I hate rain :( early update because of the weather! MESSAGE ME STORY PROMPTS! Bethyl only! Let me know what you would like to read after this story is completed :) I love you all!
Beth stood with her mouth partially open in surprise, still trying to register Daryl's monumental words. She stared at him for a moment, almost as if to give him a chance to retract what he said; to correct it and pass it off as a mistake. But Daryl had nothing but sincerity gracing his features and Beth felt consumed by the truth of it.
"You.. You really do?" Beth finally found her voice through her initial doubt.
Daryl nodded slowly and chewed on his lower lip, his eyes casting down at the ground. He was suddenly itching for nicotine "Maybe it wasn' the best time ta say it, but.. I just thought if ya knew, ya wouldn' assume the worst," he cleared his throat, shifting nervously on his feet.
Beth noticed Daryl's subtle movements and body language and realized that Daryl was worrying because she hadn't said it back. "Daryl..." Beth bit back a smile.
"Ya?" Daryl said gruffly, raising an eyebrow and trying to act neutral.
"I love you," the words flowed so easily off her tongue, as if she'd said the phrase before as a casual reminder. But the weight of them was something new; a sturdy yet warm and comfortable pressure that settled onto her chest.
The smile that spread on Daryl's lips was full and genuine and his teeth gleamed when he wrapped his arms around Beth in a tight hug. "God, I was freakin' out fer a minute there."
"Are you kidding? God, how could I not," Beth murmured into Daryl's neck and closed her eyes to fully absorb the embrace.
"I...ain't ever said that ta someone 'fore," Daryl swallowed after his confession, his cheeks burning.
Beth tried hard to remain calm but her heart was beating increasingly louder and her legs began to feel wobbly. "Never..?
Daryl just shook his head and squeezed Beth tighter. "Hell, is it normal ta feel jus' as fuckin' terrified as I do happy?" he chuckled faintly.
"That's pretty much what love is, I think.." Beth smiled lightly and lifted her head to look Daryl in the eyes. "You're happy enough to be worried that you'll mess something up or lose it," Beth shrugged. It wasn't the most flattering description of love but it was certainly accurate in their situation.
"What's so great 'bout it then?" Daryl whispered, his eyes looking into Beth's as he traced his fingertips down the girls spine.
"This.." Beth whispered and pressed her lips to Daryl's in a reverent kiss. "And this," Beth brushed her lips along Daryl's jaw and induced chills down his body. "There are lots of perks, actually," Beth wiggled her brows and laughed when Daryl rolled his eyes briefly.
"Why don' ya show me some o' them, yeah? I got time," Daryl tugged on her arm and slapped her on the ass hard enough to make Beth groan in protest.
"Fuck you," Beth scoffed and rubbed the spot.
"Hmm...that's my job," Daryl laughed freely.
Beth glared hard with her eyes but the goofy grin on her lips made it arbitrary. "Oh, I'm gonna make you fall hard. Just wait," Beth stepped into the bedroom and looked over her shoulder invitingly.
Daryl smirked and appraised Beth's body as she undressed for him again, rubbing her chin and pursing her lips. "I dare ya ta." He whispered.
_
"We need ta talk," Merle's growl came through the phone, effectively ruining Beth's hot cup of tea she was nursing at a table in her favorite coffee shop. She was working on her research, which was currently compiling statistics on the number of fatal injuries recorded per year in the business of fighting. It wasn't incredibly comforting for her to be reading such things, but she was trying to be very objective and forget the fact that she could be one of those statistics if she wasn't careful.
Beth took a deep breath and steadied hsdself for what was to come. "I'm listening," she replied dryly.
"First off, I don' like yer attitude, kid. An' I don' like ya tryin' ta seduce my best fighter like a little bitch," Merle said harshly.
Beth had to bite her lip to keep from immediately lashing out; that's not something that would help her or Daryl. "I think you have the wrong impression," she said simply.
"I think I got a pretty clear idea o' what's goin' on. Ya always callin' an' textin' him, tryin' ta git him into bed an' fuck wit' his concentration. It's pathetic, yer jus' a little girl." He paused and breathed deeply. "I need ya ta stop."
"He's my friend and I talk to my friends. I'm sorry but it's really not your business if he and I talk a lot. He's doing his job and I'm doing mine," Beth crossed her legs and sucked the inside of her cheek between her teeth.
"That ain't what he said the other night an' he don' lie ta me," Merle insisted in an increasingly annoyed tone.
Beth cursed Daryl inwardly for his selection of words to evade Merle. If she tried to convince Merle that Daryl had lied, it would put Beth back in Merles good graces but Daryl would be on the chopping block. He didn't need that right before his big fight, which was just a few days later. So, she did what she had to.
"Fine.." She sighed. "I didn't intend for this to happen." Her tone was convincing because, well, her words were the truth.
"That's what they all say," Merle's grim voice came from the phone and also over Beth's shoulder. Beth turned quickly and shut her laptop in the same moment.
"What the hell? Are you stalking me?" Beth looked at him indignantly.
"I like ta keep an eye on my merchandise," Merle cracked his neck and let his eyes sweep over the girl and sat in the chair across from her.
"I didn't invite you to sit," Beth turned up her nose and watched Merle carefully.
"Don' care," Merle shrugged and picked up a menu, looking over the drink selection. The prosthetic knife was back.
Beth grimaced and shook her head. "And I certainly didn't ask you to stay long enough to have a drink."
"Again, I don' fuckin' care," Merle kicked Beth's leg hard under the table and put on a fake smile when the pretty waitress came and took his order of black coffee. Beth couldn't help but wonder why Merle even looked at the menu if he was just going to order what was probably his regular thing. To be a dick, Beth decided. Black coffee.. Black like his heart, Beth thought inwardly.
"Here's the thing," Merle started after he had tapped the contents of an artificial sweetening packet into his brimming cup. "I can' have ya fuckin' up the way I run things. If ya weren' such a commodity ta me, I'd kick yer ass ta the curb an' make sure ya were blacklisted in the whole city."
"It astounds me that you actually believe you have such immense power," Beth put her lips in a straight line. "But okay, clearly you need me. So how are we gonna deal with this?"
Merle's eyes flared with anger at Beth's bluntness but continued on with his usual suave. "The only way I can think t handle this is keepin' ya an' Dixon away from each other."
Fighting the expression of panic that was creeping onto Beth's face was one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do. "I swear, I will back off. I'll stop my.." Beth paused and forced out, "advances. I will stop calling and texting him so much, but he is my trainer and I think he's the only one who could make me a better fighter."
"Ya don' know that. Ya haven't worked wit' anyone else," Merle replied but didn't completely sound convinced of his own words.
"You and I both know that. He is the best fighter, as you said, and you aren't patient enough to train my stubborn ass," Beth raised an eyebrow high. "Do you deny it?"
Merle looked increasingly annoyed as he knitted his thick brows. "You're toeing a thin line, kid.."
"I swear, I'm not going to interfere with what you've got going on, I.." Beth was cut off by an unexpected voice.
"Beth? Is everything okay?" Dr. Morris asked in concern, pushing his glasses up over his hair and hovering at Beth's side.
Beth gulped and looked between the stern man in front of her and her dear professor with a coffee stain on his shirt next to her. "Everything is fine, don't worry. Just having a drink with a...friend," the taste of the lie was bitter.
Merle looked Morris up and down with a sneer. "Who the hell are you?"
"Excuse me?" Dr. Morris widened his eyes in reaction.
"Forgive him, he's from the inner city and doesn't have the best manners," Beth spoke through gritted teeth and flashed Merle a glare. "This is one of my professor's and my graduate adviser, Dr. Morris. And.. This is Merle," Beth sighed and motioned between them.
Dr. Morris did not extend his hand, which was very wise. "Well, I won't interrupt for long.." he spoke hesitantly as he looked at Merle's scowl and then back to Beth. "I just wanted to see how your stats are going. I read your email about what you'd be working on today."
Panic, more panic. Beth had never been more grateful for Morris's propensity to be vague. "Um, they're going well. I will send you an email tonight with all of the data I've collected. Anyway, I've really gotta be going," she cleared her throat and cringed when Merle spoke up.
"Huh, what's the kid workin' on?" he asked without any actual curiosity, but rather to be difficult.
"Oh! It's pretty wonderful. You see, she's been observing a group of streetfi-," Morris started.
"ANYWAY," Beth rose to his feet with the loudly spoken word, patting Morris on the back and giving him a serious look. "Talk to you later, okay?"
Morris looked at Merle's processing expression and to Beth's fearful one and recognized what was going on. "Oh.. Oh my. Please, excuse me," he murmured just so Beth could hear. "I did not realize this man was part of it. I will be on my way. Sure you'll be okay?"
Beth really didn't know if she would be; she could see the anger rising in Merle. But, it would be worse if Morris stayed and she knew that for sure. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Go, please," she begged and Morris left with a quick nod, glancing back at Beth before stepping outside.
There was a moment of silence between her and Merle in which Beth was almost sure she would piss her pants. She prepared to run or punch Merle in the jaw, whichever was the easiest solution.
"Are ya.. Are ya doin' fuckin' research on us?" Merle scathed and pounded his fist on the table, causing several patrons to look over at them.
"Please, can we talk about this somewhere else?" Beth pleaded and dug her fingernails into her palm.
"I don' think ya want ta be alone wit' me right now.." Merle took a deep breath through flared nostrils.
"I can explain but not here. Please," Beth braved, standing up and shoving her stuff in her bag. "Come on, I trust that you won't try to kill me until you've at least heard me out," Beth spoke shakily, a sick feeling building in her stomach.
Merle stood abruptly and pushed past Beth, their shoulders knocking together as he strode to the door. Beth knew she was expected to follow, but she really just wanted to run in the opposite direction. However, she needed to fix this before it got worse and Daryl found out. He couldn't find out like this; he wouldn't understand.
Beth had to almost jog to keep up with Merle's angry strides, and when they walked up to the steps of a nice apartment, Beth didn't even have a chance to figure out where the hell they were before she was being shoved inside. She stumbled over her feet and crashed into a wall in front of her, rubbing her elbow where it hit.
"Where are we?" Beth murmured meekly, squeezing her reverberating elbow with a soothing pressure.
"My apartment," Merle grabbed her by the jacket and pulled her over to the living area, pushing her onto the couch. "Ya should feel lucky, really, none o' the guys even know where it is," Merle scoffed.
"Why would you bring me here?" Beth straightened up into a sitting position, hating herself for even thinking about asking questions at a time like this, let alone actually asking them.
"'cause I got all the shit I need in case I wanna beat yer ass an' not stop. I don' like leaving a mess behind," Merle cracked his knuckles on his left hand and sat on the opposite couch.
For the first time, Beth felt like she was in actual danger. Not even Daryl could save her because he had no idea where she was. Rather than giving into her fears, Beth just nodded and looked down at the tassels of her scarf. "You'll at least give me a chance to explain?"
"Ya have five minutes ta tell me what the fuck ya think yer doin'. Then I'll decide if yer worth it er not," Merle nodded, his expression stone cold.
Beth licked her lips before speaking quickly. "I'm a graduate student and I needed a thesis project. It takes a lot of work and time and well, when all of this happened," she motioned between her and Merle, "I realized I wouldn't really have much time anymore. Not only that, but the subject is so fascinating and I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to learn.."
"Oh, so this is jus' some fuckin' science experiment ta ya?" Merle's voice raised.
"No, no, no!" Beth insisted with big eyes. "I just figured that while I am fighting, I could get something out of it for school, too! I'm so sorry.. I've spent a lot of money on school and worked so hard, I couldn't just give it all up. I needed to try to make both work. That's my life.." Beth rubbed the back of her neck, frowning.
"So, yer sellin' us all out so ya can git a fuckin' good mark?" Merle stood to his feet and Beth cowered and held her breath, only breathing again when Merle started pacing away from her.
"That's not it at all. I'm not selling you out, your names and descriptions will never be mentioned, I swear to you! I just need to finish school and do whatever you need me to do at the same time.. I swear, I wouldn't mess this up for you or anyone.." Beth's voice shook wildly but she meant every word.
Merle paused in front of her and tightened his jaw. "This ain't somethin' ta be studied er written 'bout, ya fuckin' idiot. This is dangerous, this is illegal an' yer part o' it. Yer not better than the rest o' us jus' 'cause yer the fancy educated girl who is in this ta git a good grade!"
Beth furrowed her brow and shook her head quickly. "That's just it, I am part of it! Do you really think I would write something that could incriminate myself? No. Just as I won't do the same to you or the other guys. I am just collecting statistics and making observations. It's all anonymous!" Beth was close to tears as the words flowed out. "I'm not doing it to be sneaky or shady.. I'm doing it because.." She paused when she spotted a framed picture of Merle's little dark-haired daughter. Merle followed her eyes to the photo and then their gazes met. "I'm doing what I have to do to get by. I'm doing what I have to do to keep that piece of goodness and hope in my life," Beth spoke slowly and the words seeped into Merle in a visible way.
Dark eyes went back to the picture of his little girl and Merle dropped his head down. "Fuck you.. Fuck you! I can' fuckin' stand that ya know that 'bout me. I hate it.." he growled under his breath and Beth cringed, figuring she took the wrong route to explain her intentions.
"I.. I'm sorry.." Beth mumbled and wiped her cheek roughly as a tear spilled over and the hope she had left started to diminish.
"Don' cry, ya stupid kid," Merle shook his head and sat back down, his head in his hands. "I ain't gonna hurt you. At least not t'day."
Beth blinked rapidly and stared at Merle with an unsure expression, firmly keeping her mouth shut.
"'M still so pissed off that I can barely see straight, but I understand ya, Priss. As much as it pains me ta say that, I do. I don' like this. In fact, I fuckin' hate it, but.. I git it. I git that yer doin' what ya gotta do. That's the ugliness o' the world we live in. It's ruthless an' cutthroat," he ran his hand over his head.
Beth rubbed her lips together, giving a nod of agreement but not daring to speak out loud. Her foot tapped nervously against the ground because she did not yet feel like she was completely in the clear.
"Ya been nothin' but trouble since ya joined up. Ya don' listen, ya stick yer nose where it don' belong an' ya aren't even that great o' a fighter yet," Merle rolled his eyes and finally looked at Beth's face. "But fuckin' hell, ya got something. Somethin' that I can' let go o' jus' yet."
"I know.. The fact that I look like a little weakling but I'm tough, I get it..." Beth sighed out and closed her eyes tight.
"That ain't even it. I mean, not all o' it," Merle tone was full of conflict. "Look, I can' support what yer doin', an' if I see ya wit' as much as a notepad er pencil at a fight er durin' trainin', I really will beat the shit out o' ya. Wit' no hesitation," Merle looked at her seriously. "But, what ya do wit' yer free time is yer own shit ta deal wit'. Ya know the consequences if any o' what ya do affects me er my team. I won' be understandin' then, Priss, I fuckin' swear that I won'."
"I know, I know.. I completely get it, I do," Beth nodded emphatically. "Thank you.." the words didn't seem entirely fitting, seeing as Merle was still threatening her, but she knew that there were still things to be grateful for.
"Don't thank me yet. 'M makin' some conditions.." Merle leaned back into the couch and Beth tensed up again.
"First, I will be checkin' my baby brotha's phone regularly ta be sure yer keepin' yer word 'bout not tryin' ta pry into his pants. Second, yer next fight better be flawless. I don' want ta see ya go down fer more than a few moments an' 'm goin' ta have a couple o' trainin' sessions wit' ya too, ta be sure yer bein' serious 'bout this," Merle laid out the rules and Beth nodded quickly. They really weren't that unreasonable.
"Next, none o' the guys are ta know 'bout yer stupid little research project. It will jus' fuck with their heads an' make them feel nervous 'round ya, naturally so," Merle looked at her with slight disgust. "They shouldn' know what a little backstabber they have on their team."
Beth held back any response to that because she knew Merle was just letting out his steam still. "Yes, sir. I won't tell anything to anyone." To be honest, she was incredibly relieved that Merle wouldn't be rushing off to tell Daryl.
"I know it works in yer favor if Dixon don' know 'bout all o' this. I know fer a fact that it would bother him a lot. So, bein' that he is yer trainer an' the best shot I got at money, I won' throw ya under the bus jus' yet.. However, if ya slip up, fuck it all, I will happily tell him an' deal wit' the consequences. In fact, it would make me fuckin' joyful ta see him turn 'gainst ya," Merle smirked without shame.
"Y-yes, Merle.." Beth nodded slowly and massaged her temples. "All of this is fair."
"Well, it's as good as it's gonna git," Merle shrugged his shoulders. "I owe ya the tiniest bit o' mercy, considerin' ya are keepin' my secret fer me an' ya haven' held it over my head," he glanced at the photo. "But I don' give second chances, kid, an' I think ya believe me when I say that," he looked Beth squarely in the eyes.
"I believe it, yes.. Thank you, again. For you know, letting me do this and not, well, killing me," Beth said seriously and jumped a little when Merle laughed.
"Ya, no problem," he stood up and sighed loudly. "Yer annoyin' as fuck but..," he clapped Beth hard on the shoulder. "Just try not ta git on my bad side. I really don' want ta hurt ya, surprisingly.. But I can' stop myself when I git to a certain point."
Beth was taken aback by Merle's admission and had the fleeting thought of how fascinating it would be to have the guy in a therapy session. The thought vanished when she realized she'd have to have a weapon with her during every meeting just in case things got out of hand. Merle needed anger management for sure, but God bless the poor soul that would ever tell him that for he would likely not live to see the light of the next morning.
"You won't have anymore problems with me. Just.. I'm not very obedient and I mess up a lot. I know that about myself. But I'm really, really going to do everything I can to uphold your conditions. I promise," Beth twisted her lips to the side before slowly extending her hand.
Merle smirked lightly and crossed his arms over his chest, denying Beth's shake. "I'll believe ya when ya show me. Now, git out an' pretend ya never saw my place."
Beth didn't hesitate in leaving. She hurried to the door, shut it behind her and rushed into the nearest alley before promptly throwing up everything that was in her stomach. The stress and panic had been too much and the fear and uncertainty that was still within her made her stomach turn, even after she had gotten everything up. She slid down the wall and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, trying to catch her breath.
Life had just become infinitely more complicated.
_
After a long shower and a thorough brushing of her teeth, Beth almost felt normal again. She had chided the unpleasant feelings away and replaced them with the positives, which were still plentiful.
For example, Merle wasn't going to kick her ass for trying to mack on Daryl, or whatever he suspected her of doing. Also, Beth was actually getting to continue her research and writing with, well, not exactly permission, but with the acknowledgment of Merle. She noted that she should only work on her project when she was home or at school; no longer in public places. And lastly and most importantly, Daryl loved her, and that could make up for a multitude of setbacks.
There was a knock on her bedroom door and Beth called out faintly, "come in."
Maggie appeared in her apron that had a naked woman's body printed on it. It was actually pretty hilarious to see her sister's body with a pair of gigantic breasts on it. It made Beth smile, at least, which was something she hadn't done since she left Merle's.
"Hey, I'm making grilled cheese. You want?" Maggie clicked her tongue, holding up a spatula and waving it toward the kitchen.
Beth's stomach was still turning a bit from its earlier activity. "I'm not hungry, but thank you.. It's pretty rare that you offer to make me food," Beth realized out loud, a bigger smile on her lips.
"I guess it just looked like you needed a pick-me-up.. Is everything okay? You know, with.." Maggie trailed off, a wrinkle to her nose.
Beth had already decided that she wouldn't share the events of her afternoon with anyone, particularly her worrying roommate. "Everything is just fine. No new fights scheduled or anything," Beth sat up in bed against the headboard.
Maggie came over and sat on the edge, tapping the spatula against her hand and sighing slowly. "You mean.. No new fights, yet."
Beth frowned but nodded softly. "Mags...I promise I'm going to be okay. You know I'm tougher than I look."
Maggie looked over at her sister with a sad smile. "You weren't always tough.. I remember when you weren't.."
Beth held up her hand, shaking her head and closing her eyes. "Please.. You know I don't like talking about it and now is not a good time.."
"Yeah, I do know, and do you have any idea how much that fucking worries me?" Maggie turned to face Beth more. "You've devoted your education to studying and helping people that have issues, people who can't bring themselves to talk about their problems. But you.. You're one of them."
Beth parted her lips, feeling speechless by the sudden attack on her. "I.." She licked her lips, bringing her knees defensively to her chest. "I c-can't do this right now, please.."
"You never could, Beth. You never can. I'm so fucking worried about you, I can barely stand it. I've always kept my mouth shut about our parents because I know how hard it is to talk about, but now.. Now you're involved in this fighting shit and I'm honestly just waiting for you to snap and breakdown. Who is gonna put you back together? Daryl? No, because he doesn't even know you. I'll be the one.. And Beth, I don't know if I'm fucking strong enough for that," Maggie looked down at her lap when she saw the tears springing from Beth's eyes. "Shit.."
Beth put her hands over her eyes, sobs wracking through her body. She was shocked at her own reaction. She knew she never handled this subject well, but she never let herself cry over it. Perhaps it was just the enormity of opposition she'd experienced in a single day.. Or maybe, it was that every single thing that Maggie said was true.
"Beth, I'm so sorry.. I'm sorry.." Maggie spoke in a pathetic voice, moving up on the bed and wrapping her arms around Beth tightly, letting her roommate collapse into her embrace. "I'm sorry.. I shouldn't have said any of that. Forget I did."
Beth choked a little and sniffed hard, her tears wetting Maggie's shirt. "N-no, you.. You're r-right," Beth whispered and took a deep, steadying breath before lifting her head, using the bottom of her shirt to wipe her eyes and looking at Maggie. "I.. I can't face my own shit. I pretend that it didn't even happen almost 100% of the time. I just.. I'm so scared that I'm going to turn out just like they expected me to."
"Beth, you're not. Okay? You're not. You're already doing so much more than our parents ever thought you would. You have to know that. If they were decent human beings, they'd be proud of you..." Maggie rubbed her arm, being more affectionate and caring than Beth had seen her be in a long time.
"I don't think they could ever be proud of me, even if I became president of the fucking United States.." Beth rolled her eyes at herself, breathing out shakily. "I don't even care about proving something to them anymore.. They aren't a part of my life. It's more about proving it to myself."
"Beth...Please, hear me out, okay?" Maggie raised her eyebrows, her face preemptively apologetic.
Beth nodded slowly and puffed her cheeks out as she exhaled. At that point, she figured she might as well have everything laid on her.
"When we were younger...You were this insecure kid who had no clue who she was or what she wanted to do. The only thing you did was try not to piss off our parents or make one wrong move. You lived in constant fear," Maggie wet her lips, pausing to check Beth's expression before continuing.
"Now, you're you.. You're unapologetic for your personality and choices. You've worked so hard to be independent and a good student. You're an amazing sister and so fucking caring. I don't know where you got that because I know you didn't get it from our parents.."
Beth put her hand to her forehead, her breath catching in her throat. Her voice came out thickly as she said, "the only thing I learned from them was to do everything different than them."
Beth had been raised in a household of pure hell. She was not shown extra affection or love just for the sake of it. She got hugs from her mom very sparingly and only when necessary, and she never received positive attention from her father other than the very seldom pat on the back. However, she got daily doses of verbal and emotional abuse from him while her mother looked on and let it happen.
When Beth had finally lost her cool her senior year of high school, she ran away from her home. It was as simple as that. Beth had never quite fit into their cookie-cutter life, but that was the final straw to them.
She had been on her own ever since then and never looked back. Maggie had found her a few years after, moving in with her. Their mom was now dead, and the last Maggie or Beth had heard about their dad was that he was a mean drunk, and had let the farm go to shit. She figured out a way to support herself and though it was always a struggle to pay bills, she was independent and didn't have to answer to anyone; that made it worth it. But, in a sense, everything she did to further herself was to produce a giant slap in the face to her old self; the one that did everything to please her parents, even though it made her unhappy.
"You shouldn't be afraid to talk about these things.. It's in your past and they will never be able to hurt you again," Maggie nodded firmly.
Beth flashed a very slight but warm smile. "Thank you.. God, you're right," she dropped her knees, processing the thoughts coursing through her head. "I guess I just got so used to ignoring it that it became almost a foreign experience. Like, when I look back, I see it as someone else's life and not my own. It's why I never dwell on it, because I prefer it like that. She exhaled deeply, shrugging a shoulder up. "It was a stupid approach.."
"No, it's what got you through it. But, guess what? You are through it now. So there's no need to be in denial about it. I just.. I don't want you to use this fighting stuff to hide from yourself more, you know?"
Beth blinked and looked at her sister in amazement. "You sure you don't want to study psychology? You'd make a decent therapist."
Maggie chuckled but shook her head. "Nah, no offense but lady psychology majors seem a bit too analytical for me.. I don't wanna get naked and then have them take notes about my boobs and performance."
"You're ridiculous, really.." Beth let out a big and genuine laugh. Leave it to Maggie to choose her area of study based on the availability and quality of women there. "But, thank you. For.. Whatever the hell this was. I promise I'm not fighting because of any of that, it's just another unfortunate thing in my life that I'm dealing with and trying to find the light through."
"You're welcome.. I trust that you can handle it, Beth, I do. I prefer it when you talk to me about stuff though, okay? And thank you for saying no to that grilled cheese because now I can have three instead of two,"she wiggled her brows and stood up. "Hey.. Do you think you'll tell Daryl about any of this?"
Beth really had to think about that one. There was no reason why she shouldn't. Beth knew all about Daryl's horrible father and brother and Daryl would certainly understand difficult parents more than anyone. Daryl had never mentioned what happened to his mother, but Beth could tell it wasn't a topic he liked bringing up, which Beth understood all too well.
"I'm open to it, I suppose.. If the timing is right."
"Well, if that timing isn't right tonight, I suggest you wash your face and try to look like you weren't crying because I just heard his knock on the door," Maggie patted her stomach and Beth hopped out of bed, going to the bathroom and turning on the water.
"Thank you, Mags. Really. Will you let him in, please?" Beth called out before splashing her puffy face with cold water.
"Yes, but only because I'm afraid he'll kick my ass if I don't.. Or that you will," Maggie shuddered and Beth flicked water from her hands at her.
_
"Why are ya shaking?" Daryl murmured sleepily against the back of Beth's neck, rubbing up and down Beth's arm with ease.
"I'm just cold.." Beth let out a sigh of content. Though her body hadn't quite recovered from the mass of emotions of the day, she felt very calm inside and safe. Maggie's random intervention had helped him more than his roommate could know.
"Maybe we should both git naked an' press really close t'gether ta transfer body heat.." Daryl snickered and let out a wide yawned.
Beth grinned and turned her head to look at Daryl's peaceful face, gnawing on her lower lip as she debated how to phrase her next words. "Merle talked to me today.."
Daryl's body tensed and he snapped his eyes open, concern immediately on his face. "What happened? Did he hurt ya?" he pulled the blanket back and started lifting Beth's shirt to look over her torso.
"No, he didn't touch me, really. It was fine.. Intense, but fine. Come here," Beth pulled Daryl back against her. "He just warned that he'd be checking your phone to make sure we're not talking a lot," Beth shrugged, leaving every other detail out.
"That it?" Daryl asked, surprised.
"Yeah, that's it. So, we need to figure out another way to communicate, I guess.." Beth yawned and nuzzled Daryl's chest, kissing it softly.
"'M...shocked. I honestly didn' think he'd let ya off that easy," Daryl sighed through his nose, pressing his lips to the top of Beth's head. "Wow. He must have a soft spot fer ya... I don' know if I like that so much," Daryl said in a possessive tone.
"It's not.. Like that," Beth said assuredly. "He pretty much hates me, I promise you. He just figured he needs me on the team, so he can't get rid of me."
"Hm," Daryl considered this. "I s'ppose that makes sense.. Still, it's unlike him ta give in so easily. I was fully prepared ta have ta talk him down some more."
"It's wasn't so bad," Beth lied.
"Ill git another phone, jus' fer ya ya call an' text me on so he won' see our interactions," Daryl closed his eyes and nodded against Beth's head.
"You'd do that?" Beth whispered and found Darylshand to squeeze it.
"Ya, I reckon so," Daryl mumbled in a tired voice.
"I love you, you know," Beth said in a soft, sincere tone.
A goofy and sleepy grin spread over Daryl's face. "Love ya, too. Oh, by the way, jus' thought I'd mention, a mornin' blow job is a good way ta show someone how much ya love them," Daryl chuckled when Beth poked him in the ribs.
A big crash came from the kitchen and both lifted their heads at the same time, knocking them together on accident. "Fuck.." Daryl groaned and rubbed his temple. "What was that?"
Beth pressed her fingertips to the sore spot on her forehead and laughed under her breath. "That would be Maggie trying to cook. You see, she knows how to use the microwave and take-out menus really well, but the stove can be a bit of a challenge."
"Should we go check an' make sure she hasn' started a fire er somethin'?" Daryl slid his hand up under the back of Beth's shirt, dragging his nails lightly over the skin.
Beth hummed in approval. "Nah, we'd be hearing a string of bad words and smoke would be coming under the door. Don't worry, we have a fire extinguisher for this very reason," Beth grinned and closed her eyes.
"That girl is somethin' else.." Daryl sighed in amusement.
"She's a pretty great girl, though," Beth mumbled and tangled her legs with Daryl's.
"I can tell yer safe here wit' her an' that's enough fer me," Daryl's lips brushed over Beth's forehead.
"Do you worry about me all the time?" Beth nudged Daryl's chin with her nose.
"Purty much," Daryl cleared his throat. "Ya have a knack fer gettin' in trouble that's makin' me develop an anxiety disorder, I think."
Beth parted her lips and bit Daryl's chin lightly. "I know, I'm sorry.. I really am going to try to be more careful," she whispered, and she really did mean it.
"I kinda like ya jus' the way ya are," Daryl mumbled and even in the darkness of the room, Beth could see the flush on his cheeks.
"Oh my God.. If that wasn't so goddamn adorable I'd have to tease you endlessly," Beth grinned wide and pushed Daryl flat on his back while she straddled his hips, kissing him firmly and slowly sitting up straight.
Daryl lifted Beth's shirt and grazed his fingertip down the center of Beth's back, watching her breasts become free. "Ya know.. Merle is sayin' that ya shouldn' come ta my fight," Daryl's lips turned downward and Beth's expression fell.
"But.. Why?" Beth asked slightly petulantly.
"I dunno, maybe he thinks yer gonna hold up a homemade sign that says, 'I heart Daryl'," Daryl cracked up and Beth swatted his shoulder.
"You totally ruined my idea," Beth teased. "Except it was gonna be a homemade t-shirt that says it. With glitter," Beth chuckled, her smile bright.
"Maybe ya could jus' wear it fer me in private," Daryl raised his brows and then shook his head in conflict. "Wait, no, no clothes. That's the rule."
"I'm wearing clothes right now.." Beth trailed off challengingly.
"That's jus' 'cause we're both tired an' we need sleep. If ya were completely naked right now then I'd have no choice but ta fuck ya all night," Daryl sighed loudly.
"True, there's no such thing as self-control or thinking before you act," Beth nodded with fake seriousness.
"Smart-ass," Daryl rolled his eyes.
"Oh, but you like my ass," Beth wiggled on top of Daryl.
"Actually, I love it," Daryl's eyes gleamed.
"Oh, so that's why you love me. For my ass."
"Actually..." Daryl paused and it earned him another swat on the arm.
"Hey, hey, fighter," Daryl laughed roughly and tugged Beth tight to his chest, holding her securely in his arms.
Beth kissed Daryl's bare shoulder and settled against him with a content sigh. "So.. Should I not come to your fight?" Beth asked sadly.
"I want ya there. I don' care what Merle says er does ta me," Daryl whispered.
Beth rubbed her lips together and her stomach went tight when she thought about how she'd promised Merle that she'd back off. But, she would be there, no matter what. She had Daryl's back just like he had hers.
"I'll be there, I promise. I'll just keep it low-key," Beth yawned and nodded into the crook of Daryl's neck. She relaxed at Daryl's short nails scratching down her back and she spoke lazily, "are you nervous?"
Daryl took a deep breath. "Honestly? A little. But only b'cause I ain't ever seen the guy an' I know very little 'bout him. They wanted ta keep the fight shrouded in mystery 'cause I guess that'll bring a bigger crowd. It makes it really hard ta prepare."
"You're gonna do great, I know you will. You have no reason to worry," Beth spoke the words in a sure voice but inside she had no clue if they were true. "I'll be there for you, just in case.."
"It won' come ta that," Daryl shook his head and held Beth tighter. "I'll be able ta handle it."
"Well, still.. I'll be there," Beth murmured, sleep starting to take over.
Daryl was quiet for a moment before he whispered. "I don' care if I win er lose anymore."
"Why not?" Beth furrowed her brows, surprised by Daryl's statement.
"'cause.. Fer the first time in my life, somethin' else is more important," Daryl admitted slowly.
Beth lifted her head at that, looking down on Daryl's tired but handsome face. "And what's that?"
"Ya know it's you," Daryl breathed out softly as he gazed up at Beth.
Beth's lips turned into a slight pout and she pressed them to Daryl's in languid and smooth kisses before they were too exhausted to continue. Sleep found them bundled in each other's arms.
Despite the uncertainty of even the next few days, for that moment, they were happy. That counted for something.