Walking Dead One Shot Chapter 18
The first sign of something more
He shouldn't have cared; he shouldn't even be bothering with what little space he had in his bag and pockets, he should be looking for essentials but he had noticed the huge welts the harsh soap they had at the prison was leaving on Beth when he walked in on her changing. After stumbling out of the room mumbling sorry and dropping Ass Kicker on the bed he spent the rest of the day out in the woods tracking, turning pink every few minutes, embarrassed even though no one knew what had happened. He shoved the small beauty bar of soap in his pocket and high tailed it out of the store, grabbing his fully loaded bag from the floor at his feet.
Beth made her way back into her cell sometime in the middle of the night. She wasn't sure of the exact time anymore, but she guessed it to be around midnight. Judith was drooling on her shoulder finally sound asleep and quiet. She carefully laid her in her make shift cradle before turning to her bunk and dropping down face first into her thin pillow. She winced when her face hit something hard and solid. She reached under her pillow and pulled out a bar of plain unscented soap. She smiled softly to herself and placed it on the desk beside her before curling up and turning in for the night.
"Thank you." Daryl's head shot out from under the hood of the car he was working on.
"For what?" He asked playing dumb and turning back to the engine.
"Well besides all the meat you brought in the other day, I found a present under my pillow." Beth said sitting on the ground beside the toolbox. Daryl pointed to a ratchet and Beth handed it to him and smiled.
"What makes you think I gave you this gift?" Daryl asked after he had turned back to the engine.
"Who else would bring me something? Glenn hasn't gone out in awhile, you're the only one heading out."
"Michonne does out all the time." Daryl muttered.
"She brings stuff back for Carl." Beth said. "Stuff for Rick, my Dad, not me." Beth said.
"You never ask for nothing either." Daryl said. "You're the only one around here not begging for shit, like I can just walk in the fucking mall and get shit."
"I know." Beth said standing up and brushing the back of her pants off. She walked over and ran a hand across his back, withdrawing it when he flinched. "Thanks again though." Daryl watched from under the hood of the car as she made her way back towards the prison.
"You're welcome." He mumbled as he got back to work. He wiped his arm across his brow and cursed when part of the engine just crumbled in his hand. He'd have to take any salvageable from this piece of shit for the other vehicles, to keep them running as long as he could. He carefully closed the hood and moved on to his bike and started checking his fluids, lost in the peacefulness. The sun started to set and he swore under his breath, he'd have to work fast to get all the tools away before it was too dark to see, he was going to miss supper. Supper after a run was always something to look forward too and he was going to miss it cause he was day dreaming about a blonde and fiddling with cars like things were normal.
Sure enough by the time Daryl made it to the common room there was only a bit of rice and some kind a veggie/bean medley left, no more than two large tablespoons left on a plate. Carol gave him an apologetic shrug and continued to tidy up. Daryl picked up the plate and ate with his fingers quickly and left the plate behind before making his way to their cellblock. He gave some kid from Woodbury a dirty look on his way by and ran his hand over Ass Kicker's head where it rested against Beth's shoulder as she politely listened to him go on about how they should hang out more. Beth didn't even smile, just asked if they could maybe talk about it some other time, when she wasn't trying to get the baby down.
"Leave." Daryl said over his shoulder as he made his way up to the catwalk and his little nook. He didn't miss the small smile she sent his way before he dropped his privacy curtain. He quickly lit one of the hideous Christmas candles Glenn had brought back for some light and grabbed a clean shirt; he turned toward his dresser and stumbled when he saw a full plate of food waiting for him with a small bottle of hot sauce. He lifted his head when he heard Beth voice singing softly over the baby's whimpers and picked up the plate.
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world." Beth sang as she paced. "Come on sleepy girl." She cooed before walking to Rick's cell and laying the baby down. "Drop her off on your way to the garden." She whispered to Rick who nodded before rolling over and gazing at the sleeping baby. Beth backed out of the cell and rubbed the back of her neck with both hands and walked towards her cell. Daryl caught her eye and raised an eyebrow at her. Beth smiled at him and winked before dropping her curtain. Daryl allowed a slight curve to his lip before pushing off the railing and into his cell to stretch out on his cot and finishing the plate.
Something about you
Daryl let Beth tilt his head back and place little kisses along his neck. He really had to get out of bed, and he really didn't want to leave his cramped little bunk. He had watch though, something he didn't mind doing even now that he had her. Watches kept them safe and now he had even more of a reason to want to keep safe.
"Ain't got time for that girl." He said catching her hand and rolling over her and to his feet. Beth pouted at him and stuck out her lower lip. "Yeah I know you got the day off, but I don't." Daryl said grabbing his vest and slipping it on. He slept in his clothes and boots most nights and last night had not been an exception. Beth had been sound asleep when he had rolled into bed last night and Daryl had just watched her sleep for what seemed like hours but was really probably twenty minutes tops.
"You should trade with someone." Beth said kicking at the sheets. Daryl grabbed them and hauled them back up before she could flash him. She smiled playfully at him. "Scared I'll make you late?"
"I ain't scared of nothing." Daryl said turning and lifting the curtain and stalking out for watch. Beth rolled back up in the sheets and tried to go back to sleep. She wanted to take advantage of a rare day off, but laziness was not really in The Greene blood. Even before, sure she liked to sleep in, but never later than 10am. Life on a farm and life fighting to stay alive didn't really allow you to rest.
"I have all the time in the world today." Beth said to herself with a smile as she pulled on her sundress, a book and folded a blanket. She made her way downstairs and smiled at Carol, grabbing two small baggies of cereal and granola and making her way outside. "Hey Rick, Judy behaving for you?" She asked on her way past the garden. Judy smiled at her from Rick's back. Beth stopped and fixed her hat, making sure she was well shielded from the sun. "I'm going to go enjoy the fresh air in the shade from the watchtower, if she gets to be too much drop her off." Beth said making her way over. "Hey catch!" She said under the tower, tossing up a baggie to Daryl.
"What are you up to?" Daryl asked eyeing her as he dug into the bag, watching while she laid out the blanket and settled on in. She held up her book. Daryl gave her a look of disbelief and turned back to the fences but kept her in his peripheral. Beth smiled and leaned over her book, finding where she had left off and reading for a few minutes. She noticed that anytime she shifted positions to get comfortable Daryl's head would turn in her direction before looking back. He came down at one point and cleared a few walkers at the fence. "I know you're up to something." He said on his way back to the tower and working his way up.
"Don't know what you're going on about Mr. Dixon." Beth answered back lying on her stomach with her back to him. Daryl scoffed at her before picking up the binoculars and sweeping his eyes across the woods for any kind of movement. It really was a beautiful day. Daryl chuckled to himself; he never thought he'd be enjoying the quiet from this side of a prison fence. Living the way he had before the outbreak, he had always thought if he'd been inside a fence like this he'd lose it. He watched while a few boys from Woodbury made their way out, they eyed Beth but rick put them to work in the fields, telling them it was her day off and she had a boyfriend. He scoffed again at being called a boyfriend. He watched the back of Beth's head as she looked up at Rick shepherding them to work. He shifted his eyes back and did a sweep of the fences and woods before turning his head back when Beth rolled on to her back, crossing her legs at the ankle and holding the book over her face. She looked over the book and smiled and him, he returned the greeting with a nod keeping his eyes on her as she bent one knee and let her skirt fall into her lap.
"Fucking tease." Daryl mumbled under his breath once he realized she wasn't just getting comfortable, she was flashing him. He looked around to make sure no one else getting an eyeful before deliberately turning slightly, a clear sign that he wasn't amused, not amused but he was now in the mood for pussy. He heard some rustling but resisted looking over his shoulder until he heard footsteps in the grass and the baby crying softly.
"Are you misbehaving?" Beth asked as she quickly sat up and smoothed her dress down and smiling as Rick handed the baby down.
"I better go help Daryl." He said motioning to the walkers at the fence and Daryl making his way down. "She can be loud." He said with a smile as Judith calmed and lay quietly against Beth's chest.
"She just doesn't like chores anymore than her brother." Beth said giving the baby's belly a little squeeze. Rick let out a laugh as he picked up a pipe and started clearing along with Daryl. Beth rocked the baby as she watched; making sure the buildup wasn't anything dangerous. "I bet you're just too stimulated out here to nap." She said as she eased herself to her feet.
"Leave it." Daryl said as she crouched to grab her book and blanket. "I'll bring 'em in." Daryl said dropping his pipe down and climbing the stairs. Rick added his to the pile and smiled while Beth waved and made her way back to the prison.
"Miss Judith you're going to tire Beth out." Carol said greeting Beth as she sat down in the common area and placed the baby in front of her on the table and helped her sit up by holding her hands. She made faces at the baby to earn smiles as Hershel made his way over to sit with her.
"You got a bit of sun today." Hershel said with a smile, kissing the top of his daughter's head as he sat down. "It'll do you good. You've been stuck inside. The weather's finally nice again and she's old enough, you can take her out for fresh air so long a s the fences aren't too backed up."
"I think I will. The fresh air seems to tire her out." Beth said as Judith leaned towards her. Carol handed her over a bottle and Beth eased Judith to a feeding position and sure enough she barely finished half the bottle before she was sound asleep. "I'm going to go put her down and relax." Beth said softly as she rose and walked off to their shared cell. Daryl came in and nodded towards Hershel as he made his way to the infirmary and Carol who was on her way out to watch with Carl. He eased his way into Beth's cell just as she placed the baby into her little crib. Beth smiled at him despite the look he was giving her.
"Girl you are some lucky I didn't take you over my knee and tan your ass in the yard." Daryl said refusing to break and return her smile.
"Why?" Beth asked coyly. "I was careful not to let anyone else see."
"You're something else." Daryl said quietly pushing her curtain back open and making his way back out. "Meet me in the showers later." Beth smiled at him and sat on the bed. "Don't bother bringing panties either."
Love the way that you love me
"Well I think he's a little possessive." Carol said as she folded up some rags. "I mean have you seen the way he eyeballs anyone that gets to close?" Maggie shrugged her shoulders. Daryl had brought her little sister back to her, he was the only one that hadn't given up hope.
"I don't think Beth wants too many people close." Maggie offered as she looked over at them. Beth was sitting beside Daryl as he worked on his bike. "If he wants to protect her I am not going to tell him to lighten up."
"Well I'll talk to him." Carol said as she buttoned up her sweater. "She might open up more if he wasn't so over bearing."
"You let me know how that goes." Maggie said warning her. "Give them time." She cautioned following her out the door. "I have to go meet with Deanna."
Carol ignored Maggie and made her way over to Aaron and Eric's. She saw Daryl lift his eyes momentarily, she thought she had been quiet. "I'm not taking a shower." Daryl said returning to the bike.
"Hi Carol." Beth said quietly, trying not to laugh. Daryl gave her a look and took a wrench from her lap.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" Carol said looking at Daryl.
"What?" He asked not moving. Beth looked up and shielded her eyes from the sun.
"Is something wrong?" She asked. Carol shook her head and smiled when she finally noticed Judith sitting beside them on a blanket.
"Just would like a few words with Daryl." Carol said. Daryl rolled her eyes when she took a few steps away and waited. It was clear she wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"What?" Daryl asked again after walking over and turning to keep an eye on Beth.
"You need to give her a bit of space." Carol said. Daryl stared at her. "You never let her out of your sight, it's not healthy." Carol said.
"Fuck off." Daryl said walking past her. She reached out and grabbed his arm. Daryl yanked it away and turned back to her. "You don't know shit."
"I know what it was like to have an overbearing partner and I know what she was like before you."
"You don't know shit." Daryl said again getting in her face. Carol stood her ground, knowing that he did this; tried to intimidate, it wouldn't work on her.
"So tell me how this is different?" Carol said still holding his arm. Daryl shrugged her off and walked back over to Beth and Judith and started slamming his tools away.
"What's wrong?" Beth asked softly looking between them.
"Nothing." Daryl said walking into the house and leaving Beth outside. Beth turned to Carol.
"What did you say to him?" Beth asked picking up Judith and her blanket.
"I told him to ease up on his possessiveness." Carol said smiling like she had done Beth a huge favor. "He'll let you out and about now, let you meet people."
"Do you actually think he was stopping me?" Beth asked looking at her. "Do you actually think I'd want to meet people?" Beth asked.
"I know what it was like, being in a relationship with someone that wanted you all for himself. Daryl is a good guy, I'm not saying he's not, but he is far from evolved. He's treating you like an object he doesn't want to share."
"No he's not." Beth said raising her voice and then bouncing the baby. "Carol you were not in the hospital for more than a few hours, you were not inside at Terminus, you missed the attack at the prison. I am having a hard time believing good people are out there and I am scared all the time." Beth said. "I'm not scared when he's with me. I'm not scared of people he trusts." Beth said turning and making her way up to the porch. "Stay out of it." Beth said turning as the door opened and Daryl made it out and back down with his crossbow and bag.
"Go inside. Eric and Aaron'll keep you company. I'm heading out." Daryl said walking past her and Carol and towards the gate.
"Are you coming back?" Beth asked handing Judith to Aaron who had followed Daryl outside and running to catch up with him. Daryl stopped and turned her around, walking her back. "When are you coming back?" Beth asked raising her voice.
"Later." Daryl said waiting and nodding towards to stairs. Beth climbed them and took the baby back staring after him. "You know I'll be back." He said before flipping Carol off and walking back down the walkway to the street.
"Come on back in." Aaron said softly leading her by the arm. "We'll put on some DVDs, he'll be back before you know it."
Beth tossed and turned in bed. She couldn't sleep by herself and Daryl still wasn't back yet. Rick had stopped by for Judith a few hours ago and promised that if he would personally go out and look for him if wasn't back by the time he brought Judith back in the morning. Beth pulled Daryl's pillow against her chest and backed up into the wall, trying to make it feel like she was being spooned. She gave up and grabbed a hoodie, jammed her feet into her boots and made her way to the porch as quietly as possible. She sat on the steps and waited for Daryl. She apparently wasn't quiet enough cause Aaron soon joined her, handing her a blanket.
"You know I told Daryl I'd look out for you. I hope you weren't thinking of going out to look for him." Aaron said leaning against the railing and looking out into the dark with her.
"Was thinking of taking off and getting Rick." Beth said. "But I just saw him head down the street to Jessie's."
"Well I hope Pete doesn't hear about that." Aaron said. "Don't stay out too long, it's cold tonight."
"Daryl didn't bring a warm coat with him. If he's stuck out there because of a swarm of walkers, he could freeze."
"Even I know you don't believe something like the weather would be trouble for Daryl." Aaron said with a smile. "I'll let you be." He said making his way back inside. Beth unfolded the blanket and wrapped it around her legs and leaned against the railing and waited. She dozed softly, not even waking until Daryl curled his arm under her legs and hefted her up into his arms. He had walked up and into the house quietly with his pack, leaving the door open so he could carry her in.
"I told you to stay inside." Daryl said kicking the door closed softly behind them as he walked over to the island and placed her on one of the chairs. Beth looked in the sink and saw it had a few rabbits in it. Daryl got out a cutting board and started skinning and gutting the animals.
"Why'd you leave?" Beth asked as she got out a plastic bag for all the innards they wouldn't use.
"I was really mad. Didn't want to lash out at anyone or scare the baby." Daryl admitted. "I told you I'd be back."
"She was wrong. You're not doing anything wrong or anything I don't want you to do." Beth said.
"Just don't want anything bad to happen to you anymore." Daryl said as he worked on the meats. "Didn't really think about how it looks to others."
"Fuck them." Beth said. "I don't care what they think. They all thought I was dead, no way I could survive without them. Maggie told me, after Terminus, she thought I might have been caught by them and already gone. Before you told her I got out she figured I died at the prison. None of them think I can make it on my own, and they're right." Daryl looked up at her, he started to protest but Beth held up her hand. "Without you and everything you've taught me I'd be dead and I'd rather die then be alone out there again like I was in the hospital." Beth said. "You're vulnerable alone to bad people and there are more bad people out there than good."
"But you still believe in good people right?" Daryl asked. "And that things can be safe?"
"I do, I just don't think we are there." Beth admitted. "This place is great for now, but just something doesn't feel right. Aryl nodded at her and finished up the meat, wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer. "We really ought to share, I mean the freezer is almost full."
"I left some at the gate for the pantry." Daryl said. "We'll share with Rick's House and our people. No one will starve but they were fine before us."
"No they were lucky." Beth said grabbing his arm and pulling him to their room. Daryl went into the small bathroom that was connected to clean up and Beth kicked off her shoes got back into bed. "I can't sleep without you anymore." She said as Daryl walked back into the room, drying his hands on his shirt.
"You got to break that habit. You know I'll be heading out with Aaron, recruiting and going on runs. Gonna be gone for days at a time." Daryl said softly falling into bed. Beth grabbed him and pulled him on his side and burrowed into him placing her head on his chest and her leg between his. "Can't see how me almost smothering you is comfortable. Every night I wait for you to tell me to get off of you." Daryl said breathing in the smell of her hair. A clean smell now because of the running waters and showers everyone enjoyed, but that salty sweet smell that emanated from her even when they were covered in weeks worth of filth from the road, that caramel corn smell.
"The weights a comfort." Beth said knowing she'd wake up on her back with him draped over her, only her face peeking out and his face pressed between hers and her shoulder. She pulled herself even closer, pressing herself completely against him. "I could head out when you and Aaron go. People might feel safer, knowing you have women back here too."
"Can't risk you getting hurt." Daryl said dismissing her idea. "Sides Rick needs you here taking care of Ass Kicker."
"Maybe just sometimes I can go with you." Beth said not giving up.
"Maybe." Daryl said covering his eyes with his arm, his signal that the conversation was over and he was going to sleep. "I kinda like knowing I got something to come back to. Never liked going home before, even before all this shit. I'd stay out in the woods or at some bar, just come home to sleep and leave right away in the mornings, even when I had nothing to do. Didn't matter if I didn't make it back or not for a couple of days." Beth smiled into his chest. "Don't be getting a big head over this now." Daryl said.
"No sir." Beth said yawning.