First Impressions
So there's a small time skip but I just couldn't wait for Beth and Daryl to get their date on! Plus I didn't want to drag things out too much. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter because I know I enjoyed writing it. Once again I thank you guys for the amazing reviews, favorites, and follows. It really makes my day. Alright enough of my rambling, on with the chapter!
Daryl tugged on the collar of his shirt, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as he waited for Beth to finish getting ready. They had been talking more over the past two weeks and Daryl felt that whatever feelings had been developing for the young blonde were just growing. Beth seemed to know exactly how to calm not just him down but Harley as well, she was capable of getting the two siblings to stop fighting multiple times which was a surprise for Daryl. Not only that, but Beth was great with helping Harley take care of Ryder. The two had put posters of the dog and did everything they could to see if he had an owner but after talking with their apartment manager, they found out Ryder was left behind by his previous owners who moved.
"Hey Daryl, do you think you could help me with my necklace?" Beth asked as she came out of her bedroom. Her hair was piled into a simple up-do with strands hanging loose, she held out a silver heart pendant with a 'B' in the middle for Daryl which he quickly fastened on. Daryl was tempted to let his hands linger on her smooth skin but not only did they have to leave soon, he felt slightly like a creep.
"You think Harley will be on time?" Daryl asked, he followed Beth as she went back to her room. He looked at what she was wearing and couldn't help think how beautiful Beth was. She wore a spaghetti strap sundress that was a light peach color, it fit her more at the waist and then flowed out. Daryl watched in amusement as Beth dug through her closet.
"If she is then I'm going to have a word with her. I think your sister hid my favorite pair of cowgirl boots." Beth huffed. Daryl couldn't help but laugh, it made more sense now why Harley wanted to leave early to pick up Chase.
Finally after looking not only in her room and Harley's, Beth found her boots under her bed. Daryl tried asking why she wouldn't just wear another pair of shoes but Beth reasoned that would be letting Harley win. Daryl just shook his head and gave up trying to understand how their friendship worked. Beth declared that she was ready and they were on their way. That was one of the main things Daryl was worried about, the car ride to Beth's childhood farm. He had worried the night before that it would be awkward and they wouldn't be able to talk about anything. Realistically Daryl knew he was being stupid. They had plenty to talk about and his doubts flew out the window once they started the trip.
"I had the most frustrating patient yesterday." Beth spoke up. Daryl looked over at her briefly before returning his eyes back on the road, making one of his usual noises to go on. "It was mainly the boyfriend, he kept saying he didn't know how she could've gotten pregnant when she was on the pill and that he was sure she was sneaking behind his back. Finally the girl had enough and told him to leave. I felt so bad for her."
"Guy sounds like a jackass." Daryl shook his head. Usually they tried to outdo each other with stories about crazy patients and customers but he didn't have anyone to compare. "I don't understand why guys can be such dumbasses."
"Do you include yourself in that category sometimes?" Beth asked, it was out of curiosity and Daryl was used to questions that made him think about himself.
"At times I can be a jackass, especially when I get angry at someone but I'd like to think I'm not a dumbass." Daryl answered the best he could.
The rest of the drive was spent talking about what the dinner would be like and listening to the radio. Daryl had found that despite her country girl appearance Beth had an eclectic taste in music, the two of them had a lot of bands they liked in common and even a few of the same favorite songs. Beth joked that having Harley as a roommate and best friend for so long that she was bound to have some guilty pleasures when it came to music. It also led to her finding out that she liked music that she used to turn her nose up at, such as Asking Alexandria or Bring Me the Horizon. Daryl also discovered that Beth had an amazing singing voice. She sang along to whatever song was on the radio and Daryl found himself mesmerized by the light melodic sound that came from the tiny blonde next to him.
All too soon the pair found themselves at the Greene family farm. Daryl was impressed by the vast amount of land and the wooded area that surrounded the quaint looking house and barn that wasn't too far off. It looked like a home that was well taken care of and that was only the outside. Finding a parking spot wasn't too hard since there was a section specifically blocked off, Beth mentioned that Glenn tried to make it obvious since that was one of the few things her sister allowed him to do. Daryl opened the truck door for Beth, offering a hand to help her down and didn't let go once she was safely on the ground. It seemed that Beth was okay with holding hands as she gave his a gently squeeze. The path to the family house was spent with Beth filling Daryl in on all of her childhood stories and how much trouble her siblings would get her into.
The whole yard was transformed for the wedding. Chinese lanterns hung from one of the trees, there were twinkling lights, and Daryl had to say that it looked like something out of one of those fairy tales his mom sold at her bookstore. There were tables set up for the rehearsal dinner and overall Daryl could tell that Maggie had put a lot of work into everything. Beth had explained that most of the wedding preparation for tomorrow was already done and that this was more like a family get together.
"The engagement party was more for her work friends and distant relatives." Beth explained as they walked around the yard. It was fairly early and not many people had arrived yet, Beth wanted to make sure she was there in case Maggie needed her for any maid of honor duties. "She wasn't able to really celebrate the engagement because of what happened with Shawn. It's nothing that she regrets but I think this is her way of making up for it."
"Makes sense." Daryl nodded. He looked around and spotted Harley running around with Ryder hot on her heels. Hershel had told Beth and Harley that Ryder was welcome over any time to the farm and Maggie had fallen for the mutt when she came over for a visit so of course insisted that Ryder should come to the rehearsal. "I see Harley, wanna go over there?"
"Sure." Beth beamed at him, it was one of those smiles that made Daryl unsure of what he was feeling but knew that it was something good and he knew that he wanted to keep seeing those smiles.
Harley spotted them right away, her eyes widened slightly when she saw Beth wearing her boots but couldn't help but smile. Daryl noticed she was wearing a simple loose fitting dress that was a light gray color with sugar skulls. She was barefoot at the moment which Daryl had to roll his eyes at, it figures that his sister would take the opportunity to ditch her shoes.
"Hey guys." Harley paused to catch her breath. "Chase went off somewhere with Glenn and Shawn, something about fixing some last minute surprise for Maggie. I don't think they wondered too far if you want to join them brother bear."
Daryl shrugged, he wasn't sure if he'd be welcome helping them since they weren't close but if Chase was tagging along then who knew. Harley smiled and gave her brother a knowing look, she could read him well enough to know what he was thinking so pointed him in the direction and gave him a shove. The two girls walked towards the house where Hershel, Annette, and Maggie were finishing some last minute cooking before the rest of the guests arrive.
"Hey man, glad you could make it." Glenn spotted Daryl as he made his way over to the group of men. They were hidden behind the barn where Glenn had what looked like the beginnings of a crib. Daryl had to admit that it was nice looking but he didn't really have any advice on how to help since he never really did much woodwork. Daryl noticed that Chase had walked towards him and seemed to want to talk to him.
"Daryl can I ask you something?" Chase wouldn't look him in the eyes, Daryl grunted out a yes and started walking towards the house. He noticed that more people started to show and Beth was outside with Harley. "See I've been spending a lot of time with Harley and well I've come to really like her. I just want to take the chance."
"Spit it out dammit." Daryl huffed. He had an idea about what Chase was asking but clearly he needed some help.
"I wanted to ask if you were comfortable with me asking Harley out." Chase said quickly. "I talked to Merle before he left and he said yes, well in his own way of course. I'm fully aware it's not going to be easy but I really like your sister."
"You're right, it ain't gonna be easy." Daryl looked Chase in the eyes. "It isn't about whether I'm okay with it or not but whether Harley is. She's the most important person in this decision. You seem like a nice guy but you will have to be there for Harley and put up with the shit she does."
"I will be there for her Daryl, I promise." Daryl was surprised how serious Chase was, he had never had a guy ask to date Harley let alone promise to be there for her.
"That's all I can ask." Daryl patted Chase on the back. The two continued towards the house and found Beth talking to a couple but Harley was nowhere to be seen. Chase went off to find Harley while Daryl stood next to Beth, waiting patiently until she was done.
The man was in his late thirties or early forties with slightly curled brown hair and small signs of stubble. The woman who stood next to him, who Daryl thought was his wife, had long darker brown hair and was holding a toddler that seemed to be reaching for Beth. Something about the man seemed to scream law enforcement. Daryl had no problem with that but was thankful that Harley wasn't around.
"Rick, Lori, this is Daryl. He's Harley's older brother and also works at the same tattoo shop." Beth introduced the couple to Daryl. They shook hands and exchanged greetings.
"Nice to meet you, Beth was just telling us a little about you. She said you and Harley were interviewed in a popular tattooing magazine?" Rick asked. Daryl was slightly surprised, sometimes people judged the siblings for their job and didn't want to know them beyond their appearance.
"Yeah, Express Ink magazine. We each got a copy yesterday but officially it'll be out sometime next week." Daryl couldn't help but chuckle as he remembered Harley shrieking when Doug came by with the copies.
"I'll have to keep an eye out for it, especially since I know two people in it." Lori smiled kindly.
The group talked for a while before going off on their own. Beth led Daryl inside where they each got a plate of food. Finding a place to sit was fairly easy and soon they were enjoying a nice conversation.
"What was it like for you growing up basically in a tattoo parlor?" Beth asked. She was curious about how Daryl grew up, she knew what it was like for Harley but wondered how different it was.
"It was tough at first actually. I was just twelve years old right on the brink of being a teen and had developed quite the attitude." Daryl admitted. It wasn't that hard talking about growing up as it used to be, his mom and dad made sure he opened up more about it. "Before then it was like living in hell. Our old man, the son of a bitch, beat me until I passed out. When Harley came around it was worse. Merle had already left by then so it was just the two of us. My ma would protect us as best as she could but not even when Harley was four months old she killed herself."
"Oh Daryl." Beth laid a hand on his arm, she had never been told that part and wondered if Harley blamed herself.
"I still to this day don't know how that woman could do it." Daryl looked down at Beth's hand. "Set her damn room on fire and if I hadn't of taken Harley with me."
"You did and that's all that matters." Beth smiled gently at the man. "She's here and being your annoying little sister."
"Yeah well it wasn't until years later when I finally had enough and took her with me to run away." Daryl picked at the remains of his food. "If it weren't for Donna and Charles who found us after living on the streets for a year I don't know what would've happened. I was shit at taking care of Harley."
"Well I think you did a great job." Beth said simply, for some reason it was easy to believe her.
Daryl and Beth spent the rest of the rehearsal dinner talking with each other, playing games, and Beth introducing him to her family. Daryl had to admit that it was some of the best time he had in a while and he especially enjoyed having fun with his sister. If it hadn't been for the wedding the next day the party would have gone well into the night but most of the guests would be returning very soon. Beth would be staying the night with Maggie so that she could help get her sister ready. The drive back seemed longer without Beth to fill the silence or sing along to whatever song was playing. Daryl couldn't help but think that he was looking forward to seeing her again so soon.
The next morning Daryl woke up and enjoyed getting ready for the day. He was dressed in a pair of black slacks, a white button down shirt, and black tie by the time Harley knocked on his door. She and Chase were riding with him back to the Greene's which he thought would be an interesting ride. Chase was dressed similar to Daryl only his slacks were a charcoal gray and instead of a tie he wore a vest. Harley wore what looked like a leather skirt with some kind of material underneath and a nice looking forest green shirt. Daryl grabbed his keys and soon they were off to the wedding. Chase, Daryl, and Harley argued the whole way about what to listen to. Daryl was sure he lost count about the times he wanted to pull over and kick his sister out of the car.
If he was being truthful Daryl couldn't remember most of the ceremony as he spent most of the time looking at Beth. He hadn't been able to keep his eyes off of her, Beth wore a strapless peach colored dress that fit her perfectly, and Daryl was surprised that Shawn walked her down the aisle as Glenn's best man. Daryl knew that the ceremony was great, after all Beth helped plan it, and Glenn only fumbled through a little but for some reason Daryl felt his eyes always going back to Beth. Her hair was side swept, her makeup done simply and over all she just looked beautiful. Harley had elbowed him a few times when he was being too obvious, he knew it was also because she felt it was amusing to annoy him.
At the reception it was easy for him to spot the beautifully dressed blonde. She was slightly taller than usual, Daryl noticed that she was wearing a pair of cream colored wedges that brought her up to his chin. Maggie and Glenn came in before he could walk over to her, the D.J. announcing the couple as 'Mr. and Mrs. Rhee' while Maggie couldn't help but beam widely, so Daryl had to wait. The two had their first dance then the food was brought out. At this point it seemed that whenever Daryl tried to get a chance to talk with Beth someone would be there. Finally the speeches were over, the cake was cut, and now it was time for dancing. Daryl thought he would get his chance but it seemed like everyone wanted to dance with his date.
"Oh for fuck's sake." He heard Harley mutter. She grabbed Chase's hand then led him to where the band was playing.
Daryl watched his sister talk with the lead singer of the band, Maggie saw what was happening too and walked over to see what was happening. After talking to the two the singer got down and Harley took her place, which sort of surprised him but then again it was just something that happened. Chase waved at Daryl and then disappeared into the crowd, Maggie and Glenn were on the dance floor seemingly waiting for something to happen while Daryl was still clueless. Suddenly Chase was in front of Daryl with Beth at his side, the younger man kissed Beth's hand then released her to her date.
"Hey y'all, my name's Harley and I wanted to dedicate this song to the new couple." Harley spoke into the mic. "So this is to Maggie and Glenn, congratulations. If you brought a date, dance with him or her tonight. Never forget to tell someone you love them."
The music started and Daryl reached out a hand to Beth, she beamed at him, the smile he was slowly falling for. Daryl knew that his sister had a pretty voice but he really liked the song she was singing, he didn't know what it was called or if it was something that was by an actual band but Daryl felt that it was perfect for dancing with Beth. They didn't have any elaborate dance moves, they didn't talk much except to exchange a few words, and yet it was perfect as the two swayed back and forth to the music. He spun Beth in a circle, she giggled and he had to say that the sound he was hoping for, then captured her in his arms. Their faces were inches apart and Daryl couldn't help but close the distance between them, bringing his lips to hers for a sweet kiss that made him wonder why he had waited so long to kiss her. As Harley finished her song, Daryl knew that he would have to ask her what it was because it was one he wanted to remember being the song that was playing when he realized that he was falling in love with Beth Greene.
Oh my gosh, this is the longest chapter yet! I am so nervous about this chapter since it is eth and Daryl's date. I enjoyed writing this so much and it would've been out sooner but I started school this week. Anyways I hope you all enjoy the chapter and please feel free to review, I love hearing from all you lovely people! Until next time!