It is called fanFICTION for a reason, if you don't like it, then don't read it. Jesus.
Mondays really were the worst, that's one cliché that was actually true. The time seemed to drag on and on and everyone kept asking about Beth's wrist in her classes. Though it was mildly amusing watching people try not to laugh when she told them her school-appropriate concocted story of falling down the stairs in the administration building, she was getting tired of lying. She was getting tired of lying about everything.
"Hey, Beth!" Dr. Morris called after her in the hallway just as Beth was about to slip out the door and to freedom.
Turning her head after wincing just a little, Beth looked toward the approaching professor. "What's up, Doc?"
Morris chuckled and crossed his arms, looking at Beth from beneath his glasses. "Just wanted to check in and see how things are going with your research."
"Er.. Good! I've been meeting with one of the fighters pretty frequently.." Beth cleared her throat. "Been getting a lot of good information. There's actually a fight that I'll be able to observe very closely coming up.." She would be in the fight, of course she'd be up close and personal.
"Alright, sounds exciting!" Morris gave a pleased nod. He had no idea just how exciting it would be. "I've got some paperwork for you, if you can just get it into me later this week," he reached into his briefcase and produced a stack of papers, handing them to Beth.
Rather than looking at it as yet another thing to do, Beth was simply grateful that Morris wasn't asking further questions. "Thanks, I'll get them filled out," she fumbled a bit while stuffing them in her backpack and Morris noticed.
"What happened to your wrist?"
"Oh.. You know, stairs in the administration building got the best of me," Beth pursed her lips, shrugging her shoulders.
"Unfortunately I do know, those things are killer. Ripped my pants on the railing of them yesterday, in fact," Morris cursed under his breath while Beth experienced the need to hold back a laugh. "See you soon, good luck with the research," he patted Beth's shoulder and took off down the hall.
Beth exhaled and walked out the door, squinting forlornly into the bright sun. She had lied again. Not completely and not about everything but her deception was stacking up, much like his schoolwork and paperwork.
_
After emailing in an article critique and making some index cards to study with for an upcoming abnormal psychology test, Beth realized that it was almost time to go and meet Daryl to train. Except tonight was not just about training.. She would be going over to Daryl's place after. Suddenly the idea of fighting a total stranger seemed less nerve-wracking than being alone with Daryl in his apartment.
Her phone buzzed on her desk; a text from Daryl.
-I'll meet you outside, we're going somewhere different tonight.
After sending a reply, Beth went to take a quick shower. Sure, she might be getting sweaty from training, but she wanted to be as fresh as possible in case.. Beth glanced at herself in the foggy mirror, her hair wet and dripping down the sides of her face and the water highlighting the dark circles from lack of proper sleep under her eyes. She didn't know what might happen, but she wanted to be prepared for what she knew deep down she wanted to happen.
She noted that her wrist was already starting to feel better as she got dressed; she'd been very diligent about its care. If it didn't heal fast then we were fucked. After dressing she dried her hair, leaving it somewhat messy but styled, her face left bare. Makeup was part of her everyday look and she knew she would definitely wear it for the fight because that's what Merle wanted to see. A petite blonde with made up with makeup wouldn't be seen as a threat and it would become an advantage. Tonight though.. Tonight she didn't want to hide behind anything. There were no tricks up her sleeve.
Grabbing a warm coat, she walked out the door and locked up, going down to the stairs and finding Daryl waiting at the bottom with a lazy smile on his slightly chapped lips.
"Hey.. You're smiling? Something must not be right," Beth teased, tucking her hands into the pockets of her coat.
Daryl looked slowly over her face, his long lashes touching his cheekbones gently with contemplative blinks. "Ya look different."
"Oh.." Beth looked down self-consciously. "I just didn't feel like putting all that makeup on, sorry."
Beth felt rough fingers touch her jaw, carefully lifting her head. "Don' be sorry.. It's a good different. Very," Daryl nodded and dropped his hand, worrying his lip with the tip of his tongue. "Ya never looked better."
Beth fought the blush that began to creep up on her cheeks. Without makeup there was no way to cover the pink color on her pale skin, so she changed the subject. "Where are you taking me?"
Daryl's jaw tightened a little and he looked over his shoulder out the door. "A place where Merle can't show up outta nowhere an' fuck wit' yer concentration."
"Anywhere he isn't sounds great to me," Beth smiled lightly, opening the door and stepping out.
"Plus, I git the feelin' ya need ta relax a bit," Daryl scuffed his feet on the cement as they walked. "Ya always seem so fuckin' frazzled, darlin'. Like ya have a million thangs in yer head at once."
"I usually do.." Beth admitted wryly. "It never stops."
"Why do ya do it all? I mean, why did ya choose ta go ta graduate school an' not jus' git a job er somethin'?" Daryl questioned and Beth thought about her answer carefully.
"I guess.. I felt like I had something to prove," Beth murmured, biting her lip hesitantly.
"Ta who?" Daryl lead her around a corner and Beth wished the subject would turn a corner too.
"Just.. People in my life," Beth shook her head and looked at her feet while she walked. "People that didn't think I could become anything, that I'd never make a living doing what I wanted."
"But yer doin' it, don' they recognize it? Ya work so hard.. Even I can see that an' I barely know ya," Daryl replied firmly, a tone of defense to his voice that sent warmth through Beth's stomach.
Beth glanced over at Daryl with a half-smile. "I'm not exactly making a living at it yet. The money I make in my work study just barely covers my books and groceries. I pay rent with scholarship money.. I haven't proven anything, Daryl. To them, no money means no success," Beth sighed shakily. She never talked about her personal life, she rarely even thought about it herself. Deep down she was just as emotionally damaged as some of the clients she studied and tried to help.
"Beth.." Daryl stepped in front of her, taking Beth's hand in his and rolling his lips in. "Fuck 'em, whoever they are. Take it from someone who spent his whole damn life tryna prove that he was worth somethin'.. Hell, I'm still doin' it," Daryl chuckled humorously. "Only now I'm tryin' ta prove it ta myself, an' that's all that matters. Y'all have money soon, if that's what'll solve this. Y'all have a lot an' they won' be able ta say shit."
Slowly lifting her gaze, Beth looked at Daryl's dark and handsome face, her stomach swirling with an unmistakable feeling of butterflies. "You know.. I can't believe you're the guy I met that dark night in the middle of nowhere."
"I don' think I'm that guy anymore.. Not completely," Daryl swallowed thickly, this time his gaze dropping down. "I was in a bad fuckin' place and ya...Well, ya were jus' in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"I have to disagree.. I think I was in the wrong place at the right time," Beth mumbled, a tiny smile playing on her lips. "With you, every place we've met has been wrong or a messed up situation, but the timing has been right on."
Dar grinned slowly, displaying his bright smile and tilting his head slightly to lean in and press his forehead to Beth's."Yer fuckin' cheesy sometimes."
"Hey, I'm just feeding off of your vibes," Beth laughed softly, turning her head when she heard footsteps on the street and frowning when Daryl stepped away from her quickly, his whole body tensing up. "What's the matter?"
"Sorry, I.. It's jus' a reflex," Daryl's brows creased and he rubbed the back of his neck, looking all around them.
"Oh, well it was just a random person. Here," Beth held out her hand for Daryl to take it again.
Daryl looked at it and sighed deeply before shaking his head. "It's better if we don' git used ta actin' like that in public. If we do it now then we'll accidentally do it when we're 'round the wrong people."
Beth kept her face neutral even though she didn't like that at all. "You're right, of course," she nodded curtly, walking forward again and shivering when he felt Daryl's breath on her ear.
"Later, darlin'...I promise," Daryl murmured and then walked beside Beth at an appropriate distance.
Beth was pretty sure her heart was going to leap out of her chest before later even had a chance to come.
_
"I still can't believe you brought me here.." Beth laughed and kicked her legs a little to make herself swing higher. Daryl was on the swing beside her in the neighborhood park. "It's been years since I been to one."
"Ya can't lie, doin' the monkey bars basically one-handed was a fucking' hard workout," Daryl smirked and pushed his feet through the gravel on the ground.
"It was.. I'll be sore tomorrow for sure," Beth winced and Daryl cleared his throat as a thought ran through his mind. "But really, this was great. I needed a night out of the ordinary and you still somehow kicked my ass, even on a playground."
"I learned ta find ways ta train no matter where I am. I spent a lotta nights at the park near my ol' man's house when I didn' feel like goin' home ta face him," Daryl pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, lighting one and blowing an "O" into the cool air in smoke.
Beth was still getting used to the surprisingly candid talk. Before, Dar was so tight-lipped about everything. Now he would randomly offer information that Beth just knew had been so carefully concealed for a long time. Rather than make a big deal out of it and scare Daryl away, Beth just acted casual and didn't ask questions, even though it was her nature to ask a million of them. With Daryl, if you didn't ask, he might tell.
Beth bit her lip contemplatively. "Hey, Daryl..?"
"Ya?" Daryl looked at her with a raised eyebrow, flicking some ash off his cigarette.
"Do you think I can win this fight?" Beth asked in a quiet tone. They had been talking all evening about her opponent and Beth felt confident in her knowledge and the approach she would take, but the fight itself was still incredibly daunting to her.
Daryl stilled his swing to look Beth in the eyes. "If ya had asked me that a few weeks ago, I woulda said somethin' like, maybe, if ya work real hard an' stop fuckin' 'round."
"And now?" Beth whispered.
"Now.. Yer goin' ta win it. I know ya will," Daryl responded softly but seriously, his eyes clear.
Beth swallowed, breathing out slowly. "I don't know how you know that.. I don't think I'm physically stronger. Sure, I can fight better because of you but.." Daryl cut Beth off.
"I believe in ya, an' that's how I know y'all win. I ain't talkin' 'bout yer strength, yer skills er yer knowledge.. I fuckin' believe in ya. It's this strong feelin' right in my gut, an instinct. I trust my instincts 'cause they kept me from gettin' killed er broken too badly.. They're the only thang I trust."
Beth felt overwhelmed and grateful for the man who swung beside her. If Daryl could believe in her, just maybe she could believe in herself too.
"I.. Thank you. It means a lot, I hope you know that," Beth replied with a grateful smile, keeping her words short so she wouldn't accidentally spew all of her feelings right then and there.
"It's gettin' colder, we should go.." Daryl stood up, offering his hand to Beth and helping her up. The visibility of both their breath in the air punctuated Daryl's words and Beth shivered when she took Daryl's hand for more than one reason. "An' yer welcome. I don' say shit I don' mean, so."
"There's a lot I don't know about you but, I do know that," Beth nodded softly and dropped Daryl's hand dutifully, following her lead in the walk.
After glancing around for a moment, Daryl reached and took Beth's hand again, holding it firmly the duration of the walk to his apartment. Beth held in her surprise and remembered not to ask questions. One should never disturb a good thing with questions.
_
"It's not what I expected.." Beth looked around the spacious apartment, the dark wood floors shining from the moonlight through the large windows in the living room. The apartment was filled with Daryl's personal stuff...a crossbow hung on the wall, along with various hunting equipment. But it was fully equipped and comfortable. It was...well, Daryl.
"What did ya think it would look like?" Daryl chuckled, locking the door and watching Beth as he moved around the apartment in observation.
"I dunno.. Empty, maybe a couch and mattress and pizza boxes on the counter. You know, the usual apartment for a typical guy that lives alone," Beth thought out loud.
"Ah, but ya forget.. I have money," Daryl raised both eyebrows, licking his lips and stepping closer to Beth. "An' I don' think I'm typical at all.. Do ya?" He put his hands on Beth's upper arms, looking at her face and taking a deep breath before brushing a soft kiss on Beth's lips, effectively taking Beth's breath away. She still wasn't used to Daryl kissing her out of nowhere, but she wasn't complaining.
"No, you're not.." Beth murmured in a daze, bravely kissing Daryl's lips again, leaving them pressed together for a moment. "I think it's really nice, Daryl."
"Are ya hungry?" Daryl questioned in a whisper, his lips ghosting along Beth's jawline.
"Not hungry at all.." Beth's eyes rolled back at the sensation, her breath catching and her stomach growling loudly to betray her.
Daryl laughed and pulled his head back, pressing a hand gently on Beth's stomach. "Yer hungry, an' we can't have that. Lemme feed ya an' then.." Daryl let the sentence hang and all Beth could think was that she wanted to hurry and eat so they could finish that sentence.
_
"I forgot to tell you that I get super sleepy when my stomach is full," Beth yawned and smiled goofily, patting her belly and bringing her legs up on the couch.
"Yer like some kind o' lazy house pet, I swear," Daryl rolled his eyes playfully, putting his empty bowl of pasta on the coffee table. "Ya goin' ta fall asleep on me?"
"It sounds nice.." Beth whispered and looked at Daryl hopefully.
Daryl opened his arms wide, a crooked smile tugging on his lips even as he pretended to act annoyed with a huff. "Com'ere."
Beth quickly obliged, moving into Daryl's arms and resting her head on his chest, her left arm put loosely over his middle. She could feel every muscle through the thin material of Daryl's shirt and with each inhale she could smell the sweet scent of Daryl's cologne. She was in some sort of heaven.
Daryl's fingers trailed down Beth's arm slowly and Beth felt his lips press on the top of her head. It felt so.. Natural. Like they had done that a thousand times. Or maybe.. "Daryl?"
"Hm?" His tone was sleepy too.
"Do you.. I mean, have you.. Done this with anyone lately?" Beth felt stupid for asking but it seemed necessary.
"No," Daryl answered without hesitation. "I ain't exactly the cuddlin' type, in case ya couldn' tell."
"Why with me?" Beth tilted her head up to look at Daryl, her cheek rubbing against the shirt fabric.
Daryl glanced down thoughtfully, sighing through his nose and puckering his lips lightly. "'cause I want ta, Beth."
"You never wanted to with someone before?" Beth was starting her routine round of questions and she couldn't seem to stop herself.
"No, I didn'. Now, if ya don' mind, I'm goin' ta kiss ya so y'all shut up," Daryl smiled faintly before leaning down until their lips met. Beth adjusted a little to wrap her arms around Daryl's neck, parting her lips and gliding her tongue along the crease of Daryl's lips, holding back a moan when his tongue rubbed against her softly in response.
Beth could feel Daryl's hand sliding down her back and toward her ass where he let it rest, giving it a soft squeeze but nothing too forward. Their tongues explored each other slowly, Daryl's lightly lapping at Beth's tongue, circling it curiously and making Beth's toes curl. The kisses were deep and almost lazy and the room around them was a haze, leaving the two of them the only objects in focus.
Everything about Daryl was so strong and tough, Beth could feel it in his arms. But his touch and his kiss showed a gentleness that Beth had caught glimpses of here and there, and it seemed to be growing as a permanent quality in Daryl around her. Daryl's walls were breaking down enough to let Beth in and it felt so good.
Pulling apart a little, Daryl's warm breath fanned over Beth's lips while he spoke. "Stay the night wit' me.."
Beth shuddered and wet her lips, looking at Daryl with low-lit eyes. "You mean.."
"I mean, sleep in my bed wit' me an' wake up wit' me."
"You're nothing like I expected you to be.." Beth let the words fall out without thought.
"Neither are ya," Daryl whispered back, kissing Beth's forehead.
"I'll stay.. I just need to text Maggie so she doesn't send a search party though. That girl is so damn nosy."
"Mm, no problem. Hey, what did ya tell her 'bout yer wrist?" Daryl asked as he stood up, taking the dishes to the kitchen and walking over to flip the light on in the bedroom. The light hitting the bed made Beth's heart speed up. She was going to spend the night with Daryl and it didn't even feel like a big deal.
"Uhh.." Beth grimaced and put her hand over her face. "You don't want to know what I told her."
"Oh, I really, really do," Daryl replied with a smile, pulling back the covers on the bed with his eyes still on Beth.
"Okay but I didn't tell her this, she guessed it and I didn't really argue with it," Beth sighed, taking her shoes off. "She thinks I messed my wrist by jerking you off in a weird way.."
Daryl's loud laughter made Beth jump. "Are ya serious? God, I wish I coulda been there ta witness that conversation."
Beth's shoulders shook in silent laughter, rolling her eyes and trying to keep it cool when Daryl took off his shirt. "You should really warn a person before you just take off your shirt like that," Beth nodded seriously, going to the other side of the bed and taking off her own shirt. She wore a bra this time.
"Same goes fer you.." Daryl was down to his boxers and sliding under the covers, his eyes not leaving Beth for a moment.
"I'm nothing special.. I'm skinny and super white," Beth shrugged, fighting the self-conscious feeling when she took off her pants and quickly crawled into bed.
"Hey, wait.." Daryl lifted the covers, looking at Beth's body. "Don' fuckin' hide it from me. It's my present fer trainin' ya."
"Is that right?" Beth smirked sleepily, shaking her head and pulling the covers back down while Daryl turned the light off with a remote on the nightstand.
"That's right," Daryl mumbled, a long yawn following as his fingers traced down her back, snapping her bra off. Beth shivered as his warm, rough hands made their way towards her breasts. Daryl's voice was low when he said, "So damn beautiful."
Beth was too busy enjoying the feeling of Dar's fingers and the way they played her nerves like a piano to form a response. She simply hummed and closed her eyes, feeling like a happy kitten. Despite how good it felt, Beth couldn't fight the weird feeling that all of this was so normal and natural. "Yer fight is in less than a week, Beth.." And the feelings of normality and comfort went out the window with that thought.
"I'm aware.. It's been on my mind pretty much constantly," Beth sighed, turning onto her side in the bed to face Daryl.
"I didn' say it ta make ya freak out, I jus'..." Daryl turned his head to look at Beth, breathing deeply. "I don' want anythin' ta distract ya er me before then."
Beth peered at Daryl curiously. "Like what?"
Daryl cleared his throat, blinking slowly. His blue eyes darkened to a deep black. "I really want ta...shit. I really...want ta fuck ya, girl'. More than I wanted ta fuck anyone."
Beth's eyes widened and her stomach swirled pleasantly once again. "Yeah, I want it too.. I do."
"I get a feelin' that once I fuck ya, I'm goin' ta want it all the time," Daryl's voice was low and husky but serious. "I can' risk usin' our valuable time 'fore the fight doin' that. Ya understand?" He sighed and mumbled. "Even if I am twice yer age..."
Beth did understand, because she could easily see herself getting completely wrapped up in it and not giving a fuck about the fighting. Daryl was right, they couldn't get distracted by it. "I agree. As much as I wish I didn't, I do. And your not that old."
"I'm 36, sweetheart. Twice yer age." He saw her eyes widen slightly. "Now that we know that we can' have it.. Com'ere," Daryl tugged Beth's arm gently, pulling her against his bare chest. Beth froze when their skin made contact, tingles going through her body.
"Uhh.. That may have been a terrible idea," Beth groaned, hiding her face in Daryl's neck but settling comfortably in his arms. "Good thing I can't jerk you off, with my injury and all. Because I'd definitely try to do it right now."
"Yer mouth is perfectly fine though, no?" Daryl cracked up and Beth pinched his side lightly.
"It's more than fine, and you don't get to experience it because it would definitely throw off your concentration," Beth replied smugly.
"Mm, right after the fight yer suckin' me off an' then I'm makin' love ta ya," Daryl growled lowly near Beth's ear.
"Is that my reward if I win?" Beth whispered in a deep voice.
"I don' care if ya win er lose... I'm goin' ta be so turned on watchin' ya fight an' I will need ya bad."
Beth bit back a moan and exhaled shakily. "You're screwed up and I kinda hate you for making the no sex rule this week.. But I will win," Beth replied frustratedly, sighing when Daryl's arm wrapped tightly around her.
"Yes, ya will win, an' then we'll both win." Daryl's voice was getting sleepier and it was lulling Beth to a relaxed state.
Beth jumped a little in surprise when she felt Daryl's lips on hers in a soft goodnight kiss. She kissed him back and they both drifted asleep comfortably in each other's arms, as if they did that every night. It was all effortless.
It wouldn't be until the next morning when Beth would realize she had forgotten to text Maggie, and Daryl would find out that Knox had decided to stop by unexpectedly and saw Daryl and Beth go into his apartment together. As comfortable and content as they were that night in bed, the next day would bring new complications that they couldn't have foreseen.
Some people were just not meant to have it easy. Some people were meant to have to fight.