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Part 13: Precautions
Will has been caught out with Daryl in an awkward position, what is he going to do? Does Mike also still have feelings for Daryl and what is he going to do about them? Poor Daryl, both men including his own father want him! We only hope that they don't decide to take it further.
Will was really trying to keep his voice from being raspy and scaring his small son further. He didn't even sound like himself to his own ears and he could only imagine how weird he must sound to Daryl. He cleared his throat again nervously but then his son's eyes found his again. But the boy said and did nothing. No doubt he was too scared to get off him after he'd been told to stay put.
For the first time since the words left his mouth, Will wondered if he'd made the wrong decision. It would've been easier to just pretend that nothing weird was happening and send his son up to bed. But it was too late for that now, after he'd made a big deal out of it. He had hoped that Daryl would leave it at that, but he could tell by his pitifully confused expression that he was desperately waiting for some kind of explanation.
What better time than now to teach him about the birds and the bees? That was if that damned randy brother of his hadn't got there first. Because despite his rough environment, Will knew his youngest boy had strangely remained relatively innocent.
He didn't want to admit it to himself, but that was one of the main attractions about him. In contrast, Will was unable to recall Merle ever being innocent, that boy came out of his mother's womb with a filthy mind and mouth to go along with it. Most disturbing of all was that one of his reoccurring fantasies was how he would teach Daryl all about it – ease him in to things, so to speak.
But Will knew he would never act on them, he'd die before he let that happen. So, just like he always did, he savagely suppressed the images of Daryl's face wearing a more knowing expression as he took his innocence slowly away, to a deep corner of his mind. He'd vowed to himself long ago never to cross that line. But his own sick mind refused to stop torturing him. Fortunately, neither of his boys sensed his true feelings that made him feel sick every time he allowed himself to indulge in whimsical wondering where Daryl came onto him first. That he was somehow sensing his desire. More than that, he was willing, trusting his father to be his first, to teach him, guide him…
Will shook his head to clear it of the alluring visions this particular train of thought led to. He would never be one of those that lost his inner battle. Only monsters do that to their sons...
He cursed himself mercilessly as his relentless thoughts naturally did nothing to help him with his embarrassing problem.
'Dad?' Daryl was tugging on his sleeve timidly, looked up at him with questions seething in his eyes. 'What did you just say? Are you OK?'
'Nothin' for you to worry about. I'm fine.' Will realised with shock that he had been muttering his thoughts. Daryl hadn't heard him or understood, thank God.
He knew full well that he couldn't explain anything away now, so instead of wasting time thinking of the best lie to tell him, he thought of the best way to tell the truth without scaring him.
'It...it happens to men sometimes and when ya older, ya'll understand.' He whispered and flushed deep scarlet as the words left his mouth. But Daryl only looked back at him with his mouth hanging open in surprise. He still didn't really understand what he was getting at after all. Will failed to hold back the little smile of indulgence he directed at his son, because Daryl was still just as clueless and innocent. This realisation made him let go of the breath he'd been holding in.
'Can't help it, but it don't mean it's got anythin' to do with you, son.' He reassured him.
'What do you mean?' Daryl's eye-brows rose quizzically and he reached over to touch his cheek in concern.
'I'm alright.' He whispered even as he grabbed Daryl's wrist to stop him just in time. Fearing that one more touch as unassuming as that would be enough to send him right over the edge.
At the same time, Will's heart had nearly burst in his chest because Merle had never been sweet like this. Even at 11, he would have known something was very wrong and he'd have run away like a shot, without waiting for an explanation. Not that Merle would have been sitting in his father's lap to begin with. He hadn't been that kind of boy and Will had consequently treated him as such.
But Daryl was different. He took after his mother.
'It's like when ya wet the bed, I guess. Jus' an accident ya can't help or really stop yourself from doin'.' He patiently explained, acting more calm than he felt. It was clear that he still didn't understand, and Will feared that if he kept on trying to explain, he would inevitably say too much.
'Better get off me now, Daryl. Time for bed.'
When he didn't move, without warning, as if his son was burning him, Will shoved him off his lap and immediately grabbed a cushion to hide his erection while his son's back was turned. Daryl was so caught off guard that he almost tumbled to the floor before catching himself in time.
'I'm sorry, son but we shouldn't do this no more...No more sittin' in my lap like this.' He could hear his own breathing was laboured now, he was practically panting, he noted with self-disgust. Then, noticing Daryl's hurt expression as he looked at him, Will added, 'Eleven's too old for coddlin' anyway. Ya a big boy now.'
'Dad, I don't understand. You never had a problem with it before…' His eyes lighted briefly on the cushion his father was holding in front of him like a shield. Or like a barrier between them.
Will sighed when his youngest continued to linger and look worried, with no fear on his face. He still hadn't taken the hint and made no move to leave.
'Go on, go up to bed, I said!' He snapped. Daryl flinched back at his raised voice, probably expecting to get hit like in the bad old days.
Despite his attempts, Will was unable to keep his voice steady and it didn't take a rocket scientist to see that it made Daryl uncomfortable to hear his father sound so unsure of himself. Especially when he didn't understand what the problem was to begin with.
Will watched him finally leave without any protests after that though, and sighed with relief because he could finally take a breather. He tossed the cushion aside as he looked down at himself in self-loathing, cursing his treacherous body. The worst was that his own son was the cause of it, which was sick to begin with. He stifled a groan as he waited for the distinct click of Daryl shutting the door up on the second floor.
As soon as he heard it, he leaned back and took himself out. He couldn't help but to stare down at his dick which was in the firm grip of his hand. Was the hard-on as big as this when Daryl had been sitting in his lap? He sure hoped not.
Then a thought reared its ugly head that almost made his heart skip a beat. What if he told Merle? Even if he let it slip innocently as something funny that had happened while he was sitting on Dad's lap, it would be a disaster. His other son would know exactly what had happened.
His thoughts went round and round in circles until the growing pleasure took over and he was able to solely focus on just jerking off as his hand and body let go of the inhibitions his stubborn mind was trying to put on him.
After he came with a heart heavy with guilt, he promised himself not to let them sit like that again, that it was probably for the best to put some distance between them. The kid was growing up now anyway and he swore that he would never let anything like that happen again.
Being all caught up in his younger son he had forgotten about his oldest who thankfully chose his time to return back home not when Will was in the living room pleasuring himself, but when he was behind the safety of four walls which the bathroom offered him while taking a shower.
Nearly a week went by and Will could only hope that the boy had forgotten all about it. When the day finally came when Daryl climbed up in his lap all excited from a successful hunting trip he'd taken all on his lonesome, he didn't have the willpower to push his son off like before.
It felt so good to be close to him that Will decided he'd let it go, just this once, he told himself. Also, there was the fact that whenever he lavished affection on Daryl, somehow doing this also made Will feel better about things. More relaxed. It calmed him down to the point where he was less likely to get angry and lash out. Being close to Daryl did him a lot of good and that was a comforting thought.
At the same time, he was no fool. He knew that he was in big trouble as he slowly came to realize that he was becoming addicted to his own son.
A few more days passed after the embarrassing incident which Will had successfully put to the back of his mind but hadn't forgotten. Would never forget in fact and he thanked his lucky stars that Daryl and Merle were as different as night and day.
Yet, he was still being careful around him to avoid situations where there was a possibility of him losing control of himself either violently or in other, much worse ways. But that didn't mean he stopped ruffling Daryl's hair or slinging a casual arm about him when they sat in front of the TV on the sofa. Just as it didn't stop him from smiling with satisfaction each time his son nestled into his side. It was much safer that way.
He managed to hold off losing his temper with great effort but as time went by, it got more and more difficult. Especially when he was constantly getting turned on by and in front of his son, it was straining their relationship to put things mildly. So, to counter this, he started drinking more whiskey and other hard stuff instead of just beer.
The revelation about Mike certainly didn't improve Will's temper any better and he was still nursing his grudge like a bear with a sore paw, even after all this time. Had he really tried to steal his sons away from him by lying to them?
Surely not. He had only lied to protect them...but Will reckoned that he probably had deserved most of it - even if they actually had refused to speak to him. Most of all he deserved getting the crap beaten out of him after what he did to Daryl. He hadn't been as drunk as he pretended...
He'd let Mike get away on some level with the lies, which wasn't like him at all, but Will had been horrified at what he'd done to Daryl...That was when he sobered up enough to remember what had happened.
Will grit his teeth to repress his snarl when he heard Merle greet Mike on the phone. No doubt he wanted to come over and bring drinks, try and buy his forgiveness. Things were still strained between them but that didn't stop Mike trying to get at him through his sons. His irritation only increased when Daryl's pleas to his brother to let him speak to him reached his ears.
Did Daryl love his friend more than him? Listening to his excited reaction, it seemed that he did.
Will just settled on clenching his fists and filed away his grievance for later.
'No, he says he's got to go. Next time.' Merle told his brother and Will's eyebrows rose in surprise.
'Why?' Daryl whined before he put the phone down.
Will turned around in time to watch the silhouette on the wall of his eldest shrug. This had happened a lot recently – Mike calling outwardly to check up on Daryl but then making excuses not to speak to him. Or cutting him off short as soon as he could if Daryl was the one who answered his call.
This pleased him, even though witnessing how disappointed Daryl was each time it happened got to him sometimes. He could only hope that Mike finally realised that he had stepped on Will's toes by getting so close to them both, taking over like that. Daryl was his son after all and belonged to him.
'Why won't he ever talk to me?' Will heard Daryl ask Merle while they were in the kitchen sharpening their hunting-knives on the special block. He turned the volume of the TV down to eavesdrop on them, he was wondering how Merle would answer this question.
'Cos ya a kid and an annoyin' little brat.' He teased.
The big brother's reply made Will smile, it was very typical Merle. Usually that type of answer would spark a fiery comeback from his youngest but seeing as he was quiet, Will could only imagine how crestfallen his little face must look. He was probably right too as Merle obviously felt the need to try to explain in a more serious manner this time.
'Guess things are still awkward between him and Dad...Remember, he hasn't come around since we got back and Dad still refuses to speak to him.'
'Is it my fault? Did I do somethin' wrong?'
'What? No! Why would you think that?'
'I must have done something to make him not want to talk to me.' In his mind, Daryl worried that maybe he did wrong to try and sit in Mike's lap, Dad had told him not to sit in his even though he did forget about the new rule at times. Him sitting in someone's lap had been when the funny thing happened both times. Besides, something warned him not to mention either events to Merle.
'I bet he's just busy, that's all.'
'He still got time to call...'
In the other room Will wondered the same thing – he switched the volume completely off to properly follow how the conversation developed.
'Hell if I know, little brother. He's weird sometimes…'
Will could hear the frustration in Daryl's sigh but Merle quickly changed that and continued to save the day by saying: 'OK, I'll say it so you don't throw a fit later... Uncle Mike said he's gonna come around later and watch the game if it's OK with Dad.'
'Do ya think he'll let him? Can I watch too?'
He was practically jumping up and down in excitement, causing an involuntary smile to appear in Will's face. Maybe he would relent – surely Mike knew his lesson by now and besides, he'd missed him. Their friends had been around asking where he was and given Will funny looks when he didn't answer and it just wasn't the same without him. Mike was the life and soul of any party and dare he say it – the most intelligent out of the bunch of drinking buddies.
'Don't get ya hopes up too soon. Dad will probably say no... but yeah, sure. I doubt they'll let ya drink any beer, though.'
'Very funny, Merle. I hope he'll talk to me this time.'
'It's kind of hard for him not to when you're in the same house and jumpin' all over him as soon as he gets through the door, ya little idiot.'
Again, silence. Even Merle noticed that his joke had stung his baby brother.
'Look don't worry about it so much. I bet him and Dad are only gonna talk about boring grown-up stuff. Like the stupid letter my maths teacher Rogers sent him. He's a fuckin' creep-tard, I hate him.'
'What? A teacher sent ya a letter? What for?' Will smiled proudly to himself. What had Merle done now?
'He...' Merle cleared his throat sounding uncharacteristically nervous and his father knew that he was holding back the details for his brother's sake. Trying his best to remember not to talk like Daryl was one of his buddies the same age. 'Well, mainly because the prick caught me and a girl in a broom-cupboard during recess.'
'Why's that so bad?'
Will could sense Merle's eyes roll at this even though he couldn't see him as he heard him snort in derision at his little brother's ignorance. 'We were messin' around, dumbass. Ya even know what that means – to mess around with a girl?'
He smirked remembering Sarah and him together, her in just her bra and him with his head buried under her skirt making her shudder and moan softly behind her hand when that bastard Rogers came calling. She had been mortified of course (she had been a good girl) and had immediately hid behind him. But the teacher had barely looked at her while Merle cursed inwardly. Just a few more minutes and he could have convinced her that they would get away with it...
'Yeah, I do. It means kissin' like in the movies. And...and doin' other stuff.' He heard him finish uncertainly and Will chuckled, it was true the kid badly needed some sex-ed. And Merle indeed was giving it to him in his own way.
'Oh, we were doin' far more than that, little brother.' Would have been, he silently corrected himself angrily. 'That bastard's eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw us, let me tell you, and when ya a bit older, ya'll understand.'
He bragged like he always did, and Will could almost picture him shaking his head in disbelief at the younger boy with a mocking, big-brother condescending grin on his face. At the same time he was proud of Merle, scattering his seed around like that. Acting like a man. He only hoped that he was being careful, it wouldn't do to be saddled paying support for some little slut's brat if one got pregnant and decided to squeeze them for money they didn't have. Will had heard some girls got themselves knocked-up deliberately just for this purpose. He'd have to have a serious talk with the boy later about using protection.
'And that ain't all. He also mentioned a long overdue book that he thinks I lost in his letter to Dad.'
'Did you?'
'Did I what?'
'Lose it?'
'Nope.'
'Then you still have it?'
'Nope again, little brother. It was a real good classic, The Grapes of Wrath that Miss Simmons told me to read. It weren't bad, either.'
'Then ya did lose it?' Daryl gushed in dismay.
'Nah, 'course not. Sold it as soon as I could.'
'But...Dad's gonna go ape when he finds out.'
Merle chuckled. 'What about? The girl or the stupid library book?'
'Both.' Daryl looked so worried on his behalf that Merle grinned and chucked him gently under the chin. 'But what ya did with the girl is a lot worse.'
'Well, he ain't gonna find out 'cos I'm gonna rip the letter. He'll never know.'
Will hissed at that and promised to beat 10 bells out of the boy but for the moment, he decided to wait and listen.
'Merle!' His youngest breathed in alarm. 'Ya can't...Ya teacher could call or come around the house...'
'As if...'
'But Merle!'
Will knew that voice, no doubt his son would have that incredulous look on his face, eyes as big and round as saucers and mouth hanging open wide no doubt, bless him.
'What? Ya scared? Ya mean ya wouldn't do the same if you were me?'
'He'll kill ya!'
Will frowned at that because he hadn't laid a hand on either of them since the last time, Merle was too big for that anyway but wasn't too old for a hard slap or two. He would make damn sure that he knew it and show him that he wasn't such a big man of the world like he thought he was.
'Ya such a pussy. Jus' a big baby, ain't ya, baby brother?'
'I ain't!' No doubt he had his arms crossed over his narrow chest and was glaring up at his big brother by now.
'Don't cry, little baby Darlena. Hey, ain't that a cool nickname I jus' thought up for you? I'm gonna call ya that from now on.' Merle was merciless.
'No! Don't call me that 'cos I ain't no baby! And I don't fuckin' cry! Ain't no girl neither!'
'Little baby Darlena.' He crooned laughingly down at him.
'That ain't my name! I ain't a girl! Stop calling me that!' There were sounds of scuffle and Will grinned to himself as he saw the smaller silhouette launching himself at the other larger shadow, fists flying.
Merle chuckled as he caught him and held him by the wrists while he hissed and struggled like an alley-cat. 'Yeah, it is now.'
However, he must have realised that he'd gone too far with his jibing because Will heard him say next, 'Don't worry, you're only 11, still a baby compared to me. But ya'll understand about girls soon when ya get ya own.' His tone was still teasing but clearly he had turned the tormenting down a notch before he released him and shoved him away.
'Said I ain't no baby!' Daryl yelled back with fury in his voice, for a moment forgetting their father wasn't far away. 'Fuck you, Merle! Ya ain't that much older than me!' Even Will jumped when he did that.
Then the house was filled with the heartfelt laughter of his eldest as he guffawed, trying to gather enough breath enough to breathlessly get out, 'Nah, of course ya ain't. I was jus' teasin'.' And Will could see that he was ruffling his hair fondly as he spoke. 'I'll even help ya choose one if ya like.'
That seemed to brighten Daryl's pissy mood and his laughter joined his older brother's.
Will rolled his eyes but couldn't help the second smile Merle had managed to bring out of him all in the same day, despite his anger at him for thinking he could hoodwink him so easily.
'Boys, get in here.' He barked, causing them to exchange anxious looks with each other.
Weren't long before they both stood in the doorway looking questioningly at him. 'Heat up the oven will ya? We'll eat before Mike gets here, wouldn't want to miss the game.' Will decided to wait and ambush his eldest, more fun that way.
'Ya heard us on the phone? That mean ya gonna let him come over, Dad?' Merle asked in surprise and also looked a little alarmed while Daryl grinned and bounced up and down with excitement – he'd only heard that his beloved Uncle Mikey was coming, of course.
Meanwhile, Merle had forgotten all about being careful with what he said while winding Daryl up. Now he was worried that their father had heard everything about the teacher's letter, especially what he said about hiding it from him which was the worst. He was in deep shit, he knew that much. But teasing and thinking up that new nickname for his little brother had been too much fun and he'd forgotten to keep his voice down.
Dad answered his unspoken question as if he read his mind. 'Yeah, I heard ya, boy. Especially all about that letter from your teacher you were going to rip up and never tell me about.'
Will enjoyed the look of shock and panic on his face as he went pale. In the old days that kind of crime would have led to him unbuckling his belt, maybe even getting out his hunting knife as well. Those punishments weren't still off the table for very serious offences, no matter how big he got although he rarely punished Merle physically now and his son knew it.
'While we eat, perhaps ya can entertain us by regaling me and your brother with your exploits over the dinner table with that poor girl in that cupboard. Don't ya even think about how ashamed she must be feeling right now?'
Merle went red and looked down at the floor.
'Didn't think so. Bet ya been boasting about it to all ya buddies and adding stuff that didn't happen, huh? I know...I was ya age once. And did ya really think I wouldn't find out? I tell ya, I don't give a shit about the book but makin' a show of yourself like that...We're Dixons for fuck's sake!' Will raged when secretly he was grinning inside at his strapping stud of a son.
'No, Dad...was goin' to give it to ya, promise...I was jus' jokin' with Daryl...'
'Really?' Will didn't believe him but decided to let it go. He was doing a lot of that these days. 'Ya treat women with respect in future, ya hear, boy!' He snapped at him. 'Now give me that letter. I'll probably have to go down and speak to ya teacher now.' He grumbled. 'You know how much I hate that fuckin' school and the teachers there. Always lookin' down their noses at us.'
'Dad...I'm sorry.' Merle apologised sheepily as he handed it over.
'Don't be sorry, Merle, but think next time. Why do ya always let ya dick do ya thinkin' for ya, huh? You and girls...' He had to suppress his own smirk of pride even though he was still really pissed off that the boy thought he could have hidden it from him.
Will couldn't help but notice that Merle glanced at Daryl who was smirking at him this time. Enjoying the rare treat of seeing his big brother all flustered and blushing. Merle getting embarrassed didn't happen very often.
No doubt he was still pissed at being called 'baby Darlena'.
After the meal, Will went outside to have a much needed after dinner smoke and it didn't take long before he spotted his friend turning up the path.
'Brought a peace-offering with ya, have ya?' His voice was rough.
'If that's OK.'
Mike looked at him anxiously then, making Will force himself to soften his sarcastic smile. Then Will paused and deliberately blew smoke circles in his face but his friend didn't seem to mind though and stood his ground. With that, Will shrugged and offered a small sincere smile. 'Guess it's better than nothin'. Come on in.'
Mike followed him, breathing a sigh of relief. Being allowed to cross the threshold was a sign that things were finally moving in the right direction between them.
'Why don't ya go on ahead and knock, there's a boy goin' crazy inside who's dyin' to see you.'
That earned him another look that Will could only describe as slight panic, but damn if he cared enough to ask him what was wrong.
As soon as Mike knocked on the door, hauling the six-packs with him in one brawny arm, Daryl nearly bowled him over in his eagerness to get to him.
'Uncle Mikey!', he cried while Will was busy scowling.
Especially when he caught the other man discretely checking Daryl over - for recent injuries no doubt.
But he wouldn't find any, he thought to himself smugly. Will hadn't laid a hand on him since the last time. That had led to Daryl trusting him more and more, the flinches and cowering back from him were almost non-existent by now. Consequently, Will had to bite his tongue not to snarl at the other man to stop him from looking over his son so obviously in front of him.
Instead Mike hurried inside and nodded at Merle before he looked down with a smile at the youngest Dixon. 'Hi.'
Daryl hugged him as tightly as he could before the man gently patted his shoulder and pulled away. 'That's enough, kiddo.'
Meanwhile, Will grinned behind his son, knowing by the look on Mike's hesitant face that Daryl was giving him one of his expert silent sad puppy-dog expressions that was all the more vocal for that.
'Missed ya too.' Mike told him before Will grabbed him instead.
'Come here, son.' He said and wrapped his arms around his shoulders from behind.
Daryl still looked up at Mike, finally drawing an apology from him: 'I pulled a muscle while weight-lifting, couldn't hug ya back properly, what's the point if I can't, huh?'
'Uh...OK.' Daryl said, a little happier now.
Mike groaned as he placed the six-pack onto the table in the living room and sat down. 'Man, it hurts like a bitch! It'll pass soon enough though, not the first time we've pulled a muscle the wrong way, ain't that right, Will?'
He smiled at his friend as he sat down and popped the first beer of the evening open. 'Nope, and not the last time either.'
Merle sniggered and caught his brother's eye because since when did Dad work out?
Later when they were in the middle of the game, Daryl who was sitting next to Mike, scooted even closer to the man much to Will's annoyance and tried to crawl into his lap.
'Daryl! What did I tell ya? Stop actin' like a little kid, will ya?' Will scolded him.
He looked back at his Dad, chastened and immediately put some distance between himself and Mike. 'Sorry.'
'Come here, boy.' Will ordered, a little more gently now.
Mike could hardly hide his sigh of relief.
'Ya getting' too old for that now.' Will motioned him to sit down next to him instead on the sofa in the spot recently vacated by Merle who'd gone for a piss. Despite what he'd said, Will put an arm around him and occasionally a hand through his hair while taking a swig of beer. Daryl was soon nodding against his shoulder but he didn't have the heart to send him up to bed. Not until the baseball game was over and they knew who had won.
Will hoped that it wouldn't be the Yankees...he hated those guys.
Mike returned home after some talking with Will after the game. Things were still a little frosty and restrained between them, but they had made a lot of progress that evening. Things were more or less back to normal, the big man told himself.
Something told Mike that him rejecting Daryl time and again was helping his and Will's relationship mend for some unknown reason. Keeping the boy at a distance was the best thing he could do, since the fucking urges and fantasies gave him no rest what so ever anymore. In his mind's eye, every boy he watched on the videos or saw in the photos when he jerked off had been replaced with Daryl and so he'd quickly decided to back off from the boy. It would have only caused trouble with Will, anyway.
It didn't help one bit that after he'd seen his body, beaten up like it had been at the time, the fantasies of him had escalated from just vague imagination in his head to something very vivid.
To be honest, it had scared him shitless once his mind had taken that plunge to the next level where Daryl was concerned.
Mike was determined to have his friend and things back to the way they were. Most of all, he wanted to avoid all temptation from his youngest no matter how much the little minx flirted with him. If he were to give in, he knew that there would be no turning back. He just wasn't sure if he would be able to control himself enough to not hurt the boy he secretly adored.
The next day Merle left early in the morning, probably to shack up with one of his slutty girlfriends no doubt. Just as the door slammed shut, Will woke up with a throbbing hang-over and naturally was in a pissy mood as soon as he opened his eyes. He'd had almost a whole bottle of whiskey to top off the beer he'd gone through with Mike after the man left. Now he was just looking for someone to take his bad mood out on.
When Daryl came into the kitchen, half an hour later, rubbing his eyes and mumbling 'Mornin', Dad he hit him again for the first time in weeks. Over forgotten dirty dishes of all things, although acting cute with Mike and embarrassing them was the main reason, he didn't tell him that.
Daryl didn't cry – he knew that doing that made his Dad angrier, Will gave him that. He had only looked at him in hurt shock before he ran for the stairs.
This cowardice only increased Will's rage as he chased him and yanked him back down again by the back of his T-shirt.
'Can't take ya punishment, now that there's no-one around to save ya, that it?' He snarled at him between blows with no mercy. By now he doubted his son was even listening as he tried to protect his head with his hands. 'About time I beat the pussy outta ya, been too soft on ya lately.'
'Please, Dad, stop. I'm sorry I didn't do the dishes...'
'You beg me again to stop and I'll go get my belt.'
That shut him up.
'And I'll use my knife on ya next time if ya go whinin' to ya brother or Mike about this.' He punched him again in the stomach to drive his point home, causing him to stumble and clutch his middle. For a moment he looked like he couldn't breathe and Will stopped, worried he'd gone too far. A trip to the hospital wouldn't be a good thing right now. But when he heard him take a shaky breath again, he resumed his onslaught.
He let his son stumble upstairs after he finally finished with him and flexed his muscles. It had sure felt good to get rid of his long suppressed anger and feelings of irritation at his son. Will just hoped that he hadn't let things slide too long, that he hadn't been too soft with him not be able to put the Dixon back into Daryl.
He had the mind to not hit him where it was visible no matter how pissed off he was. Luckily this little slip up would go unnoticed. Merle wouldn't see unless he stripped Daryl looking for bruises and other marks and he wouldn't go that far would he? Especially now when it had been ages since Will had so much as flicked an earlobe when they did or said something to annoy him.
