Just so everyone knows, Between, Georgia is and actual town. It has a population of 296. I thought about making up a town but figured why not (= It is a little town about 50 minutes away from Atlanta.
The look in his eyes broke her heart. For the first time in her life she saw fear in them. Fear and that undeniable numbness. That she herself had known all too well. Looking down at the light scar on her wrist, she ran her thumb over it. She had been so stupid, thinking about how life was never going to get better. How everything was pointless. But right here right now she knew none of this would have happened if she had. At least not for her. She never would have had the joy of raising Judith. Or the amazing nights at the prison, with all of their family around. She would have never known this amazing man behind her. Looking back up into his face, she felt her heart break. The world had been hell for him long before the apocalypse. His father was an abusive drunk, he had left those awful scars across his back. She knew that much but the fear on his face, told more than his scars ever would. She wrapped her arms tightly around him and glanced between the two brothers. She wasn't sure what Between Georgia held for them but she suddenly wasn't too worried about finding the rest of their family.
"Did you see Judith?" She whispered, terrified of the answer but she had to ask. She missed the little girl like crazy. Even mean old Merle had to look down. He shook his head, not meeting her eyes.
"I didn't see er or any of the young'uns," she just nodded and took a deep breath trying to ignore the prickles of tears in her eyes.
"You guys can get some sleep. I'll take the next watch." She said quietly. She needed time to grieve, and she couldn't risk them being awake to see her cry. They grumbled a similar response. Merle just laid down on the hard ground. Sighing she started to move for Daryl to go lay down. But instead Daryl held her to him. Kissing the top of her head, he leaned his head back to rest against the tree. Content with holding her for as long as he could. She snuggled back against him and scanned the area around them. Her rifle placed casually in her lap. She worried about what caused them to fret about their hometown. Assuming their father was dead? Was he dead? On the very few occasions Daryl opened up about his past, he always gave the impression that he was. But was he really? Or was he just dead to him? She sat there in worry until the sun came up.
Merle woke first, jumping up from his spot in the dirt. He must have had a nightmare. They weren't uncommon these days. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked over at her and his little brother. Who was snoring slightly with his head still against the tree. Beth was sure he hadn't even moved a muscle since falling asleep. She looked into his softened face. He wasn't movie star handsome. Honestly Daryl was a little rough around the edges. But it was so becoming on him. It made him who he was. His chiseled features his cool blue eyes, that were like windows to his soul. She found him completely irresistible. Breathing in his scent she looked back over at Merle as he eyed her.
"Told em you liked him, back at the prison. Poor fucker has had it bad for ya." Shaking his head smiling "Never thought he'd act on it though."
She scowled at him for calling Daryl a fucker but her curiosity got the best of her. "Why?"
He chuckled again. "Kept tellin' himself that you were a kid, and that he was old enough to be your daddy,"
She giggled at that, "Hardly! Daddy was in his late sixties. He's old enough to be your daddy. And Daryl's not a- fucker." The word felt weird on her tongue, and she blushed slightly feeling Daryl stir behind her. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes almost identically to the way Merle had.
Daryl tapped her hip gently, trying not to think of anything. Doing his best to keep his panic at bay. Though his racing heart betrayed any hope. She slowly moved over enough for him to stand up. Her eyes carefully watching every movement. Their eyes met briefly before he disappeared behind a couple of trees.
Beth quickly pulled on her backpack, thankful that she had the chance to grab it. She had packed all the things she knew she couldn't live without. Like her journal, her mommas necklace, the picture of her whole family and a few other items. She then readjusted her rifle as Daryl came back into view. He didn't say anything to her, barely even looking her way. Chewing on the inside of her cheek, she watched Daryl go about collecting his wire. Not saying anything.
"What about the fire?" She asked breaking the uncomfortable silence. Daryl kind of just stared at her, lost in his own thoughts. Merle's chuckle and unzipped his fly. Beth quickly turned her back to him as Daryl gave her an apologetic smirk. She followed him a little into the woods while Merle took care of the fire. "Hey," She whispered grabbing at his hand, he slowly turned to her. "I was thinkin, maybe we could find a house or a building we could make safe around here. And I can go into the town to find them? That way you don't have to go back." She finished and looked up at him. She wasn't sure what she expected, but she definitely didn't expect him to be angry at her. Her brows furrowed at his glare. "I- I was just trying to help, I'm sorry." Her eyes fell to the ground as she uncomfortably toed the dirty with her boot.
He watched her face fall and his eyes softened. He was on edge about having to go back. He swore to himself that he would never return. Sighing softly he pulled her to his chest.
"Sorry," He mumbled into her hair, she looked up and shook her head.
"You have no reason to be sorry, I know the idea of going back- has to hurt you." She whispered cupping his check. He didn't know how to handle somebody caring so much, it was strange feeling but not unpleasant.
"It's okay. Bout time I faced my demons anyway." He mumbled pulling away from her as Merle walked up to them. The brothers shared a look and began walking. She quickly followed, stumbling a couple of times to keep up. She wanted to grab onto his hand but she wasn't sure if he would in front of Merle. They walked for hours before they finally broke through to an empty field. Daryl scanned the area, and nodded slightly ahead.
"Between, is that way." Daryl said to no one really and turned to face her. Merle just walked on. Swinging his makeshift hand blade thing. He rolled his eyes at them. Daryl bent in to kiss her head, his hand behind her neck. The action made her heart flutter. He wasn't one to show emotion but he was trying. She was slightly confused at what they were though. She knew people had sex without relationships, but did they have a relationship? She didn't think Daryl would be a hit it and quit it type of guy. But did he want one? She didn't want to be one of those clingy girls but at the same time the thought of actually being with Daryl Dixon made her heart beat faster. She wanted to be his. Wrapping her arms around his waist she inhaled his comforting scent. Smiling against his shirt, as his arms wrapped around her.
"You okay?" She asked peeking a glance at him. He just nodded, confliction clear in his eyes.
"Yeah," He wasn't about to tell her how guilty and dirty he felt. He was a grown man and she was just a kid, and he took her innocence. He'd never taken anybody's virginity before. A sweet girl like her would have expectations, and he didn't know the first thing about relationships. He didn't know what to do. What she expected from him. He didn't deserve her, she needed to be with someone who knew how to treat her. The very thought made his gut twist and that annoying pull at his heart. He needed to distance himself from her, but how could he do that when she felt so good pressed against him? Her sweet eyes, gazing at him. She made him feel things, and that fact scared him more than facing his old man. She cared about him, and he'd be damned if he didn't care for her too. He looked back down into her big blue eyes, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. Waiting for him to say something. But he couldn't muster a single word with her staring at him like that. Like he was the most amazing thing in the world. It made him uncomfortable but warm at the same time. He had to look away.
"Promise?" She asked staring at his lips. She knew it may have sounded juvenile, but that was honestly the last thing on her mind. Not to mention she was worried about him.
"What?" He almost laughed, before he caught her heated gaze. Sucking in a sharp breath, he pulled her close cupping her head. Kissing her with everything he had in him.
His needy kiss took her breath away. Slowly leaning into him, she couldn't help the moan that slipped out. She felt him harden against her stomach, smirking against her lips he turned towards his brother.
"There should be a farm house round here somewhere," Merle yelled over his shoulder. Beth giggled at how his body reacted to her. As bad as it may be, she absolutely loved it. She loved that he wanted her just as much. He pulled away too soon but she knew now was not the time to be making out in the middle of a field. She felt silly just thinking about it. Smiling at herself she looked up to find him watching her. A small blush formed on her checks. He gave her one of his sexy smirks, his hand sliding down her arm hesitating as his fingers brushed her hand. She quickly slid her fingers through his. Smiled down at her feet as they started walking.
Merle was right, a small two story pale yellow farm house came into view. She scanned the area, the farm wasn't nearly as big as theirs, but all the wooden fences were still in tact. There was a small garden to the left, with what looked to be corn, peas and tomatoes. Her heart jumped at the thought of having grilled corn on the cob. As they approached the wooden fence, she slowly let go of Daryl's hand raising her rifle. They could hear the death moans all the way out here. Merle gave Daryl a quick nod before they hopped over the fence. She quickly followed, not nearly as graceful. She heard Merle laugh at her, before she hurried next to Daryl. He gave her a quick nod as he banged on the front door. Hoping to draw any walkers to them. She took a step back and scanned the area again. Nothing but fields and trees to be seen, her heart dropped when she saw the two crosses. One was large enough for a man but the other was tiny and had blue baby booties hanging from it. She blinked back tears, averting her eyes back to the door that Merle was about to open. Sucking in a breath as Daryl quickly stabbed the two walkers in the head. She refused to look to much at them as they drug the bodies over to the side.
Daryl caught her eye when she glanced back at the tiny grave. He knew she was thinking about lil asskicker. Poor thing probably felt lost without the little girl. Not knowing if she made it out alive or not had to make it ten times worse. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they walked back towards the door.
"All clear," Merle yelled quite smug, walking out onto the porch.
Slowly they made there way inside, she took in the slightly worn furniture. Family pictures hung on the walls. A large fireplace sat directly in front of the couch. It really was a cute little place. Walking into the kitchen, she started checking the cupboards. The place hadn't been touched. Heck there were still dishes in the sink. It didn't even look to have been raided once. She started opening the kitchen drawers, letting out a high pitched squeal when she saw the can opener. She hadn't seen one since they left the farm. Daryl and Merle came bombarding into the kitchen weapons ready. Oh if looks could kill! She giggled, flat out giggled at their faces holding up the can opener. Daryl's scowl softened slightly at her amusement.
"Fuck Greene!" Merle growled. He didn't want to admit it but he was worried about her. And it pissed him off. Grumbling he stormed out and slammed the front door.
"Sorry guys," she said between giggles. "Just a can opener!"
Daryl shook his head, he loved her laugh. 'Wait- loved?' Shaking his head, he gave her a small smile. And her heart leaped.
"This place hasn't even been touched," She sighed leaning against the counter. 'Did he have to be that sexy at all times?' Taking him all in, she bit her lip. He just stood there, his Stryker slung over his back. His muscular biceps folded over his chest. She was so sore but she wanted him again. She could feel the moisture already start pooling between her legs. Her eyes looked him up and down and lingering on his bare arms, then slowly up to his blue eyes. That were staring back at her, caught! He gave her a smirk.
"See anythin you like?" He teased turning towards the front door as it slammed shut.
"As a matter of fact, I do." She said smartly, walking past him to the stairs. "Has Merle claimed his room yet?"
Walking up the stairs she peeked at him over her shoulder. He nodded towards the door on their left. A red bandana was tied around the handle. She nodded and opened the door next to it. Walking in before thinking about it. The light blue walls, the rocking chair, the crib the blood stains. She took an immediately stepped back. Backing straight into him. She couldn't breath. It was like all the oxygen in the air had been sucked out of her. "Sorry," She mumbled, walking back into the hallway. Tears pricked her eyes as he closed the door. He pulled her to his chest and she breathed deeply. Forcing all thoughts out of her head she opened the next, a small bathroom. The last bedroom on the opposite side of the hallway was pink. It reminded her some what of her room back at the farm. Pink walls, white curtains, the full bed was covered in pillows and the vanity was cluttered with nail polish and books. Merle must have taken the master, leaving them with the pink room. Thinking back to his smug smile earlier, she grinned back at him. He scanned the room giving her a smirk. She ran and jumped on the bed turning to land on her back. Smiling at the ceiling she heard him close the door. Turning her head to see him leaning back against it watching her. Just watching away. She patted the space beside her, and he gave her a wicked grin before jumping up and landing beside her. Causing her to squeal, their laughter music to her ears.
"Who needs this many damn pillows?" He teased as she flopped on her belly to embrace them all.
"Me!" She said laughing, gently swatting him with one. He caught her wrist in his hand. The ugly scar, reminding her of her selfish mistake. She started to pull her arm away but he held it closer. His warm breath tickling the soft flesh. She felt vulnerable. Like she was sharing a piece of her history that she wanted to keep locked away forever. It's not like he didn't know what she did. They all knew. Judgment was the last thing in his eyes though. His tongue traced the line. Sending pleasant shivers through her. Taking a sharp breath he kissed her wrist. As if he could take all the pain and humility away from her. Then right then and there, looking into his eyes, she let him. She let him take away the ugly, take way the hurt the humiliation. He slowly crawled over her, kissing up her arm. She closed her eyes as the sensations took her breath away. He slowly cupped her check pulling her towards him. Their lips brushed ever so slightly. The soft moan left her lips as she tangled her hands through his hair. Holding him to her. Never wanting this moment to end. She parted her lips beaconing him to deepen their kiss. He growled softly into her mouth. Pressing his forehead to hers. He wanted to take her softly, to make love to her. He froze, pulling away from her slightly to look down at the beautiful blonde girl laying in front of him. Did he love her? Surely it was too soon for something like that. Right? Shaking his head, he sat up. His back to her.
"Are you okay?" The worry clear in her voice. He nodded to her over his shoulder. Not daring to look at her. He felt her hand on his back, then her arms were around him. No he was not okay. He couldn't love her. Not if he was going to distant himself. She deserved to be with someone better. He was a redneck asshole. He put his head in his hands, what the hell was he going to do?
"Hey?" She whispered as he turned his confused eyes back to her.
"I don't deserve you Beth. I shouldn't have let you-"
"Stop." She said softly her heart in her throat.
"No." He said standing up, "We are gonna find other people. Then you can be with someone better." He started backing up towards the door.
"Daryl, I don't want to be with anyone else. I want to be with you." She whispered, as he put his hand on the door.
"Beth. You're not good for me." He shook his head at her, tears threatening his eyes. Without looking back he walked out the door.