So! Here is the official last chapter of 'Rough'! I will probably go ahead and update with the epilogue tonight because I'm excited to start the sequel! Thank you everybody! I love you!
One and a half months later...
Beth and Daryl had fallen into a steady routine of sleeping together, eating together, hanging out together and of course, having as much sex as possible between Beth's busy schedule. It was a weird feeling having so much comfort without any fear of having it taken away and they were both enjoying it as much as they could.
They hadn't heard from Merle or any of his guys and it took a matter of weeks for them to fully accept that they were in the clear. Daryl hadn't been in any rush to find his own place and Beth was doing what she could to keep him from looking; she liked having Daryl around. But Beth knew Daryl was getting a little stir-crazy and feeling the need to have his own thing apart from Beth but was struggling to find out what that could be. Beth planned to bring it up as she walked into the coffee shop to meet Daryl.
"Hey, graduate," Daryl grinned as Beth walked over.
Beth rolled her eyes and blushed, sitting down across from Daryl at a wooden table with a ceramic top. "Stop it. It wasn't a big deal."
"Um, yes it was. I still can' believe ya didn' wanna walk. I was lookin' forward ta seein' ya in yer goofy cap an' gown, stumblin' across the stage," He chuckled and Beth shook her head with a smile.
"I avoid awkward social situations at all costs and the crusty old president of the university mispronouncing my name as I walk across a stage in front of hundreds of strangers is one of them. I finished my coursework and thesis and my diploma is coming in the mail soon. That's all that matters," Beth smiled proudly.
"Maybe I wanted ta break out the 'I love Beth' shirt at yer graduation," Daryl teased as he reached for Beth's hand.
"Oh, did you finally have that made?" Beth smiled slyly and wet her lips.
"Ya, I was thinkin' o' wearin' it under everythin' so I can jus' rip open my jacket an' there it will be," Daryl dead-panned.
"Like Superman, only you'd be Superoldman," Beth nodded and rolled in a smile as Daryl narrowed his eyes.
"Alright, that was pretty good," Daryl conceded with a laugh.
Beth smiled wide and trapped Daryl's foot between both of hers under the table. "I also got my diploma in Sarcasm," Beth wiggled her brows and looked up as the waitress brought their coffees, thanking her.
"Mmm," Beth winced after she burned her tongue on the first sip. "How was your day?"
Daryl shrugged and glanced down at his cup, pursing his lips.
"Hey.. You know you can talk to me about it," Beth lowered her voice, putting her hand on Daryl's wrist.
Daryl looked up with a sigh. "Same as always lately. I fixed the garbage disposal though. Make sure ta tell Maggie that it ain't okay ta put entire turkey legs down there. Seriously, yer sister is...slow."
"If only it were as easy as just telling her," Beth said wistfully. "Did you hear back from the guy about that job, though?" Beth asked carefully.
"Yeah, the position got filled," Daryl tightened his jaw. "It don' matter, I still have enough money ta last me the rest o' the month. I'll find somethin'," he forced a smile.
Beth didn't push it, because she knew how hard this was for Daryl to feel like he was out of control and inadequate somehow. "Yep, you will. Plus, I kinda selfishly want you to wait a bit longer before you get a job because that means I get to share my room with you," Beth tilted her head with a smile. "I like having you as a bedmate."
Daryl rolled his eyes but smiled. "Ya, I like it too. Even if ya kick me almost every night."
Beth laughed and pulled out he phone as a text came through. "I try to make up for my kicking," she added and squinted at the screen, reading the words while her mouth slowly dropped open. "Oh my God.."
"What is it?" Daryl asked in an immediately concerned tone, his hand reaching to grip Beth's forearm gently.
"It's.." a smile spread on Beth's face. "It's from Morris," she cleared her throat. "He says that there is interest in getting my paper published."
"Wow.." Daryl expressed. "That's great, right?"
"That's fantastic, I didn't expect it at all," Beth shook her head in disbelief, writing Morris back. "It's cool to have my hard work pay off like that," Beth admitted, a smile fixed on his face still. "This is going to help further my career and get me new connections."
"'m so proud o' ya.." Daryl smiled but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"What's the matter?" Beth asked in a concerned tone, setting her phone down.
Daryl licked his lips, biting down on the bottom one and shaking his head. "Absolutely nothin'."
"Come on," Beth nudged his foot gently under the table. "I can see something going on in here," she very lightly poked Daryl's forehead.
Daryl swatted at Beth's hand and sighed. "It's jus' that all o' this is happenin' fer ya, an' 'm so happy fer ya, I really am. Please don' doubt that. But.. It jus' reminds me that I haven' got my shit figured out."
"You will get it figured out, Daryl. You deserved some time to just do nothing for once," Beth cupped her mug and nodded. "Clear your head and get your bearings in your new situation."
"Oh, so ya think I been doin' nothin'," He muttered and his jaw went tight, his eyes moving down to the table in a steady swoop.
"No, no," Beth quickly corrected. "You've been a Godsend at the apartment. Really, Maggie and I have no idea how to fix anything and I so appreciate your help. Plus, you cook for me every morning and night and.."
"An' 'm like a little housewife," Daryl said bitterly. "I see. Well, maybe it really is time I find my own place," Daryl sighed and rubbed his temples.
"Stop it, that's not what I meant!" Beth raised her voice and lowered it when she got curious stares. "I don't want you to go, please don't go.." Beth reached across the table and took Daryl's hand into her own. "I didn't mean it like that, you know I didn't. I'm tired and I'm saying all the wrong things."
Daryl hesitated before lacing his fingers with Beth's, his lips pursed. "I.. Ah, fuck it, I don' know what the next step is fer me."
"I can tell you what the next step is not: pulling away from me. I have a theory of why you feel like this that maybe you won't wanna hear.." Beth mumbled lowly.
"'m already in a shit mood so feel free ta lay it on me," He smiled wryly.
Beth took a breath before explaining. "I think you're having a difficult time figuring out what you wanna do because you have unfinished business.. Something that is weighing heavily on your mind."
"Ya.. I guess ya could say that," Daryl shrugged and fiddled with a spilled packet of sugar on the ceramic tiles of the table.
"So maybe you need to resolve that before you can fully move on," Beth hedged lightly.
Daryl glanced up. "Are ya my therapist now, er?"
"Hey, you should feel lucky. Someday people will be paying me the big bucks for my advice and wisdom," Beth smirked and Daryl rolled his eyes.
"Ya, but they'll be alarmed by the size o' yer big head, Mrs. Ego," Daryl replied teasingly.
"I'm pretty sure I learned my cockiness from you since you're the king of it," Beth scoffed playfully.
"Oh, is that right?" Daryl raised his brow high. "I thought I was the king o' somethin' else. At least that's what ya said last night."
Beth blushed and kicked Daryl's shin. "You're such a jerk."
"Ya, maybe so.. But ya love me a little bit, don' ya?" Daryl produced a genuine smile.
"Like a whole lot," Beth nodded in return and twitched her nose at an itch.
"'m sorry I'm bein' a jerk.. I really am happy an' proud that yer mine," He said gently and Beth couldn't help but smile wide.
"Thank you. Really, it means a lot.. And I'm sorry for boasting about my career when I know you're struggling. What do you think about what I said, though? I mean, about you resolving what's unfinished.." Beth phrased carefully.
"I think.. An' don' let this feed yer ego," Daryl teased, "I think yer right," He exhaled loudly. "I need ta git my dad's ashes an' do somethin' with them an'.. Face my past."
"If you face your past then you can fully focus on your future," Beth added.
"Did ya git that off a fortune cookie er some shit?" Daryl laughed and leaned back in his chair, his legs spreading a bit for more comfort.
"No," Beth huffed and crossed her arms before admitting, "it was in my horoscope one time."
Daryl rolled in his lips to keep from laughing but Beth beat him to it with a chuckle and they both started up. "My little dork," he kissed the back of Beth's hand chastely and stood up. "Ya down fer a little drive?"
"Okay, yeah," Beth bobbed her head and joined their hands while they walked out the door.
They pulled up in front of a worn down split-level home in a thicket of woods that Beth thought might have led to their demise. She couldn't say she was exactly relieved when they found their destination though, because what laid inside might have been way worse than the unknown in the forest.
"Hey, relax," Daryl laughed at Beth's tense posture. "This is Otis' house. He was my dad's buddy an' he's good people. If he ever saw my dad try ta beat on me he would distract him with a beer er a football game on TV. Unfortunately he wasn' around a lot," Daryl gripped the steering wheel and gazed ahead at the lit window set in the front door.
"He has Joe's ashes?" Beth slid her fingers over Daryl's knuckles and then between his fingers.
"Ya, he does. I called him shortly after the fight with Merle.. He wanted me ta come here a lot sooner; said he had important stuff ta talk ta me 'bout," Daryl turned off the car with a shaky breath.
"Why didn't you tell me, baby?" Beth furrowed her brows.
"B'cause I knew ya would pester me ta come an' I wasn' ready," Daryl lifted his brows and smirked. "Yer a pain in the ass, ya know," he got out of the car and Beth followed suit with an indignant huff.
He wrapped his arm around her and stole a kiss on the lips. "Yer my pain in the ass," he added and all was forgiven.
Daryl knocked on the oak door and rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at Beth with a slightly nervous look. Beth just rubbed his lower back with a gentle and reassuring smile. "I'm here."
Otis answered the door and he looked pretty much exactly how Beth thought he would – old, small, with few teeth and clad in overalls. But he had a big toothless grin and Beth could tell he was a nice guy from the start.
"Daryl, my boy!" he immediately opened his arms and pulled an unsuspecting Daryl into his embrace.
Daryl stumbled forward with a low chuckle and wrapped his arms around Otis, patting his back while Beth smiled on at the adorable sight of Daryl towering over Otis. "It's been a long time," Daryl cleared his throat and backed up, a faint smile on his lips.
"It sure has. Didn' know if I'd be seein' ya again," Otis sighed and then looked over at Beth. "Well, who's this fine young girl?"
"This is my.. Beth," Daryl mumbled, embarrassed at his slip-up.
"Yer Beth?" Otis looked on in confusion. "A lil' young, ain't she, boy?"
Daryl tensed.
"He meant his friend Beth," Beth smoothed over, reaching her hand out. "So nice to meet you."
Otis shook it and grinned. "If yer alright with Daryl then yer alright with me. Why don' y'all come inside?" he motioned with his hand and stepped in.
"Thank ya fer that," Daryl whispered in Beth's ear.
"No problem," Beth replied with a smile. She completely understood Daryl's desire to keep his relationship with Beth under wraps around the dear old man. There were some things that people had a hard time accepting, especially when they came from an older generation. Plus, that night was about Daryl and his dad, not Daryl and his relationship with Beth.
Otis ushered them over to sit on a well-loved couch and sat across from them in an armchair. Beth glanced around at the mounted animal heads that lined the walls and the various paintings of ducks and landscapes.
"Well.. I know this is a difficult thing fer ya ta talk about, boy," Otis started and put some little spectacles on. "Joe was my friend since we were small boys, an' I think that's why I was able ta stay his friend through all the horrible things he did."
Daryl bit the insides of his cheeks and Beth pressed a little into his side since she couldn't hold his hand without raising eyebrows. "Yeah, I know he wasn' always so terrible.. Er so I've heard. I never got ta experience his good side," Daryl sighed bitterly.
"Ya know.. Joe had a real change o' heart in the last few months b'fore he died. Literally, I suppose," Otis started. "He had a few smaller strokes before the big one. Did ya know that?"
Daryl shook his head slowly, narrowing his eyes. "Was he sick?"
"Well, his heart was. He never admitted it ta ya but he's always had a weak heart. Ever since we were boys. His anger didn' help it, o'course, but I guess he thought it would make him look like less o' a man if he admitted to his weakness," Otis explained.
It was strange hearing about Joe in a different light since all Beth had experienced from him were shades of tragedy. But there was always more than one side to a story and everyone had reasons as to why they act the way they do.
"Ya, I never knew that," Daryl mumbled and took a breath, looking up at Otis. "But that don' give him an excuse fer how he treated me an' my mom."
"No, it don'," Otis shook his head. "I guess 'm jus' tryin' ta explain that yer father was the way he was b'cause he let the bad in an' allowed it be his influence. Ya see, his own father was abusive. He saw Joe's heart defect as a weakness in every aspect an' never treated him the same as his brothers. He felt very much the same 'bout his father as ya do about him," Otis nodded wisely.
Daryl chewed on his thumbnail viscously.
"Ya know that sayin' 'the apple don' fall far from the tree'? Joe became his father. Instead o' taking the high road, he let the bad in his life overtake the good. I can tell ya somethin' right now, Daryl, ya ain't like that. I can see that ya chose the good," Otis gave Daryl a knowing smile and then glanced at Beth.
They didn't comment on it but it was sort of understood that Otis knew more than he was letting on. "Anyway, as I was sayin' ta begin with.. When Joe started gettin' weaker a few months b'fore he passed away, he really grieved fer how he treated ya. He was broken up beyond consolation."
"Look, if yer trying ta make me feel bad fer him it ain't goin' ta happen," Daryl shook his head adamantly, a frown on his face.
"I'm jus' tellin' ya the facts, son," Otis said gently. "Now don' go gettin' heated, jus' listen," he pressed in a stern but caring voice and Daryl rolled his lips in. "He had no way o' reachin' ya er yer brother, an' he knew ya wouldn' want ta talk ta him anyway. So, he wrote ya a letter," Otis pulled an envelope out from a stack of papers. "I haven' read it.. But I have a pretty good idea o' what it says," he held the envelope out and Daryl just stared at it blankly. Beth took it after a moment to save Otis from an arm cramp.
Daryl's eyes followed the envelope, his lips slightly parted. Beth and Otis both watched him curiously, keeping silent and waiting for him to respond. "Are ya sure it ain't jus' debt er somethin' that he's passin' onto me?"
"I'm quite sure," Otis nodded. "Joe had no debt ta speak o'."
Daryl took the envelope into his hands so carefully, as if it might burn him. He stared down at his name scrawled on the front. "I jus' find it a little hard ta believe that he'd take the time ta do anythin' nice fer me."
"One o' life's hardest lessons ta learn is that people can change, Daryl. Sometimes fer the worse, but a lot times fer the better," Otis' lips turned up into a gentle smile. "Now, it's late an' I'm an ol' man. Y'all git goin' an' if ya do decide ta read the letter, let me know. I'll hold onto Joe's ashes until then."
Daryl looked up at his old friend curiously. "Ya sure ya don' want me ta take them off yer hands now?"
"I don' think ya really want ta have ta deal with them right now, do ya?" Otis said wisely and Beth thought for a moment that he was like Yoda; very small and full of wisdom.
"No, I don'," He admitted and stood up tiredly, shoving the envelope into his back pocket. "Thank ya fer lettin' us come an'... Well, fer always bein' there fer me when ya could be," He patted Otis' shoulder. "I'm sorry I didn' keep in touch."
"I don't blame ya, my boy. But maybe ya can call me every once in a while an' let me know what's goin' on in the big city. I don' git out much but ta hunt an' go around town an' it'd be nice ta hear about somethin' new," he smiled kindly at Beth, his skin wrinkling a little more with the gesture.
"I'll make sure he calls you," Beth spoke up. "I'm really glad to have met you," Beth extended her hand again for a farewell shake, smiling warmly.
"Y'all drive safely!" Otis waved from his spot on the porch while Beth and Daryl went to the car.
Daryl was quiet in the car and Beth made extra sure to not bring up the letter because she knew that that had to be done on Daryl's time and not her own. Even though she was madly curious about its contents, it wasn't her place to uncover them. So she just held Daryl's hand and let Daryl squeeze hers so tight in return.
"Do ya mind makin' one more stop with me?" Daryl asked without taking his eyes off the road.
"I don't mind," Beth shook her head gently, glancing at Daryl.
"Thank ya.." He cleared his throat and brought Beth's hand up to his chest, holding it there as he took a few turns that led them to an even gloomier area of the country.
Beth bit her lip, looking out the window as gravestones started to appear behind an iron fence. Realization of what they were doing hit Beth hard as she felt Daryl's heart speed up beneath her hand.
Beth moved her gaze to Daryl, studying the way his face showed subtle emotion when he parked the car. "Do you want me to wait here?" Beth asked in a soft voice.
Daryl shook his head, looking at Beth with a sad smile. "I want ya ta meet my mom."
Beth returned the smile, nodding her head. "I would love ta."
He wrapped his arm around Beth's waist while they walked over the uneven ground. Beth had always been incredibly creeped out by cemeteries. But this one just had a feeling of peace, and Beth didn't know if it was because she was with Daryl or if because she'd just never been to one for the purpose of visiting a loved one.
They stopped in front of a grave that said Delores Dixon and had her day of birth and day of death. Engraved in the bottom of the stone was, The most loving mother.
"I made sure it said that," Daryl murmured when he noticed Beth reading it. "I gathered up all the cash I could find an' made a deal with the man who makes headstones in town. I fixed up his car ta pay the difference. Joe wasn' even goin' ta have a gravestone made fer her. He said it was a waste o' money," Daryl swallowed thickly before kneeling down in front of the grave.
Beth stayed quiet and knelt beside him, her arm wrapping around Daryl's shoulders. "Her name is beautiful."
"She was beautiful in every way," He smiled faintly. "I don' really let myself think 'bout her much. But when I do it's always o' her smile, er the way she hugged an' kissed me when I got hurt er was scared, an' her scent. Little things that I took fer granted at the time b'cause it ain't ever occurred ta me that I'd be without them," Daryl closed his eyes and a teardrop slid down his face.
Beth's heart clenched for Daryl. She could comfort her boyfriend and be there for him, but nothing she could say or do would ever bring Daryl's mother back. "She sounds amazing, Daryl. I'm so glad you got to be with her as long as you could."
He slowly opened his eyes and sniffed, licking the tear off his lips. "I haven' been here in many years.. It hurt too much ta come. 'specially when I knew I was doin' things that she wouldn' approve o'."
"Daryl, she knew you were just trying to make a better life for yourself, I know it," Beth nodded and put her chin on Daryl's shoulder.
"I wish I had flowers er somethin' for her," He shook his head and breathed out shakily.
"Just you coming here is enough. We can bring flowers another time and as often as you want," Beth whispered and turned her head to face the grave, noting how the moonlight seemed to shine down right on her grave and leave the others in darkness.
"I thought maybe comin' here t'night would help me know whether er not I should read Joe's letter. Like maybe I would feel somethin', anythin' from her. She always gave me the best advice b'fore.. I need her so much, Beth," Daryl closed his eyes tight and tilted his head down, his voice broken up.
A few tears streamed down Beth's face and she wrapped her arms tight around Daryl, pressing her lips to his cheek and whispering, "I think she can hear you. Talk to her." Beth didn't know if she really believed that, but having a little faith couldn't hurt.
Daryl slowly looked back at her name carved into the stone, biting his lip and glancing to Beth. "Promise ya won' tease me fer
talkin' ta a stone?"
"You're talking to your mother...not a stone," Beth shook her head, rubbing Daryl's back.
Daryl breathed in and out slowly, fiddling with his fingers as he began to speak. "Momma.." he let out a breathless chuckle. "This feels so stupid," he sighed. "Momma, 'm really at a loss 'bout what ta do here.. 'm happier than I have been in so long but 'm strugglin' a lot. I wish ya could be here ta tell me what I should do. I wanna know if ya think I should read dad's letter.. I jus' need ta know if it would help er hurt me.."
Beth listened to Daryl speak and held her breath at the silence that followed. She had never really hoped for a miracle before, but she wished so hard that Daryl would find his answer. She was startled by a bird chirping on the gravestone next to them. Beth looked over at it, noticing it was a little Bluebird with vibrantly colored feathers. She thought it was a little odd for it to be there at night.
The bird hopped over and flew to the top of Delores's headstone, perching there for several seconds. Beth watched it with interest while it tilted its head and looked toward Daryl. "That's a really pretty bird," Beth observed as it ruffled its feathers before flying off.
"Blue was her favorite color an' the color o' her eyes," Daryl whispered after a moment.
Beth blinked and looked over at Daryl, noticing the sadness was gone from his face and it had left an expression of peace."What do you think it meant?" Beth asked softly.
"I jus' feel like everythin' is goin' ta be okay.. I really do," a slow smile spread on Daryl's face. "Come on, let's go. It's late," Daryl stood up, helping Beth with an offer of his hand. "I love ya, mom," Daryl whispered toward her grave before they headed to the car.
Because Beth believed in Daryl, she could believe that Daryl's mother had sent him a little sign of comfort.
When they got back to Beth's place, Daryl went straight to Beth's room and Maggie was camped out on the couch with that Asain boy, Glenn she had met from the club when Beth had first seen Daryl fight. Beth smirked in her general direction and Maggie flipped her off. 'Glenn' excused himself to the bathroom and Maggie looked at her baby sister.
"Well, we're going out so you have the apartment to yourselves. He wants to go get late night nachos at Taco Bell. Can you believe how lucky I am?" Maggie wiggled her eyebrows and Beth rolled her eyes as she pondered if Maggie was more excited about the man or the nachos.
"Happy for you. Have fun," Beth grinned genuinely and tilted her head in amusement.
"Thanks. I'm really happy!" She pulled Beth in for a surprise hug and Beth reciprocated but patted Maggie's back after moment to end it. "Don't you dare tap out on a hug, Beth. Don't you dare," Maggie shook her head and squeezed Beth tighter.
Beth laid down on her side of the bed on her stomach after brushing her teeth and washing her face and leaving Daryl with a few more minutes of contemplative peace. Daryl was already in bed and had his back turned toward Beth. Beth frowned and scooted close to wrap her arm around him from behind, pressing a few kisses to the back of his neck.
"What are you thinking about?" Beth whispered softly, knowing it was a loaded question.
Daryl sighed and put his hand on Beth's arm, rubbing it up and down. "'bout how sometimes ya never really know a person. I never knew there was another part ta my dad."
Beth closed her eyes and pressed her body tighter against Daryls. "Your dad never showed you any semblance of a good side. You're not at fault for not knowing him any other way."
"I know, I know.. Jus' all my life people kept things from me an' lied ta me. After tonight, I do feel like everythin' is goin' ta work out, but I still have ta make big decisions an' It's hard ta know what's real er not."
"Daryl, how you handle what life gives you is real and that's all that matters," Beth pulled gently on Daryl's arm. "Look at me."
He slowly turned to face Beth, sighing and gazing over her features before whispering, "yer real."
"We're real," Beth brushed her nose over Daryl's and kissed his lips.
He hummed softly. "Do ya think I should read the letter?"
"I think you should do whatever will make you feel like you have some closure. Whether that be burning the letter or reading it. I've got your back either way," Beth smiled lightly.
"I think I should read it," Daryl whispered after a moment. "I wanna read it now."
Beth blinked in surprise, not expecting Daryl to be able to handle more emotions in one night. "Now? Then do you want me to give you some privacy?"
"No," Daryl closed his eyes and shook his head. "I need ya here," he said lowly and sat up in bed, flipping the lamp on and reaching down to grab the letter from its place in the pocket of his discarded jeans.
Beth slowly scooted up into a sitting position, her legs bending under the rumpled sheets while she slid her fingers through her hair, watching Daryl with interest.
Daryl tore open the top of the envelope, reaching into it with a shaky hand and unfolding the piece of paper with a gulp. "I wanna read it out loud.. Is that okay?"
"Of course," Beth scooted closer and kissed Daryl's bare shoulder, nodding.
"Daryl.." he began reading, clearing his throat at the strangeness of his father calling him by his actual name instead of an insult. "I know this apology is comin' way too late ta mean anythin' an' will never make up fer what I put ya through. There are jus' a few things that I couldn' die b'fore lettin' ya know. I'm not goin' ta lie ta ya an' tell ya that I always secretly loved ya, b'cause I don' think I ever did," He paused and closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry," Beth whispered and pressed her forehead to Daryl's cheek, her heart breaking at the blunt delivery of those hurtful words.
Daryl took a deep breath and continued on, even though his voice faltered a bit. "But Daryl, I do want ya ta know that I respect ya so damn much. Ya were given shitty situation o' a life an' I know I was the cause o' much o' that. The way ya defended yerself an' yer mother, it really showed the good in ya that ya had ta have gotten from yer mom, unlike Merle. I need ya ta know that I did love her at one time. But her goodness jus' amplified my shortcomins' an' reinforced the bitterness an' anger that I had in me. It wasn' her fault, it was mine fer lettin' it git so out o' control," He stopped and huffed. "O' course he's makin' excuses fer himself and his behavior."
"Baby, just keep reading," Beth urged gently and rubbed Daryl's arm.
Daryl wet his lips and went on with a sigh, "I'm not asking fer yer forgiveness an' I know there's no way I can ever make it up ta ya...But I hope this will help ya lead a better life from now on an' keep ya away from what ya were doin' ta make money. I know ya hardly consider me a father, but I do still care about where ya end up. Believe it er not. I'm leavin' ya everythin' I've got," Daryl's voice went uneven in shock. "The repair shop an' all my assets. I invested in some stocks 20 years ago that are worth a lot. I never cashed in on them b'cause I was worried that people would hit me up fer money if they knew I had it. It's yers though, ta do whatever ya want with. Maybe ya could take over the shop and make it into what it could have been without a drunk fer the owner. Ya were the one who made the shop what it was, anyway."
Daryl took a deep breath, still in disbelief. "Fer what it's worth, which could be nothin', I am sorry. I am so full o' regret fer the person I am. I wish I could say if I could go back I'd be different, I'd be good. But truth is, if I could back in time I'd tell yer mom ta run like hell away from me as soon as she had ya. I was destined ta turn into this, but not you Daryl. Start a new life an' never let some asshole ruin it again. Take care an' good luck. -Joe."
Silence hung in the air while Beth was left speechless and Daryl stared at the letter in his shaking hands. Neither of them had expected that product and it was both unsurprising and shocking what Joe had said. He was honest and he didn't try to sugarcoat anything, but he finally, for the first time did a good thing for Daryl.
"I.." He finally spoke and folded the letter carefully. "I don' even fuckin' know what ta say."
"Neither do I.." Beth added in a breathless voice. "Maybe you should sleep on it and then give more thought to everything," Beth suggested, feeling rather helpless.
He pursed his lips and set the letter gingerly on the nightstand, shaking his head. "I'd rather talk it out now.. If ya don' mind? I know it's late.." Daryl spoke apologetically.
"Don't worry, I'm not tired," Beth lied for the greater good. "Talk to me."
"Thank ya," He smiled tightly. "Jus'.. The defiant part o' me wants ta say that I don' need anythin' from him. That he can shove his money up his ass, really," Daryl puffed his cheeks. "But then there's this new part o' me that actually.. Kind o' understands him. Not a lot, jus' a little, an' I never thought I would."
Beth nodded slowly. "He never gave you a chance to understand him before."
"I don' forgive him, Beth. But he didn' expect me ta er ask fer me ta...I guess that kind o' changes things," Daryl rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"Well, and he knew he was going to die.. So it's not like he decided to give you all of this with the expectation of anything in return. Right?" Beth added carefully.
"Which is totally unlike him. He never did anythin' that didn' directly benefit him, much like Merle," Daryl chewed on a nail.
"Maybe Otis was right and Joe really did have a change of heart," Beth rested his chin on Daryl's shoulder.
"Do ya really think someone can change so drastically?" Daryl asked in a quiet voice.
"I think they can if they really want to or if a situation forces them to," Beth answered equally quietly.
"Does that mean that I could turn into Joe one day?" Daryl questioned in a wavering voice.
"No, there's no way," Beth shook her head, rubbing her nose against Daryl's cheek.
"I can be such an asshole though, Beth.." he sighed and closed his eyes.
"So? I can too. Besides, you can control who you become and I know you won't let yourself become your dad. You're too clever and kind for that," Beth assured him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Yer jus' biased b'cause ya love me," Daryl smiled lightly and rested his head against Beth's.
"But I didn't at first, eh?" Beth smiled back. "You were so mean when I met you, but I knew deep down you were good. There was always something about you."
"Maybe ya jus' thought I was sexy," Daryl teased, the mood starting to lighten.
"Well there was that, for sure. But I inexplicably wanted to be around you. You had a pull on me," Beth murmured. "And I don't like to stick around bad people, so I know you're not one."
"Thank ya.." Daryl nosed her cheek.
"Sure," Beth smiled and laid down, tugging Daryl with her. "What do you think you'll do with your dad's shop?"
"I can' work there, not with all the painful memories that are left behind.." Daryl twisted his lips. "But, I did always like workin' on cars," he admitted. "It was the only time that my dad wasn' raggin' on me an' I could jus' zone out an' do my thing. I liked the way every piece fit together an' made the car work. There were no surprises under the hood and no disappointments when I put my all into fixin' a problem. Very unlike my life, an' I guess that's why I liked it."
Beth listened carefully at how Daryl's words made such perfect sense. "Maybe.." Beth bit her lip, pondering. "Maybe you could sell his shop and start your own closer to the city. Fresh start with skills you already have nailed down. What do you think?"
"I think it'd be a hell o' a lot o' work," He grimaced a little. "But I think it would fuckin' amazin'," a slow grin spread on his face.
"Yeah?" Beth propped up on an elbow, smiling.
"Ya.. I can make an honest livin' and I don' have worry 'bout applyin' fer more jobs an' seein' people raise their eyebrows at my lack o' experience with work. I can' exactly write that I was a fighter fer a profession," He said dryly.
"No, you can't. I'm lucky I got to use my experience to my benefit with my paper," Beth admitted, a smile still on her face.
"I'll call Otis tomorrow an' figure out the legal dealins' an' paperwork," Daryl sighed with a soft nod.
"This is gonna be great. I'll be your first customer since my car is a hunk of junk." Beth said enthusiastically.
He laughed and rested his hand on Beth's hip, rubbing his thumb over her hipbone. "Hmm, are ya sure y'all be able ta afford my work though?"
"It depends on how much you're charging, brat," Beth answered with a playful poke to Daryl's chest.
"Well.. Yer payment would involve this," He pressed his lips to Beth's in a soft kiss. "An' maybe a blow job," Daryl cracked a dazzling grin and Beth laughed.
"You always want me to suck your dick," Beth rolled her eyes but was happy to see Daryl getting back to his normal pervy self.
"How could I not? Yer amazin' at it. Yer mouth was made fer that, I swear," He bit down on his grin.
Beth glared at him. "You think my mouth was made to suck dicks?"
"Nah, it was made ta suck mine. Jus' mine, Beth," Daryl murmured and Beth closed her eyes.
"I have no idea how you make something so demeaning sound so sweet. Damn you," Beth kissed Daryl with parted lips, their tongues tangling for a brief lazy moment.
"I love ya," Daryl said simply.
"I love you.." Beth whispered tiredly. "And I will give you a blow job if you fix my car."
"That's what 'm talkin' 'bout," Daryl chuckled, wrapping Beth up in his arms. "But ya should definitely kiss me a little bit now b'fore we go ta sleep," He murmured, his lips puckering up.
"I think you deserve a few kisses, yes," Beth whispered and brushed her tongue over Daryl's lips before kissing them softly.
"Mmm, that's the good stuff," He smiled into the kiss and slid his strong fingers through Beth's hair while he connected their lips again.
Daryl had found his way to let go of the past and their future was looking pretty fucking bright.