sound asleep and I don't wanna wake her up. I don't think she's slept much since I got hurt. Her n the baby need rest."
The nurse's first inclination is to say none of that matters, then tell the wife she has to get out of his bed and now. But something stops her. She thinks about her own husband and how she'd feel seeing him so hurt. She decides to simply check her patient's vitals and IV lines, make sure everything's okay and leave the room pretending she never saw a thing.
He's still exhausted and yet at the same time he feels a strange sort of energy. His body has been at rest for a long time now and it seems to have a mind of its own, it's anxious to move, to get up and get going. There's a lot on his mind too. Mostly he wonders how long it will really take him to get back up to speed. He's sure there's no way it's going to take three months. He doesn't have the patience for that shit.
He dozes off again. The next time he wakes up the fact that he actually slept more surprises him. He sure as hell didn't expect to. What the fuck is going on with him? What kind of dope do they have him on? He's feeling half-pissed now. His wife told him the doc would be in this morning and Daryl plans to get more than one thing straight with the man.
For right now though there are more important things to attend to. What awakened him was his pretty little wife moving around as she starts to wake up too. When her sleepy eyes land on him they fly wide open like she forgot where she was, and then her arm wraps around his midsection and she squeezes as she moves in closer and whispers his name, "Daryl."
Her little show of affection has him wincing and letting out a low gasp. His ribs are tender and she realizes she hurt him. "Oh my gosh Daryl I wasn't even thinking, I'm so sorry."
Her eyes are glistening and the last thing he wants is for her to feel bad, he smiles as he teasingly assures her, "Hey, I wanted the hug a lot more than I wanted the rib." Then he uses what feels like every ounce of energy he has to lean in and kiss her hair, while he tells her, "I wanna kiss from ya too."
She scoots up on the bed, gives him a quick kiss on the lips and announces, "I need to use the bathroom or we're both going to be in trouble."
He's still smiling when he cautions, "Be careful gettin' down." He has the fingers of his left hand wrapped around her upper arm to steady her as she slides from the bed. She's surprised that despite everything he's been through, his grip is still so strong.
She quickly gets her bag from the closet and rushes to his bathroom. She's not supposed to use it, she's been told its for the patient only. She's hoping at this hour no one will ever know.
The bathroom is spacious and equipped for physically impaired persons. There's a large shower but she doesn't consider using it, at least not yet. She plans to be extra fast and sneaky for now. She settles for washing her face and brushing her teeth, then takes off her sweatshirt and puts on her pink maternity t-shirt. She brushes her hair into a fresh ponytail, adds a bit of mascara to her lashes and decides that's good enough for now.
She walks out of the bathroom and immediately looks toward her husband. He's laying quietly with his eyes closed and she thinks he's fallen back to sleep. She begins to tiptoe that way when he lifts his head just slightly off the pillow, looks at her and teases, "Shit girl, you were gone so long I thought ya abandoned me."
She's not teasing at all when she walks to him, takes his hand in hers and says, "I would think by now you'd know I'm never going to abandon you." She bends down, kisses him and adds, "You're stuck with me forever Daryl Dixon."
"Yeah? Good. That's my favorite kinda stuck."
Shifts change and for the first time Daryl and Aaron actually meet. They hit it off right away and Aaron's all smiles when he tells her husband, "You're the luckiest guy in the hospital, probably the county. Not only did you survive one helluva fall with a lightning strike to boot, you've also got the nicest wife. She's tough too, you should hear her when she sets your brother straight."
Daryl's trying not to laugh because it hurts his ribs. He tells Aaron, "Yeah, I don't mess with her either, not when I know her mind's made up about sumthin'. She'll kick my ass."
Beth is ten shades of red and tells them, "You two stop right now."
Aaron's still smiling as he leaves the room, just as Merle walks in, "Hey there little brother, ya finally gonna get your lazy ass up?"
"Nope, I'ma lay here like this a while longer. I found out I'm into this relaxin' thing and lettin' folks wait on me hand and foot. It ain't a bad way ta live at all."
They didn't notice Dr. Jenner walking in. He smiles at his patient and says, "That sounds very pleasant, but that's not how it's going to happen. Now that you're awake it's time to start some therapy."
"I'm ready Doc, just tell me what I gotta do. I'm anxious ta get back ta work."
The Doctor's voice and demeanor take on a more serious tone, "You need to understand Daryl, your leg is going to take some time to heal properly. If you do too much too soon you risk re-injuring it. That will lead to serious complications."
Daryl shakes his head as best he can, "Yeah, I heard about what ya said, but there ain't no way I'ma be off work for three months. It just ain't gonna happen. I'll be good as new in a month."
The Doctor smiles and asks, "So tell me Daryl, which medical school did you attend?"
"You're funny Doc, but I know me and I know I'll heal up faster than ya think."
Before anyone can say anything more Beth has once again taken her husband's hand as she quietly scolds him, "Maybe you should quit arguing and start thinking about the benefits of being home, like the fact our baby's due in just under three months. Wouldn't it be nice if you lucked out and you were still home when that happens? Maybe you could be there with us full time for the first week or two."
That quiets the argument as he turns to the Doctor and agrees, "Okay, we'll see how it goes."
Merle can't help roughing his brother's hair when he only half-teasingly tells him, "It's damn near impossible ta win an argument with that woman a yours."
Over the next week Daryl and Beth get in what they call their hospital routine. Early in the morning while the hospital staff all seem to be busy with shift change business, Beth takes her shower. After his breakfast and fresh linens are put on his bed he has therapy and she's not allowed to go with him. That's when she does her own form of therapy.
She grabs a breakfast sandwich in the cafeteria and then gets out of the hospital. She sits in the sun a while eating her breakfast and looking at a magazine while also getting a much-needed dose of Vitamin D. After breakfast she takes a walk around, just breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the relative quiet. By the time she's back in his room she feels renewed, and she knows the little bit of exercise is good for her and the baby.
After lunch they're always both exhausted and finally Beth is back in her routine of an afternoon nap. They don't bother to try resting in bed together during the day, they know they can't pull that off, but at least they're close.
They no sooner wake from their naps than Aaron comes in to bathe her husband, change his dressings and treat his burns. That's when Beth slips down to the cafeteria again. She buys something healthy like an apple, a banana or a bowl of melon, but also an ice cream that she can take to the atrium and enjoy with a little more sunshine.
When Aaron's on duty he always manages to find an extra dinner tray for Beth and she and Daryl eat together. Afterwards they watch a little TV and then she reads to him from her baby book, and then from a new book she bought in the hospital gift shop. Baby names. They thought they had that part figured out, but it's kind of fun reading through them all and what they mean. Still they haven't changed their minds.
Later, before the hospital lights dim at ten, the nurse comes in to check on him one more time. When the coast is clear Beth sneaks in the bathroom, puts on the yoga pants and sweatshirt she's been sleeping in and crawls in bed with her husband. They need this time. This quiet closeness, feeling the warmth of each-others bodies and hearing their heartbeats. It's what's getting them through this whole experience.
Daryl's been so good and cooperative about everything. He hasn't complained about physical therapy or all the blood tests, not even all the other seemingly endless tests, or even taking his meds. Every day Beth hears glowing reports about how hard he's working in therapy and she's always happy when she does. Even though she knows he's only being so cooperative because he wants to get the hell out of the hospital. That's okay with her, whatever it takes, she wants him out too.
Aaron has his days off Thursday and Friday and a very nice woman named Denise is on duty. Daryl likes her and all, but he's not real comfortable with the idea of a woman bathing him, unless of course it's Beth. He asks if they can just forgo that stuff until Aaron gets back, but Denise just smiles and tells him, "Don't worry, I've seen plenty of boy bits and I'm not judgy about those things." What can he do but laugh? Besides, he's not about to make any waves. He wants out.
On those night's when Aaron's not there there's no tray for Beth. They've got that all figured out too, she makes a pizza or a burger and milkshake run and they're both more than happy with the change in diet.
Even with his days off they've spent a lot of time with Aaron and a close friendship has begun to develop between the three of them. They're happy to see him return Saturday morning and what happens later that afternoon leaves them all with a smile.
Daryl knows all the guys from the job have been working a lot of overtime in the wake of the storm. Several have called him and his supervisor stopped by one evening to check on him and give him a pep talk. But he knows it's just tough for most of them to get by and visit. Then Saturday afternoon about 4:30 Caesar and Jesus show up, straight from the job and still wearing their work boots.
Although they may be trying not to be obvious, it isn't working. Caesar, Daryl and Beth can't help but pick up on the attraction right away. As soon as Aaron and Jesus lay eyes on each other they become oblivious to everything and everyone else in the room.
Caesar smiles, shrugs and just starts talking. He tells Daryl everything that's been going on at work, all the gossip and all the bullshit. Then he asks, "So hey man, when are you bustin' outta this place?"
When Daryl starts talking Jesus finally pulls his eyes off Aaron and joins the conversation. All the while Aaron tries to appear busy doing this and that, but Daryl and Beth know his routine and they know he's stalling. He doesn't want to leave the visitor until he has to.
It's not long until Caesar announces he's got to get home, the wife's going to have dinner waiting. Daryl almost laughs at the sad puppy dog eyes Jesus and Aaron give each other as Jesus walks out the door.
As soon as they're gone Daryl tells his nurse, "Hey man, gimme your phone a minute."
"My phone?"
"Yeah, don't argue just hand it over."
Aaron does as he's asked, handing the phone to Daryl. Daryl gets his own phone from the bedside table and sends the number. As he's handing Aaron his phone back he tells him, "His name is Paul Rovia. The guys all call him Jesus because, well it's kinda obvious when ya look at him, ain't it? Anyway, he's a good dude, no kinda player and he's single."
Aaron looks both happy and a little embarrassed and Daryl jokes, "give him a call man, I'm guessin' he'd like that."
Aaron smiles and says, "Thanks, I appreciate it."
Finally, after fourteen days the big day arrives, Daryl's going home. Aaron has shown and explained everything to Beth she needs to know about his meds, which include the antibiotics he needs to take for another week, and the pain meds he can take up to three times a day. She already knows he'll never take them.
His burns are healing nicely and so is his leg. The doc says another week and his fingers will be healed completely. The stitches have been removed from his leg and mainly he's just got to be cautious until the wound has healed completely. That includes keeping the wound bandaged because of the cast. He's also got to take responsibility for the ribs, even though they're healing quickly and he's got very little pain from those anymore.
His bruises have faded dramatically and he's wearing a "boot" cast on his leg, it hit's below the knee and is more advantageous for doing his physical therapy. He knows he's got to keep that work up to keep his leg muscles from atrophying.
Merle's already taken care of getting him a shower chair and it's waiting at home. Aaron's helped them with that part too. She's watched him shower her husband a couple of times now, taking special care with his burns and making every effort to protect his leg.
Although they know their shower time together isn't going to be quite like it's been, at least not for a while, they've already made whispered promises to each other that different doesn't have to be bad. They have plans to make it just as fun as it's always been.
Hospital rules say he has to leave in a wheelchair and he knows better than to question or complain. Besides, he has people in his life who have proved to him there's no shame in living your life in a chair. Still he's grateful it's only a temporary condition for him.
Beth pulls up to the hospital entrance in her little red SUV and he's never been so happy to see that damn thing. She gets out to watch how Aaron helps him in, just in case her husband would ever let her help him. He's in, they're ready and she's excited to get Daryl home, but she can't go before she gives his nurse a hug and tells him, "Thanks for everything Aaron. I don't think this would have gone as well with anyone but you."
"It's my job Beth, but with you guys it was also my pleasure."
"Don't forget, we'll see you Saturday for dinner."
"I wouldn't forget something that important." His look turns shy and he says, "You know, I probably shouldn't even ask this, and I wouldn't if him and Daryl weren't already friends, but um, would it be okay if I brought someone?"
"By someone do you mean Jesus?"
He laughs and shrugs, "Well yeah."
"Of course we don't mind, do we Daryl?"
Daryl's smiling at the nurse, "Good job man, and nah, I don't mind, he don't eat that much."
As soon as they're pulling out of the parking lot he pats her thigh and says, "Now that we got everyone else's romances taken care of, let's get home and take care a ours. We got a lotta time ta make up for."
"Are you sure you're ready for that stuff Daryl?"
"Sure? Shit Beth, I been ready since I woke up from that drug coma."
Then it happens, like it does every once in a great while. His sweet-as-sugar wife opens her mouth and something he'd never expect to hear her say rolls off her tongue, "Thank goodness nobody will be filming us. Can you just imagine what we'll look like? Me and my oversized belly and you all bruised and battered with your leg in a cast. It's just so, so sexy."
He's smiling when he gives her that look and says, "I think you look hot no matter what. Me? Shit I never looked too good anyway."
That's when she really blows his mind, it's not just what she says, it's that word that comes out of her mouth. He's only heard her say it once before, "Bullshit Daryl Dixon, don't you ever talk about my husband that way again. You're the best looking man I've ever seen. You're sure as heck the only man I ever care to see naked."
He's laughing softly when he responds, "Yes Ma'am, and damn, that last part is real good news."
She pulls in their garage and quickly exits the car, walking to the trunk to get the crutches for him. She hands them to him and says, "Wait right here, I'll go unlock the kitchen door and then I can help you."
He acts a little angry when he responds, "I don't need no help, just get the door."
Her feelings are hurt by his tone and his attitude but she does what she set out to do, and just as she slides the key is in the lock she hears him yelp and the crutches hit the garage floor. He's on the ground, fighting to get in a sitting position and she hurries to him, "Daryl! Are you okay? Give me your hand, let me help you."
His mood and his look are dark when he snarls, "Just get outta the way. I can handles this."
She's hurt but she's also angry, "What are you, 10? That's how you're acting right now, like a spoiled child. Quit it and just let me give you a hand." She reaches hers out to him as she adds, "You can be such a brat."
"A brat? Did you just call me a fuckin' brat?"
She raises her eyebrows giving him a very disapproving look when she answers, "No. I only said brat. I never say that other word."
He still wants to be mad, but fuck him, now she's made him laugh. And when he starts laughing she starts laughing. He looks at her, reaches out his hand and says, "A'ight then, you gonna help me up or not?"
"Yes, but I don't know why. I should leave you right there. You're lucky I'm not that mean."
He gets to his feet and wraps an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as he nuzzles his face in her neck and tells her, "You're right. I'm a lucky sumbitch and I know it. Sorry for also bein' a dick."
Her arms are around him and she's scooted as close to him as she can get when she responds, "In spite of your occasional terrible attitude and dark moods, I'm very lucky too." She looks in his eyes and asks, "Did you hurt yourself?"
He shrugs and answers honestly, "I think I'll probably have a bruise on my ass, that concrete don't give. Other than that it's mostly just my pride that's all banged up." He smiles, kisses her and says, "Whaddya say we get inside and I try chasin' ya 'round the bedroom on one leg?"
"It's sounds pretty fun to me, but let's wash the hospital off each other first."
His smile really spreads then, and he responds, "Yeah let's do that. Aaron's a nice guy n all, but I definitely prefer your touch."
She hurries over, grabs just one important bag from the back of the SUV and smiles, "I'll get the rest later." The big garage door shuts and they're on their way down the hall to their room.
They smile as they do something they haven't been able to do for too long, slowly take each other's clothes off as they kiss and touch and tease. She notices his skin has gotten pale but it's still shades darker than hers. It makes an interesting canvas for his new scars and all the ones that came before. He sees her looking and asks, "Pretty ugly, huh?"
"No, nothing about you is ugly to me."
He notices and he worries that except for her round belly and breasts, she's lost weight. He's home with her now though, she'll be able to eat more regularly and rest more.
She holds his elbow while he eases down on the shower chair, then reaches in the bag for the big plastic thing that resembles a giant shower cap, pulling it over his foot until it's just above the top of the cast. He smiles, "My sexy leg condom. Now quit workin' so hard, sit here on my good leg and lemme wash your back."
She turns the shower head toward them and gives him that shy look like they've never seen each other naked. He knows he's never going to stop digging the way she can appear so sweet and innocent and get so hot and sexy with him. She eases down gingerly at first, but then relaxes as his arm wraps around her tummy.
He's got her shower sponge full of the coconut scent bath wash he likes so much, and as he washes the pure white skin of her back he begins to kiss her neck. She softly moans as she leans back into him and his hand finds it's way to her breast, softly pinching her already taut nipple. They can't seem to stop playing with each other, but neither one is in any kind of physical shape to finish what they've started in a hard old shower. He makes the call, "C'mon, we best dry off and get in the bed before one of us gets hurt."
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It takes a week or so but they get in a routine. He discovers being off work isn't all terrible, he enjoys having breakfast on the porch with his wife and napping with her everyday after lunch.
They're busy too, there's physical therapy for him, doctor appointments for her and childbirth classes for both of them. They cook together, they shower together, they go on careful walks together, and they sleep together. Nope it's not all bad.
After ten days or so, he starts to get restless. He wants to get out and have a little fun. Maybe go fishing. She suggests, "Well isn't there somewhere we could go that I could drive to? We could take a picnic, fish from the bank and just make a day of it. I mean unless you'd rather go with Merle or something."
"No, fuck no, I wanna go with you. Ya gotta know, I always wanna spend my time with you." He thinks for a minute nods and says, "Yeah, not too far, 45 minutes or so and the road's not as rough as goin' ta the lake. I used ta go there a lot before I got the boat."
That does it, they're all smiles as they get in the car and drive to the sporting goods store for bait, then to the grocery for some fun picnic food. They decide they'll make a fire, roast a couple of hot dogs and even some marshmallows. Yeah, this is gonna be fun.
The next morning the little car is loaded up with their fishing gear, a small cooler with their lunch and drinks and they're ready to go.
She's been a little worried about the road and what it might be like, but it's not bad at all. They find a little spot that's just right and set up their day camp, then get to doing what they came for, fishing. She's relieved when he catches a fish, he needed this after all the time in the hospital and at home. When he catches another she teases him, "Hey, that one was supposed to be mine," And they laugh and cast again.
The only thing that's putting a tiny cloud over the day is she can't seem to stop wandering off to go potty. It's been much worse the past couple of days. Still this day is so fun. They cook their hot dogs over the fire, he has a beer and she has a lemonade. They roast marshmallows for dessert, and then lay back on the blanket and she rests her head on his shoulder.
She's just about to doze off when a griping pain seizes her abdomen followed by hot water gushing out from between her legs. She sits straight up and he's up with her when she squeals, "Oh my God Daryl, the baby." And the first thought each of them has is, it's way too soon.
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A/N So many good things happened, and now it seems baby's decided to make an early appearance. Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts. There's a chapter photo on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please check that out. I hope to see you all back next Friday for more of Love On The Line. Until then stay safe and remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee