A/N: -This is the chapter that sparked this whole fic into fruition. I lost count at how many times i re-edited but only because I put some extra TLC into this.
-I didn't really know what to do with Noah, Eugene and Father Gabriel so I just kinda omitted them from this chapter. Do with them what you will. I didn't even know what to do with Carl here lol.
-A picture of Carol's completed outfit can be found in a link in my profile
-Things get a touch limey later on in this chapter so...yea
-This whole chapter is basically a song fic in my mind, as I imagined a different song pairing well to each scene. So as you're reading i recommend music.. You can play what you think fits best, but I found these songs in particular to be my muse and HIGHLY encourage them played in accordance to the scenes as it will heighten this roller coaster you're about to embark on, plus they're just damn catchy.
Daryl/Carol's first dance:
Pixel Fix & The Walton Hoax - "Fall" (The Walton Hoax Remix)
In the Den:
Glass Animals ft. Tei Shei - "Holiest" (the song that inspired this fic)
Pixel Fix - "Awake"
Pixel Fix - "Overflow"
If there are any other songs you also feel might fit well, please don't be afraid to share! Music drives me...
Maggie sat motionless in front of the dresser's mirror in the room she shared with Glenn. There was a bit of a frenzy going on about around her, but it was all just a blur of motion in her peripheral vision. Her entire focus was on the reflection staring back at her, captured by deep pools of green.
All of the women were moving about her in a craze of excitement. It was well after lunch nearing the evening, and the girls had come over ushering Glenn and Daryl out of the house for the rest of the night.
Tonight was the party.
Maggie was the first to shower and Rosita had started doing her makeup. Things moved in slow motion as she brought her hand to the mirror. Her green eyes peered seductively back at her, highlighted with black cat eye slits and dark smoky makeup. Her plump, soft lips glistened with lipstick as red as sin. She had never in her life worn makeup the way she was right now, and it filled her with an indescribable emotion. Feeling completely out of body, her eyes watered staring at the image of this transformed woman; her hand sliding down a bit, the coolness refreshing on the heated palm of her skin. Her own image mesmerized her into a trance.
Rosita stood silently behind her with a grin on her face, watching her take it all in.
She felt beautiful; improved.
As Rosita continued to work on the perplexed woman, the others were taking turns in the shower, and helping one another get dressed. If one were to look in from the outside, they'd think it was hours before a wedding ceremony.
Carol hung back, locking herself in her room stealing a moment of quiet contemplation. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and her nervous tension was palpable for some reason. What was she getting so worked up for? But inwardly, she knew the answer to that question; it coming to her in startling realization somewhere in the middle of the night. Yes, Carol was mostly doing this for Maggie and everyone else's benefit, but in secret she had an ulterior motive for this party that she couldn't deny to herself any longer.
She wanted to get closer to Daryl.
The attendance of the men had been confirmed by Michonne after having a chat with Rick, and Carol had worked herself up in a tizzy imagining the many different scenarios of how the night could progress. She clutched her leather jacket tight to her person; her eyes falling upon the provocative black garment innocently perched on her mattress as if taunting her.
There was a knocking on her door.
"Carol, you coming to get changed? We gotta get started on your hair and makeup!" It was Michonne.
"Yea, I'm coming!" Carol moved to open the door, but paused glancing back at the garment in question before following Michonne back to the other room.
The girls each stood in their chosen outfits in the small bedroom. There was an air of apprehension as they all looked around at each other.
Everything was done. Makeup, hair, clothes, perfume, hell, they even got to shave! But now that they stood completed, the reality that they had accomplished step one started to set in. They were really about to go through with this.
Was it appropriate? Were they being irresponsible by letting their guards down in such a manner? What if something went wrong?
They all seemed to be thinking the same thing in some way or another, and it was stifling.
Not wanting to put a damper on the night before it even began, Sasha stepped forward.
"We're not doing the wrong thing." She voiced what they were all thinking. "Carol...Michonne...I think this was a good idea. I think we've been through enough bullshit to allow ourselves one night of pardon, I mean seriously." Tara had her hands on Maggie's shoulders squeezing in reassurance to Sasha's words.
Maggie nodded considering the situation. Fresh clothes...Hair brushed and slightly styled... Dazzling makeup that was sure to knock Glenn dead...
She was feeling good about herself. Not to mention she was alive.
They were all alive. It's time they start acting like they were.
"Yeah...she's right." She stood, addressing the women. "This has been the hardest time of my life, and I'm still struggling to come to terms with everything that's happened. I'll probably be struggling for the rest of my life. But...that doesn't mean I have to suffer for the duration of it." She looked around the room taking in the reformed women. "I would have surely lost myself to depression if it wasn't for you all...and I'm sure that's not what..." she faltered lip trembling."Not what Beth would have wanted." Her voice cracked.
"Thank y'all for your support. For this."
Carol's smile stretched ear to ear and she couldn't hold back the big bear hug she enveloped the strong-hearted woman in. The other girls soon joined in squishing the poor Greene girl till she laughed complaining she couldn't breathe.
She pushed them all off playfully. "Okay, let's go do this!"
The girls walked along the streets of the neighborhood following other crowds of people all heading in the same direction. Their heeled boots and stilettos bounced off the houses and resounded back in all of their heads, making the situation even more real. Laughing and chatting with each other, they had never felt closer together than at this lighthearted moment of simply walking.
They arrived outside the only house on the next street over that was completely lit up. Judging by the size of it and how it seemed to hold the whole town comfortably, it was safe to assume this was Douglas' home. It was obvious from looking, that the town was exhausting most of their power from the power grid for this one night.
There was a constant stream of residents going in and out of the house. It looked like just about the whole community turned up for this evening.
As they got closer, light music drifted through the air almost stunning them immobile. It had been so long since they last heard music of any kind, and from the sounds of it someone was singing beautifully live along to the chords of a band.
They headed through the house weaving in and out of the crowd following the music. From the looks and sounds of it, the party was being held in the backyard.
Stepping onto the back porch, Carol's eyes light up at the sight bestowed upon her. Twinkling mini globe lights were strung along overhead illuminating the area in an ethereal glow. A delicious aroma wafted through the air enticing people to visit a long buffet table filled with various food items along the grass. There was a clearing in the middle of the backyard where groups of residents were strewn about either talking or dancing. She noticed the woman singing the mellow tune into a microphone set up towards the back where a makeshift band of men flanked her sides. It was a concert setting, as they all came together expertly, playing the instruments along with the tune she sang. Large speakers were situated on either side of the band elevating the woman's voice as she serenaded the crowd with a hauntingly beautiful melody.
Glenn, Rick, Carl, Tyreese, and Abraham stood near the band each holding a drink of their own preference seemingly at ease, when they made eye contact with the women standing on the back porch. Michonne's eyes settled appreciatively on Rick noticing his freshly shaven features, and shorter hair. He looked like he had when they first met. Carl placed down his soda, and walked up to the women hands suspiciously behind his back. Once reaching them, he revealed a handful of deep red roses handing them to each woman complimenting on how beautiful they looked.
A true gentleman. Lori would have been proud.
Michonne pulled him in a crushing hug, ruffling up his hair laughing as he squirmed under her attack.
Maggie tugged on Carol's hand getting her attention. "If for some reason, I forget to mention this later, I just want to thank you for pushing me to do this." She whispered to her, a sincere smile on her face. Carol smiled back radiantly, touched by her sincerity and gathered the girl's two hands in her own.
"Go." She urged her forward.
Carol watched them all go leaving her alone on the porch for a moment a smile on her face; she was about to follow.
Someone tapped on her shoulder stopping her, and she turned to see who it was.
Daryl was off to the side, filling up at a mini bar having his ear chewed off by a chatty red head. He was about ready to tell her to beat it when he felt a tingling sensation start at the base of his spine and creep up his back. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on edge, and he felt that tingle shoot like electricity through him stilling his heart. He felt her before he saw her. There was only one woman that was able to have that kind of effect on him.
She had arrived.
She emerged with the other women from inside the house and his entire focus was on her as she finally came into view; his eyes raking over her body. His breathing stopped, and he broke out into a cold sweat when he took in her revamped appearance. He had always considered her to be a distinctly unique kind of beauty, but on this night she stole his breath away.
Her skin tight green cargo pants seemed to be painted to her legs accenting her thigh muscles appealingly, not to mention a pert derriere. She donned a sleek black leather jacket which covered a sexy figure-hugging black t-shirt underneath, and he suddenly decided that she should always be wearing leather of some kind. Knee-high black suede boots with three-inch heels were clad around her feet making her taller. Her peppered curls were slightly spiked, some pieces curling around her face beautifully, but what really stood out to him were her eyes. Her darling blues were highlighted with black eyeliner making them pop like never before, piercing through anyone who dared look directly into them. A light shade of lipstick covered her lips, and he just wanted her to smear it all over his mouth marking him as hers. He noticed as she turned, the leather jacket revealed what looked to be two little angel wings stitched into the back. His eyes lingered on that, gaping with his mouth open, thinking of how well it suited her.
His eyes were ripped from her beauty suddenly, as he watched a figure approach from behind when she was standing alone. Taking a healthy swallow of his Dewar's he savored the burn of the liquor on its way down, and watched with dangerous eyes the interaction between the two unfold.
One move asshole. One move, just give me a reason.
"Carol."
A cringe billowed through her at the recognizable voice, but she expertly feigned nonchalance on the outside. Carol turned slowly looking into the smug face of Clyde. She was momentarily flabbergasted not expecting to run into him this early into the night. There was a tiny voice in the back of her mind, pointing out how ironic it was that he appeared the minute she was alone, but she brushed it aside. Looking at him now though, she had to admit he did look sharp tonight.
He stepped into her personal bubble taking her hand and kissing it the way he'd done a few days ago. She didn't even think to pull away too swept up in his air of arrogance.
Daryl was vibrating with barely contained restraint, wanting to violently slam the other man's face in a wall for grabbing her hand, touching her so boldly.
"Carol... You look absolutely breath-taking tonight." He unabashedly scrutinized her head to toe.
"Thank you" not sure of what else to say, she removed her hand and fidgeted. "I was just about to greet my family." She hoped this would send him away.
"Grab a drink with me first."
Shit.
Suddenly out of options, she looked around in hopes of some kind of escape. Feeling a bit trapped, and put on the spot she nodded her consent hoping to just indulge him so perhaps he would be out of her hair quicker.
Clyde, seeing the resolve on her face moved to put his arm around her waist from behind, and guide her back into the house when his arm was suddenly propelled away from her person. Daryl, seeing the discomfort from Carol, had moved silently behind them, and was glaring hard at Clyde about ready to deck him.
Carol turned around wondering what the holdup was, and stilled when she saw the two men wordlessly sizing each other up. Hoping to neutralize the hazardous situation she quickly threw herself in the middle.
"Daryl!" Relief flooded over her at him appearing to save her whether he knew it or not.
Between the death glare he was receiving from Daryl, and the relief on Carol's face, Clyde backed down silently removing himself without another word from the situation, but not before sending a menacing scowl in Carol's direction that chilled her blood. What was that all about?
"You okay-" she asked when he was out of sight.
"-Who the fuck was that?" he snarled dodging her question.
Here we go. She sighed, praying this wouldn't damper the night in any way. "Name is Clyde. Met him in the streets with Michonne a couple days ago. He seems quite taken with me for some reason." Short, sweet, to the point.
Daryl had gone silent. Anyone could clearly see the man had some kind of fascination with her, but having heard it confirmed directly from her mouth did nothing to soothe his temper. He didn't like anyone moving in on the one person he had become close to, and this Clyde character was already proving to wear on his nerves.
While Daryl was lost in his thoughts, Carol took this moment to shamelessly ogle him.
God Damn...
She had grown accustomed to a dirty, shaggy hunter given their previous life style of always being on the road; it somehow fitting to his appeal. But now that he was showered, clean, and well dressed...She licked her lips subconsciously liking the vision before her.
He had his usual angel winged leather vest, but underneath, a black long sleeved shirt was pulled taught against his chest highlighting his pectorals. His hair was a little bit more tamed, and seemed flyaway soft instead of hanging flat like it usually does. Her eyes ventured lower where he sported tight dark blue wash jeans, his usual red rag hanging out of the back pocket, and she almost whimpered at the slight bulge in the place that mattered most.
She had to mentally slap herself back to reality.
"Don't worry; I'm not interested in him or anything if that's what you think." She chuckled jokingly, pulling them both from their individual thoughts.
His head whipped in her direction. He hadn't even considered the possibility that maybe she could have taken an interest back in the man. It's not like she was aware of how much he, himself, thought about her especially on restless nights. Maybe he was wrong to feel so protective of something that wasn't even his in the first place...
"Come on." She pulled his arm tugging the seething man along towards their friends.
She suddenly needed that drink.
Carol and Daryl were perched up side by side against the side of the house watching the celebration unfold.
The band had finished their set of songs, and switched from being live to someone taking over, acting as a DJ playing a massive collection of music from an otherwise useless laptop.
If someone had told her a week ago that the group would end up enjoying themselves at a social gathering in a place that welcomed them with open arms, she would have called them bat-shit crazy. Yet, here they were doing just that.
Douglas had come outside and they watched as he greeted people, thanking them for coming, encouraging some to dance, his wife on his arm. There was a bit of a flush in his face indicating that he had indulged in some drink, but overall he seemed happy.
Couples danced to the slow ballads playing over the speakers. Michonne and Rick had eventually found their way to the dancing space, his arm curled charmingly around her back. Glenn and Maggie soon followed, with the others of their group strewn about either filling their bellies with the exquisite feast, or just watching like they were.
Carol was nursing a glass of wine enjoying her silent company.
"I'm so glad we did this Daryl." She spoke freely. "Look at how happy they are." Maggie had a permanent smile on her face, as she placed light kisses on Glenn's lips making him beam. Carol felt her heart explode with happiness at seeing the girl finally unwind and enjoying herself like she deserved. Michonne and Rick also sported beautiful rare smiles as they laughed together, in hushed conversation.
"Mm-hmm" He grunted in agreement. He wasn't used to seeing everyone in such a state of relax, but decided it wasn't an unwelcome sight.
A beautiful slow canticle came on then halting all thought from Carol spell-binding her into a hypnotic state. With just the first few chords of this alluring tune, she knew instantly that she wanted to up there like Glenn and Maggie. Michonne and Rick.
She wanted to dance.
Throwing back the rest of her wine, she turned to Daryl. The wine warmed her, working a light buzz into her system, making her brave.
"I don't suppose it's in a Dixon's code to slow dance?"
"Pfft, ain't no way in hell yer gettin' me to dance."
Feeling particularly devious, she accepted that as a challenge. Carol lowered her voice and placed a hand on his chest moving to stand in front of him forcing eye contact.
"Please Daryl?" She all but purred leaning into him and purposely sucking her bottom lip between her teeth, compelling his eyes to be drawn there.
Well fuck.
He inwardly chastised himself for being so wrapped around her finger, Merle's unmistakable laughter ringing through his head. This succubus of a woman could convince him to cut off his own damn hand if she wanted, with little effort on her part. He chugged the rest of his drink feeling the burn pour down his throat, and grabbed her by the arm leading them into the crowd of people.
Might as well get this shit over with.
Standing in front of each other awkwardly for a moment, they hesitated. Then impulsively they came together pulled by an invisible string. His arm wrapped possessively around her waist bringing her close, their bodies touching ever so slightly, discreetly. His hand was warm as his fingers entangled with hers raised at their side. Shockingly enough, when she made the first move thrusting them into motion, swaying slowly to the music back and forth, Daryl followed behind with just a bit of clumsiness. After a minute, he balanced out and settled into the rhythm comfortably with her.
Carol let the music wash over her, its beautiful melody bringing her to a blissful state. The mood changed to deeply romantic and she found herself staring in Daryl's eyes trying to ground herself as the reality that she was actually dancing with him hit home.
He felt a flush creep up his neck and a nervousness flow through him at the intensity of which she was gazing into his eyes, but he stared back unable to break her gaze. The mood settled comfortably between them, and for some reason, his mind was thrusted back to the hurt reflected in her eyes at finding him on his knees giving up the fight. His face twisted in a hard grimace, and he felt the moment was right to address what they'd been avoiding.
"That night...in the woods-" He began, but she cut him off with a finger to his lips shaking her head.
She had been telling herself all this time that they were supposed to have this long drawn out argument about this and that, and selfishness and the whole nine yards. But looking into his eyes now, with just one look, she was able to see the deep remorse he held in himself, and she didn't want him to feel that. Her hand caressed his cheek, and she softened her gaze staring intently into his blue orbs conveying her message to him.
She forgave him.
This was them; this was how she knew them to be. Communicating mostly without words. The lyrics were engulfing her in this moment of clemency between them.
"Too far too far
now I'm falling
now I'm falling"
Words couldn't describe the immense power of the emotions welling up inside her. Budding from the depths of her very soul and spilling forth from her inner being onto her face. She felt so strongly for this man. She was indeed falling.
Falling so hard in love with Daryl Dixon.
Her eyes watered with finally allowing herself to come to terms with what she couldn't put a name to for so long; didn't dare to. He pulled her body closer to his, staring deep into her eyes as a lone tear fell from her eye. He silently wiped it away with the pad of his thumb and dropped his forehead to rest against hers. Her hand wrapped around his neck sliding slowly upward to play with a few tendrils of hair. He pulled on the other hand held firmly in his and wrapped it around his neck, freeing his hand to slide it down the length of her arm eliciting goose bumps even through her jacket, down her side and rested it securely on her hip. She closed her eyes never wanting to forget the way it felt to have him held so closely to her, his breath fanning across her mouth.
She wanted so desperately to just tilt her head, and pull him into a mind-blowing kiss, but remained, not sure if she could even handle leaping that final hurdle between them. Pulling her head back slightly, she stared deep into his eyes, words of any kind escaping her.
Words would only ruin this union. They were beyond words. She sighed, her head falling to his shoulder suddenly becoming overwhelmed with his proximity, and not being able to do anything about it.
Daryl...
Light drizzle outside had moved the party indoors, the main room being the downstairs den where it was decorated just as beautifully as the backyard had been. Only in here, the stringed lights strewn aimlessly across the ceiling were of different hues of red, and orange bathing the room in a romantic glow. The speakers were moved into the den, and the party was in full swing now as it continued blaring music that vibrated the walls. A fully stocked bar sat along the back wall and drew forth a small crowd. The closed space in this den forced almost intimate contact between everyone, and it truly held the feeling of passion.
The group had a couple more drinks near the bar all throwing back shots in a circle, laughing as Glenn swayed on his feet. Carol laughed looking around in a happy daze taking in everyone's merriment. Rick had his arm thrown around Glenn's shoulder laughing at the younger man's inability to hold his liquor quite as well as the rest of them. Carl had left before they even moved inside, going back to the house to take over baby-sitting Judith. Abraham, after downing his shot had pulled Rosita into a crushing kiss that was quickly growing more x-rated by the minute as she reciprocated. Tara stood with Sasha, the two girls wincing, and laughing as the hard liquor invaded their senses. Tyreese was working his charm off to the side, with a cute dark haired beauty that had caught his eye earlier on. Her heart swelled at the prospect of him finding new love.
It all felt surreal.
The night was progressing far better than any could have imagined. The liquor was creating a slight buzz, and almost all reserve they would normally carry with them had nearly vanished from their bodies. Carol had her arm entwined with Michonne's as a happy giggle bubbled forth from her lips causing the other woman to look at her funny, smirking; she felt like she were in her twenties again.
And then she made the mistake of looking across from her to the man leaning his back against the bar.
Their eyes met stilling the air around them.
His gaze was fixed so intently on her that the smile fell from her lips, and her grip on Michonne loosened. Her lips parted as a shaky breath escaped. An unmistakable hunger was burning in his eyes, and she felt her legs grow weak with the raw masculinity that was emanating off him in waves. A blur of emotions whirled through her at the look he was penetrating her with; a look that held so much dark promise.
She felt herself instantly get wet.
Sometime later, the liquor was flowing freely through everyone's veins now, and the dancing had long since lost its modesty.
It was like a switch had been turned on among the crowd, and everyone was losing their inhibitions.
The air thrummed with pure, unadulterated sex.
Maggie threw her head back in exultant bliss, her back end pressing firmly against Glenn as his hands roamed the front of her body while swaying to the beat. She took a moment to look around dreamily, her eyes scanning the crowd falling onto her family members having as much fun as she was. Michonne and Rick were pressed tightly together moving in time to the music, her hands running along his arms, nails digging in ever so slightly. Tara and Sasha danced together among a group of girls without a care in the world. Abraham and Rosita had already left; it was no secret what they were currently doing. And Tyreese was still talking to his sweetie over near the bar.
The song changed to a sultry beat that had the air dripping with desire. She suddenly noticed that two figures were missing. Turning her head, she asked Glenn, "Where are Daryl and Carol?"
He simply nodded his head towards a darkened corner of the room, where she struggled to make out the form of two figures nestled between the mass of thriving bodies. Her jaw nearly hit the floor when they came into focus.
Like everyone else, they were indeed dancing, if you could even call it that.
Time moved in slow motion as Carol found herself in a backwards dip at the most pinnacle moment in the song, and she slowly pulled herself back up exaggerating the slow movement, making her ab-muscles work for the seduction she was putting forth. Never had she allowed herself to feel like this before in her life; so boldly dancing without reserve. Exhilarated, sexy, empowered. But with this man, she was a transformed woman constantly experiencing new things she never knew she could have.
Righting herself along his body again, she threaded her fingers through his hair scratching sharply at his scalp. He grunted at the force with which she used, startled at how much he enjoyed it. She swayed her hips languidly back and forth forcing him to move with her, their lower halves pressed tightly enough to feel the heat emanating off their genitals.
They were both sweating now, the body heat in the room making their skin slick, and glisten. She long since discarded her jacket at the bar along with his and was left with her dangerously low-cut form fitting black t-shirt. His eyes followed a single bead of sweat as it trickled down the length of her neck and disappeared in the valley between her breasts. He desperately fought the urge to follow that trail with his tongue like he so wanted. Foreheads pressed together, her breath mingled with his as she swayed her hips erotically in time with the sultry beat.
He was drunk with lust, and completely under her hypnotic spell. He found himself unable to control his hands as they were sliding all over her body. Her hips were doing things to him that called so deeply to his inner animal.
Woman was in dangerous territory.
If she kept this up, she would soon find out how much of an animal he really could be.
The music pulsed through them making their bodies hum, and the two struggled to keep their desire in check, but they were steadily losing the battle. He jerked in particular as she grinded her hips into his at the same time clawing a path down the back of his neck. The sexual tension between them was beyond comprehension now; his erection almost painful. Their eyes met, and she daringly stuck her tongue out drawing it agonizingly slowly across her lips wetting them.
Something in him snapped.
He abruptly pushed her back against the wall, growling fiercely in her ear. Carol gasped as he forcefully pressed his full body deliciously into her, pinning her tightly against the wall; she felt every inch of him. He dipped his head dragging his tongue ever so slowly along the very same path that damned bead of sweat taunted him with not too long ago. She arched her body in beautiful contorted pleasure towards him, releasing a sexy drawn out moan in his ear at the sensation of his tongue burning a hot trail along her body. Oh God Yesss...Her mind chanted.
She couldn't believe this was happening.
His reaction to her moan was apparent as he pushed his sex into her core then. Her lids fell shut, eyes rolling in the back of her head as she felt his lust; hard and powerful as he grinded against her. He was slow about it making sure to draw out his movements with practiced ease. His head fell to her chest, arms supporting his weight against the wall behind her as he watched their bodies rub together repeatedly. He was panting fast and heavy.
She was so unbelievably wet for him and a thrill ripped through her body at the prospect of him finding out with their intimate proximity. Wrapping a leg around his waist, she pulled him into her even more trying to relieve some of the throbbing pressure between her legs. A dangerous rhythm was created between them as their bodies undulated together in un-restrained need. Moans were spurting forth from her, and he found that it was the most sensual sound he had ever heard. He needed to hear more. He sucked hard at her neck trying to coax more sounds from her finding that her throat vibrated into his mouth every time she did let out a sweet moan. This was addicting.
She was panting heavy, chest rising pushing her breasts towards him with each strained breath. One of his hands slid up her body gliding passed her rib cage to brush against the side of her breast tentatively. She hissed at the contact and brought her lips to his neck in retaliation, dragging her tongue along it the way he had. She captured his earlobe in her teeth effectively obliterating his ability to think. His hand slid from the side of her breast, down her ribs and side finally capturing her ample bottom in his palm, squeezing. She gasped head slamming back as he grabbed her ass with more force pushing her forward into him, hard. He continued his assault on her neck with his lips and tongue, alternating between strong kisses, sucking and licking. She wrapped her arms around him trapping him close to her, not a space left between them.
They were so far gone into each other.
Opening her eyes, she glanced over Daryl's shoulder unexpectedly meeting the gaze of intense brown eyes.
"Dah-Daryl..." she panted, as he nibbled on her ear.
"Mmm..." His grunt was muffled against her hair, his heavy pants puffing out against her cheek.
"He's watching..." He was moving his head slowly, nearing her mouth.
"Let 'em watch..." Eyes closed his nose rested to the side of hers, their lips actually ghosting with the lightest of touches as she spoke. He was one head tilt away...
"No...Clyde...He's staring at us."
Maybe that hadn't been the right thing to say.
Because all movement from him stopped then, and she felt his body go stock still. Alarm bells were sounding off in her head.
Daryl pushed himself away from her then and she whimpered at the loss of contact. There was a panic settling in her as she watched him through hazy eyes as he stormed through the crowd in the direction of the bar where she spotted Clyde watching them so intently. Mind still reeling from the effects Daryl had created in her body she tried to move to stop the altercation she already knew was coming, but it was too late.
Daryl reached him, slapping the half raised drink he was nursing out of Clyde's hand.
"There a god damn problem?" Daryl sneered.
Clyde remained seated eyebrow raised, intrigued by this enraged savage. He met his glare full-on with one of his own, "Not unless you want there to be, stranger."
No one was fast enough to stop the blow that hurled Clyde backwards off the stool he was sitting in. There was an immediate panic that broke out among the crowd around them as Daryl lunged towards the fallen man. Clyde shook the stars from his vision recovering just in time to dodge the next incoming fist, and countered with a punch of his own connecting it with Daryl's cheek.
Things were happening in a blur and people were rushing to swarm around the brawling men. Carol's mouth hung open in suspended confusion, and her head was beginning to throb. Still against the wall she brought a hand to her forehead trying to control the spinning, and was vaguely aware of the two being separated through her altered state.
She suddenly needed air.
Perched on the back steps of the porch Carol listened as the rain lightly pelted the ground. The commotion from inside the house drifted outside threatening to smother her, but the cool night air was refreshing on her heated skin and was starting to soothe her flustered state. She didn't bother turning around as someone stepped out onto the porch next to her and sat with an ungraceful thud.
After a moment of silence, Maggie bumped her shoulder with her own. "You okay?"
Carol wasn't even sure how to answer that honestly. She shook her head mouth open in response, but nothing came out. There was so much to address over the course of the night that she didn't even know where to start. She looked at Maggie just shaking her head. What could she say?
Maggie laughed seeing her grapple for a response, but coming up empty. "That's okay."
Carol ran a hand through her hair chuckling at the absurdity of everything.
"Well...either way, that was one hell of a night, huh?"
The two women laughed mirthfully into the night not really sure what else to do. It was one hell of a night indeed.
Phew!
This is definitely my favorite chapter so far, and was so much fun to write! Hard, but fun!
Did you try the songs? Whaddya think? Feedback! :P
