Beth could feel herself grinning ear to ear as she walked through the prison door. Daryl had agreed to take her out! Now all she had to do was talk to her daddy. Slowly turning and walking towards the cooing Judith. Whose chubby arms immediately reached for her.
"Someone's excited to see you," Carol said, giving an excited Judith over to her.
"How's my baby girl?" Beth coos, snuggling the little girl against her.
"She was happy about going outside today. I brought her in to keep her from getting burnt. And let me tell ya, she was not happy about it," Carol giggled, standing up.
"Yes, it was so beautiful outside!"
"So how did your lessons go today," Carol kidded. She knew Beth hadn't needed them but couldn't help but love Hershel's attempt to toughen her up. It was endearing.
"It went fine," She wasn't ready to tell anyone that Daryl agreed to take her out until she had spoken with her daddy first. Especially Carol. Beth loved the woman dearly but she didn't want her concern changing Daryl's mind. They were very close, and Daryl respected what she had to say. And if Carol mentioned that it wasn't a good idea he would probably listen to her. "I don't feel like I really needed them. But I think it was more for Daddy's peace of mind then actual training."
"I figured. He's just looking out for you is all." Carol hugged her shoulders gently and placed a kiss to the top of her head. "I can't get how beautiful out it was today!"
Beth smiled up at her. Everyone always thought Daryl and Carol would end up getting together, but after Carol made a couple of passes, it became obvious that all Daryl saw in her was a friend. Smiling at the memory of red faced Daryl Dixon, hurrying away from her, after muttering a nervous stop. Carol had turned to me and shrugged her shoulders laughing. 'I just asked if he wanted to screw.' Even with as old as the memory was, it was still amusing. Big bad Daryl Dixon running away from little Carol. Giggling to herself, she bounced Judith on her hip.
"It definitely was, the sun got a little warm though."
"I can see that!" Maggie said laughing, motioning to her little sisters pink face. "I'll have to pick some sunblock up for you the next time we go on a run. Don't want my baby sister turning into a lobster!" Maggie teased. "Oh you know I'm just kidding!"
Beth playfully rolled her eyes as Maggie pulled her into a tight hug. "Ya, ya ya." She loved her sister dearly, but ever since Shawn died, she took the roll of being the overly protective sibling.
"Told ya so." Daryl mumbled closing the door behind him, coughing to stifle a chuckle.
They all turned to watch him make his way up the stairs to his cell. She tried to playfully glare at him but when he turned to smirk at her, their eyes met. Sucking in a breath, she tried to block the blush that crept up on her checks. She couldn't help but stare into his clear blue eyes. Maggie's laugh brought her back to reality, shaking her head, what was wrong with her! It was Daryl freaking Dixon. Yes he was hot but he didn't see her as anything more than a child. Watching him disappear into his cell she sighed, she shouldn't have a crush on him. She really shouldn't. It would go no where, and eventually when he found someone he liked enough, it would tear her apart.
"Oh! Judith is going to be needing more clothes," Carol stated pulling her from her thoughts.
"Yes! She has grown out of so much," she added to Carol's statement trying to get her thoughts back to safe territory. She actually meant to bring that topic up to Rick earlier but she must have forgotten. "She actually needs quite a bit."
"Alright I will make sure to let Rick and the others know." Maggie said, "Dinner will be ready soon. Beth, will you go get Daddy and tell him? I think he's still outside in the garden."
Beth quickly nodded, feeling a lump grow in her throat. Hugging Judith tight she handed her back to Carol. Whose eyes stared curiously at her. Beth rarely ever handed the baby over unless she absolutely had to. Taking a deep breath she pushed open the door. Immediately shielding her eyes from the setting sun. She fought off the guilty feeling that threatened her to rethink her question. She quickly spotted Hershel and Rick bent over, inspecting their crops.
"Hey," Beth greeted, "Dinner will be ready shortly." Rick smiled at her as he wiped his dirty hands onto his pants.
"Thanks Beth." Rick said, then turning to Hershel. "I'm gonna go clean up some. We will finish talking about this after dinner. Alright?"
"Alright, Rick." Hershel said squeezing Rick's shoulder.
Beth waited until she saw Rick enter the building before turning to her father.
"Um, Daddy. Can I talk to you about something?" She asked helping him adjust his crutch. Trying desperately to collect her courage.
"Doodlebug what's troubling you?"
She tried to block out the thought of him being disappointed in her for asking but it was very hard. She hated being in trouble or causing him stress. Fumbling with her hands she took in a deep breath, "Do you think- or would you let me... I-I was wondering if I could start going on runs with the rest of the group? Sometime? If it is okay with you?"
Instead of the scolding she knew she was about to receive, she heard his sad chuckle. And she couldn't decide if it was better or worse. She hated making him sad.
"I was wondering when my little bird would need to leave the nest." Shaking his head sadly, as she slowly looked up into his. "You are a young woman now, Bethie, and as much as I wish that weren't so, it is. You had to grow up quick in this world. And you do need to learn how to handle yourself out there."
Peeking up at him to see his kind gray eyes looking back at her, "You are not in trouble, doodlebug. This is our home, not a prison." Laughing at his own joke, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "You just need to talk to Rick. You still have much to learn, and will be a liability to whoever you will be with. Also see about care for Judith while you are gone. Though I don't see Carol saying no."
"Thank you Daddy." She whispered, still in shock.
"You do not need to thank me, Sweetheart. I was wondering when you would need to get out of here. You have grown into a lovely young woman, you are not my little girl anymore," sighing sadly into her hair, "I trust your judgment, and it is probably best you learn how to defend yourself. If something were to happen to this place- I need to know that you can handle it."
"Daddy I will always be your little girl." She whispered hugging him tighter, as she saw tears well up in his eyes. "Daryl said he would train me then if I got your permission then he would take me on a run. But nothin bad is going to happen to us Daddy." She knew that the future was unknown, but she couldn't bear the thought of loosing anyone. They had lost so many as it was. Wiping a tear off her own check, then her fathers. They started laughing, and embraced once more.
"Alrighty!" He said pulling away. She waited patiently as he balanced himself on his good leg, while getting his crutch situated. "Let's go eat." She smiled up at him. Still somewhat in shock at how easily it was to talk to him about this. But relieved as well, it was her daddy after all. She squeezed his hand gently as they walked back into the prison.
Once everyone had settled down, their plates full of beans and peaches. Rick started talking to everyone about the upcoming run. She felt another lump grow in her throat as she thought about how to approach Rick on the subject. The butterflies running wild in her stomach with each passing second. How should she go about approaching this?
"Alright, this will be a smaller run does anyone need anything?" Rick asked looking around the table. Everyone was there minus, Merle and Tyreece, as they were on watch. Beth listened quietly as everyone pitched in their wants . Pausing when she realized Carol forgot to mention that Judith needed clothes. This was her opportunity!
"Judith needs more clothes, she has been growing like crazy lately." She said quietly, hoping to settle her nerves. He nodded and through her a quick smile. She knew how grateful he was of her caring so much for Judith. She sucked in another breath, hoping to swallow the ball of nerves stuck in her throat. "I was wondering, since I know what all she needs maybe I could go with them?" She asked looking up, hope clear in her big blue doe eyes. Way to aware of the silence in the room. She hated attention and now everyone's eyes were on her and Rick.
Rick just stood there in shock as he tried to process what she was asking. As recognition finally rippled over his face they were all distracted by Maggie and Glenn's laughter.
"No way! You're too young Beth!" Maggie's protective voice slightly strained. "It is way too dangerous out there. Daddy tell her." She turned to their father pleading with her eyes.
Hershel held up his hands, "Beth has already talked to me, I told her she had to ask Rick." She watched as Maggie's face fell,
"Beth I-" Rick started, she could feel her face already falling. "It is very dangerous out there, and I don't-"
"Oh stop babying her!" Daryl's voice breaking into the conversation, turning all their attention on him. "She ain't gonna break. She's not made of glass. We all ain't gonna last forever! What if somethin happens to us. Sheltering her ain't doin nothin good! It's about time she did somethin besides change diapers. Hell I'll take her if need be."
She sucked in her breath, Daryl was sticking up for her! Hope blossomed back into her, as everyone turned back to Rick. He turned his pleading eyes over at Hershel, searching for help but the old man just smiled, and shook his head.
Pinching the space between his eyes, Rick sighed. He couldn't deny the fact that she did need to learn, but the thought of something happening to her twisted his insides. They all had come to care deeply for her. She kept the hope alive in all of them. Rick sighed once more before looking up.
Daryl waited patiently for him to speak and when he didn't he added, "She needs to learn sometime, Rick. "
"Your right." He sighed disapproval clear in his voice. "Take her with you in the morning. It's a small run and she is right. She does know what all Judith needs, probably better than any of us."
Instead of answering Rick, Daryl looked over at her, "Be ready in the morning, I'll check your pack before we leave." At that, he picked up his empty plate and took it over to the wash bin. Then disappeared back outside.
Beth looked over at everyone's faces, a mixture of worry, and amusement played across most. Looking back at Rick she knew he wasn't really mad, he was just worried about her, but it didn't stop the guilty feeling she had in the pit of her stomach.
Maggie sat in complete silence, looking down at her hands. She was worried about her sister. She knew they all were worried for her. Looking up Beth caught Glenn biting his lip nervously, as he studied her face. Then at Maggie's. He slowly placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, then leaned over to whisper encouraging words in her ear.
Carol's mouth was drawn in a tight worried line. She stole a quick glance at her before standing to follow Daryl.
Panic gripped Beth's stomach at the thought of Daryl changing his mind. But she doubt he would, Daryl did have a point. Slowly looking down at her nearly full plate she sighed. Waiting until Glenn's head was turned she quickly scraped her left overs onto her brothers plate. Glenn was always hungry, blame it on being a guy as Carol would say. She gave him a satisfied smile when he realized what she did. He used to refuse it, saying that she needed to eat. But all she had to do was give him the Greene look and he would sigh in defeat. He knew from Maggie that once that look came across, the fight was already over. Secretly she knew he appreciated it, and she never minded. They were always out there defending their home they deserved a little something extra. He slowly returned her grin and shook his head. Gulping down the rest of her water she made a quick retreat to her cell.
Adrenaline coursed through her veins, as she paced her room. She was leaving the prison tomorrow morning! The thought of leaving excited yet scared her. They had spent almost nine months out there but there was always protected her. They always had her hide with Lori and Carl, but honestly they had protected Lori more times than not. She felt bad for how Carl treated his mother. Even if she did bring it on herself.
She was no longer going to be a burden to them. She refused to be.
She started looking around her small cell, trying to think of what to bring. Obviously her small revolver, she grabbed her backpack from under her bed. One of the few things she was able to bring with her from their farm. An emergency pack of the sorts. She had made it the night Rick and his group arrived at the farm. It had contained her journal, an extra pair of clothes, a family photo and her favorite blanket along with a few other survival things. Placing it on her bed she put in all the items she thought they might need, a water bottle, a couple of strips of cloth that could be used as bandages, a broken piece of mirror and her gun. It wasn't much, but it was what she had. Sighing she sat down on her bed. Pulling off her boots, and quickly changing into a pair of night shorts and a tank top.
Daryl walked the perimeter one last time before finally retreating back to the prison. To a cell that he was intentionally avoiding. He knew Merle had caught wind about him taking her out tomorrow and he knew he would have something nasty to say about it. And he was not in the mood for his shit right now. He rubbed his eyes as he walked up the stairs. The metal groaning under his weight. Making a silent entrance impossible. Daryl heard him before he saw him.
"So you're takin that sweet piece of ass out tomorrow," Merle kidded elbowing him in the side. Daryl started to shake his head he had been dealing with this all his life, normally he could ignore it but when he talked about Beth it hit a nerve. "Bet ya she's a virgin too!"
"Merle for once in your life, just fucking shut up!" He growled rolling his eyes, debating on punching his stupid face in.
"Just sayin baby brother," Merle said laughing, "It'd be a shame to let that pass ya." Daryl pushed him away as he stormed back down the stairs and outside. Marching back down to the gates. It was his night off but he had to cool his head before he did something stupid. It was going to be a long night.
Once Beth heard everyone finally get to bed, she stood up. There was no way she was going to be able to sleep. Careful not to wake the baby, she tiptoed out of her cell. Making her way outside. She believed Michonne was on watch tonight. Smiling to herself, she knew the samurai would have a lot of tips. Taking a deep breath of fresh Georgia air, she sighed. The cooler air was refreshing. The cells had become quite muggy with the late summer heat. Walking out into the field she took another deep breath. There was no way she would be able to sleep, she was too excited not to mention she would be going out there with Daryl. Just thinking about him caused a stirring she had yet to figure out. Sighing to herself, she looked up. The stars twinkling brighter than she has ever seen them. That was one of the plus sides of the apocalypse, the lack of electricity and population, made enjoying the outdoors that much better. Minus the decaying walkers that roamed the earth. Even with everything that happened here on Earth they twinkled on as if everything in the world were fine.
Daryl was making his way back around the fences when he heard the door open. He expected Rick or Michonne not Beth. What was she doing out here? He sucked in a sharp breath when he noticed her lack of clothing. She was only wearing a snug tee shirt and short shorts. Hell she was even barefoot. Watching her as she stared up into the night sky he heard her soft sigh.
"Couldn't sleep?" Daryl asked, silently walking over to her.
Beth jumped at the sound of his voice. A blush slowly forming on her checks. She turned to face him, folding her arms across her chest. She hadn't thought to put bra on. She had expected to find Michonne. Not the handsome redneck. "I'm too nervous," she admitted not fully looking at him. His long hair had fallen in his eyes and she was trying desperately not to reach up and move it.
"It'll be alright. It's not a big run. And if I remember correctly there should only be a few walkers." Why was he trying to comfort her? It was dangerous out there. But he knew he'd never let harm come to her. He'd die protecting her. He watched her glance around the fences, then back at him. She bit her lip again before she brought her eyes back to his.
"Do you think we could work on the whole self defense thing?"
"Right now?" He asked looking around them, as if it were the craziest idea in the world. She shrugged.
"Why not?" She grinned up at him. "There are no walkers around, and every one who would normally be around to watch me fail, are asleep right now." She giggled. Watching his face carefully. It changed from humor, to consideration, then finally to acceptance.
"Alright, if your sure?" He was worried about hurting her. She seemed so fragile. But she did need to learn. What if they ran into a bad group of people or they got separated? He watched her take a timid step towards him. His heart beating faster, with each inch. He needed to stop. She was Hershel's daughter, and barely legal. Not that those rules applied anymore, but still. She slowly lowered her arms, slightly exposing herself. 'fuck' He thought to himself fighting hard to keep his eyes on hers. Her pink nipples were prominent through the thin fabric.
"Okay. So where do we start?" She asked, standing directly in front of him mere inches apart. Taking a shaky breath as she looked into his blue eyes. They were so close. Her eyes darted to his lips. Wondering how they would feel pressed against hers. Blinking away that thought, she tried to concentrate. Their eyes locked momentarily before he looked away.
"Um," he took a few steps backwards to clear his head. Did he seriously 'get lost' in Beth Greene's eyes? Shaking his head, "Okay pretend I'm a walker coming at you,"
She giggled at his attempt to imitate a walker. Earning her a scowl. "Sorry! Okay um easy. Just stab it in the head?"
"Okay good, but what if you don't have a knife?"
"Um a sharp stick?"
"What if there isn't one?"
"Run?"
"Correct." He said slowly walking forward, "And if you are back against the wall and you can't run then what?" He asked slowly backing her against the prison wall.
Her breathing hitched, and her teeth started worrying the tender flesh of her bottom lip. Daryl Dixon was hovering over her against the wall. She could not have found it hotter. The heat that stared pooling between her legs became a huge distraction. "Um-" she whispered.
"Too late, you would have already been bit." He whispered wanting desperately to nip the sensitive flesh of her neck. Lust clear in her eyes. Backing away, he felt himself stir in his pants. It had been years since he had been that close to a girl. "Okay let's try that again."
She quickly nodded, as he turned to walk away. Trying to concentrate on what she would need to do if a walker did in fact back her against a wall. Daryl started shuffling her way. Quickly racking her brain of any survival skills. He took another step closer. "Okay, um I could kick it away right?"
"You could, but what if it's to close to kick? And it's mouth is trying to chomp on ya?" She brought her hands to his chest to keep him an arms length away. Arching an eyebrow at him. He shook his head. "Try going for the upper arms, so that you can keep them from grabbing or scratching you. But also keep them at arms length so that you can successfully push them away." She nodded as he moved her hands to his hard biceps to demonstrate. Biting her lip to keep her thoughts in check.
"Then what?" She whispered her voice heavy with arousal. Praying he didn't notice, she took a deep breath. That didn't help at all. His masculine scent filled her lungs, only making it worse.
"If you can, you could try to push them off you. Or if you can bring your leg up and kick them off."
"Like this?" She asked bringing her knee to his stomach. He simply nodded, trying to ignore how this must look. He let her gently push him away with her "Kick". "Okay, what if it's a human?" She asked trying to keep the desire from her eyes.
Daryl was observant though, he saw the way her eyes dilated when he got near. The way she inhaled sharp breaths, and how sultry her voice had gotten. He could almost smell her sex radiating off her. She was aroused by him, but he knew Beth would never make a move and neither would he. She was too young. Way, way too young. Backing up again. He stared at her, her breathing slightly shaken.
"They will probably pull a knife or even a gun." he slowly held his hand up, making a gun with his fingers. His gut twisted at the thought of someone holding a gun to her head. She quickly used the side of her hand to move the "gun" away. Only for him to quickly grab her wrist pulling it behind her back. Forcing her against the wall. His hard body pressed hard against her.
"They will be expecting that." He whispered in her ear. "Now what do you do?"
"Um-" She was drawing a blank with him pressed against her like that. His hard chest, his hips, his breath on her neck. Thinking of anything was impossible. Taking a huge gulp of much needed air, she tried to focus. "Um, would a back kick to the groin work?" She asked slowly sliding her heel up between his legs. Which got quickly locked between his knees.
"Yes if you are quick. If not they can do this," he took advantage of her lack of balance and softly placed her on the ground. Pinning her face down with his weight. "Now what do you do?"
She knew if she reached down her panties would be soaked, she could feel the moisture rubbing against her as she squirmed under him. Pushing her bottom up against his hips trying to push him off. A low growl formed in the back of his throat. She felt his hard length press against her backside. He wanted her too.
He quickly pulled back and put a knee on her back, not pressing down enough to hurt her. But enough to demobilize her. "Now what?" He whispered trying to hide the arousal in his voice. He knew she felt him, and he didn't know weather to be ashamed or excited. He was throbbing now. Just the mere fact that she wanted him drove him insane. He needed to stop this now. Before he did something stupid like kiss her. Letting her squirm a bit more he lifted his leg off her back.
Squirming around to her back she came face to face with Daryl. Whose arms were on each side of her head. One knee in between her knees the other by her hip. Sucking in a sharp breath she parted her lips.
"What would you do then?" He whispered his eyes never leaving hers. God he wanted her. But she was off limits. What the hell was he doing? He leaned in slowly, waiting for her answer.
"I- I would-," she licked her lips staring at his. "I would call out for you," she admitted, the blush creeping back on her checks. "And you would come kick their asses to save my ass." She whispered, she had meant for it to be a joke. But as the words rolled off her tongue she knew it was the truth.
'fuck,' Did she really just say that? What was he doing? This was Beth Greene, laying under him. Her face inches from his, her lips parted, breathing heavily. All he had to do was take it. But he couldn't, this was Hershel's baby girl. He didn't know what he would do if he lost that old man's respect. Finally gaining some control he slowly lifted up his knee slightly grazing her damp center. And she was damp, he knew by how easily the fabric moved with him. The moan that left her lips, was easily the sexiest thing he has ever heard. Standing up he held his hand out for her. Trying to pretend that it never happened. She took it and quickly stood up. Her small hand soft and dainty in his large rough one.
"Okay, now if it was a knife." Going about like the last few minutes never happened. He held up his hand mimicking a knife.
She tried to bring herself back to reality, and listen to what he was saying. But that was so hard to do. She watched him raise his hand and slowly bring it down over her heart.
"Dead," he mumbled, "Let's try again." She nodded, trying to focus.
He started to bring his arm down again and she quickly grabbed his wrist and twisted it behind him like he had done her. He chuckled, "Better but now what? What if they try to fight back. Because they will." He said smiling slowly moving his head back to tap her nose, then slowly bent over to flip her over his shoulder. She landed flat on her back. Wide eyed and breathless she looked up at him. Into his smiling blue eyes.
Helping her up he gave her a smile. "That's enough training for tonight we have an early morning."
She tried not to pout but from the look on his face it wasn't working well. He laughed again dusting her back off. "Alright, now get your ass to bed. I'll be up there in a few hours to check your bag." He gave her hip a swat and turned to walk the fences again.
"Aren't you gonna sleep?" She asked slowly walking up to the door.
"Nah. Sleep tight." He smiled once more before walking the rest of the way to the fence. Shaking his head at himself, he groaned. This was not good. Not good at all.
Beth raced back to her cell, completely ecstatic. Never in her life would she think Daryl would ever want her back. Though at the same time she knew that a mans body could react with out those thoughts. But his voice had gotten deeper. Smiling to herself as she tiptoed back into her cell, she replayed every second back in her mind.