Chapter 16 - Decisions
AN: Thank you to everyone who has been reading this story. Plus, an extra thank you to those of you that give feedback. Sometimes, I feel discouraged because I don't have that many reviews, but I try to remain hopeful that people are reading and enjoying. So...who is going to find Emma? Will it be Shane, or Rick, or Merle, or Daryl, or Clarke? Read ahead and find out...maybe...
PS: If anyone is wondering how I visualize Emma's physical appearance, in my mind she is a cross between Dominique McElligott's character, Lily Bell, from Hell On Wheels and Yvonne Strahovski. She leans more heavily towards resembling Lily Bell.
0o0o0
The sun was setting when Emma returned to the cabin from her exploration ride. Emma dismounted Barrow and stood admiring the cabin. It was smaller than any of the houses on the Dixon farm, but it was quite nice. The outside needed some work, but the inside had been maintained and kept. It would be Emma's second night at the cabin. Her first was the night of Sam's and Amy's wedding. That evening, sleep had evaded Emma. She spent the night pacing the floor, thinking over Daryl's revelation. At first, she had tried to fight thinking about it, but it was no use. It was all she could think about. So, she gave in and allowed herself to replay that conversation over and over again in her head while she tried to decide whether or not Daryl was sincere and if she had made the right decision in running from him.
Emma made sure Barrow was comfortable in the lean-to before she headed inside. She wasn't hungry, so she made herself coffee instead. Somehow, Emma was pretty sure she wouldn't sleep well that night either. While the water boiled, Emma dressed for bed. She had hastily packed a bag when she arrived at Rick's house after leaving Daryl on Andrea's front porch. She packed only her nightdress, her one pair of trousers, two shirts, undergarments, and a few other odds and ends. Emma wasn't sure how long she would stay at the cabin. She could leave in the morning, or stay for a week, maybe even two. Emma felt guilty for leaving Rick, Carl, and Judith without ample time to prepare for her absence, but Emma knew it was better to be away from them than to remain with them not at her best. She would return to them as herself and nobody else.
With her coffee done, Emma took a seat in the comfy chair by the barren fireplace. She stared into the empty fireplace as though a fire was roaring there as she sipped on her coffee. It was much too hot for a fire. Emma had left most of the windows open, but still she carried a very light sheen of sweat upon her skin. Her hair were extra curly and bouncy due to the humidity. It was nearly impossible to pin up or braid after having ridden around all day in the heat. Emma pulled her curls to one side of her body and rubbed the back of her damp neck with one hand.
Suddenly, Emma heard a familiar sound in the distance. She set down her coffee and sat up straight as the sound got closer to the cabin. It was hoofbeats. Someone had found Emma's hiding spot. Emma sank back into her chair with a frown. She hadn't been creative when thinking of a place to go, but there weren't many options for her. Besides, the cabin had been good enough for Daryl to use when he ran away from the farm.
The hoofbeats came to a stop just as they had gotten loudest. Whoever had figured out where Emma was staying had arrived. It could have been anyone. Emma left a note for Rick, and Emma knew she had mentioned the cabin to him before, so it could have been him. It obviously could have been Merle, Sam, or Daryl, seeing as how the cabin belonged to the Dixons'. Rick could have told anyone about Emma having gone away, so it could have been a volunteer from town. Emma had no idea who or what to expect, but she couldn't put off greeting her guest any longer.
Emma got up from the chair with a sigh. She crossed the one room cabin to the door. With a deep breath, Emma pulled open the door to reveal the mysterious rider. Emma came face to face with Daryl, the man she had been running away from to begin with. It was completely dark outside. The lantern light from inside of the cabin illuminated Daryl as he stood in the doorway. Emma was reminded of their first meeting in the barn due to the way the light shone in his dark blue eyes. She shouldn't have been surprised that it was Daryl, but she truly was.
Daryl couldn't even begin to describe the relief that flowed through him when the door opened to reveal Emma, safe and sound, on the other side. Daryl had spent all morning looking for Emma in town with all the others, though he was pretty sure she had skipped town. It was Merle that convinced him to stay until they had combed through town. If Emma still hadn't been found, they would gather a search party to leave town and look for her elsewhere. It wasn't until Daryl had a chance encounter with Carl that he figured out where Emma had gone to...
"You're Daryl, right?" Carl asked as he left Carol, baby Judith, and Sophia to speak to Daryl.
"Yeah." Daryl replied halfheartedly, not truly paying attention to the kid.
"I heard Emma's missing." Carl continued speaking even though Daryl was barely listening. "You guys aren't going to find her here."
Daryl suddenly became very interested in Carl's chatter. He took a knee next to the kid.
"Why not?" Daryl asked.
"She's not here." Carl answered with a shrug.
"Do you know where she went?" Daryl asked.
"I have a guess."
"Do you want to tell me?" Daryl asked, trying not to become impatient.
"Well...Emma always said she liked it up in the mountains with you and Merle and Sam. She said it was really pretty and that you guys had a lot of land to live on and work on and explore. She said you guys have trees, a creek, animals, a garden, a cabin..."
Carl was still prattling on, but Daryl had lost interest when he heard Carl mention the cabin. Daryl felt stupid for having not thought of it himself. He would bet any sum of money that Emma had gone to the cabin to be by herself. It's what he would have done. It's what he had done.
Even though he was relieved to have found Emma, Daryl couldn't seem to catch his breath. He was still ramped up from his conversation with Emma the night before and from having been worried about her for the better part of a day.
"Emma, I..." Daryl's voice was thick and husky when he finally managed to speak.
Overcome with emotion, Daryl stepped forward at the same time he was lifting a hand to Emma's face and dipping his head to capture her lips. Emma threw her arms around Daryl's neck and returned his kiss with fervor as Daryl kicked the door shut behind him without missing a beat. He brought his other hand up to Emma's face as they continued kissing with open mouths, exchanging each other's hot, heavy breath. It was as if they were starving for one another as they grasped at each other's skin and kissed feverishly.
Daryl hadn't realized that he was backing Emma into a wall until she collided with it. Daryl kept her pressed there as she began fumbling with his belt buckle. Without breaking their kisses, Daryl slipped off his suspenders to make it easier for Emma to undo his belt and slacks. Emma made a sound that both surprised and aroused Daryl when his hands left her face. Emma whimpered in protest. Daryl growled softly, as though he was an animal reassuring its mate in the wild. He held her face again, but used one hand to push her hair away from her neck. With her throat exposed, Daryl moved his mouth to Emma's hot skin. She tasted salty like sweat, but also unexpectedly sweet, akin to the smell of flowers. Emma moaned as Daryl kissed her neck. He could feel the vibration of her moan against his lips.
Emma reached down to grasp Daryl between the legs. He inhaled sharply against her neck. Daryl sensed Emma's desire and eagerly obliged her request. He picked Emma up off the floor, keeping her back pressed against the wall, and waited while she shimmied out of her undergarments. When they fell to the floor at Daryl's feet, Emma wrapped her bare legs around Daryl's waist. Emma wound her arms around Daryl's neck to hold herself up while Daryl used one hand to wrap his fingers around his hard shaft. It was challenging for Daryl to manipulate both their bodies in order to penetrate Emma, but with a little patience and a lot of adjusting, Daryl was able to make it work. The moment he pushed himself deep inside of Emma, it all came together. Emma leaned her head back against the wall and cried out in such a way that Daryl couldn't help but stare intently at Emma's face so that he wouldn't miss one second of her reaction to having him inside of her. He watched Emma as she closed her eyes and moaned, or the way she arched her back away from the wall and gasped. Daryl couldn't take his eyes off her.
Daryl himself was in ecstasy. Emma felt as good to him as he remembered. He was panting and groaning as he thrust himself harder and deeper into Emma's core. He couldn't seem to get enough of her. He wanted to climb inside of her skin, or pull her into his own flesh and become one being. The alternative to that, though, was good enough for Daryl. He could feel himself getting closer to release as his pace quickened. Emma seemed to sense it. Her sounds were getting louder and her expressions were becoming more intense.
Without pulling himself out of Emma, Daryl lifted her off of the wall and laid her upon the bed. She laid flat while Daryl was bent over her. With Emma reclined on the bed, her hips came up to meet Daryl's with every thrust. Daryl had both of his hands against Emma's waist. She was grasping his biceps, her nails grazing his flesh. Daryl used one hand to push his hair off of his forehead slick with sweat. He was so close to release. Emma suddenly reached up and wrapped her arms around Daryl's neck so that she could pull him down to her level. It was enough to send Daryl over the edge. The fire that had ignited within him upon kissing Emma at the door roared hotter and higher as he reached the moment of release. Daryl's entire body shook above Emma as waves of pleasure and relief rolled down his back. Daryl sighed as the moment passed.
Then, it was only the sound of heavy breathing and two pairs of eyes looking deeply into the other's.
0o0o0
Emma opened her eyes to daylight spilling through the open windows of the cabin. She couldn't believe that she was waking up so late, but since she was on her own up in the mountains, it didn't really matter. As she stretched her arms over her head, she remembered bits and pieces of her dream the night before - kissing...a wall...a whimper and an answering growl...a set of dark blue eyes. Emma covered her mouth with one of her hands as she remembered the dream. It had seemed so real, but as Emma turned on her side, she discovered that she was alone in bed. Daryl was nowhere to be found.
As Emma sat up in bed, she continued telling herself that it had to have been a dream. The fact that she was having to convince herself that it was all a dream was becoming distressing as she got up out of bed. As Emma stood up, she felt a soreness between her legs that created doubt in her mind that the images in her mind had been dreamed up. It was a familiar soreness, one that Emma had experienced once before. Suddenly, Emma became so overwhelmed by the memory of having laid with Daryl the first time, his departure, and the knowledge that she had been fooled a second time that she nearly fell to her knees. At the last second, Emma reached out to steady herself on the table. She was trembling as she silently cursed herself for being such a fool. Those silent curses came into existence as Emma screamed in fury as she sent the table flying. It flipped over several feet from where Emma stood, but not for long as she picked up the jug of water by the bed and hurled it against the wall.
"Emma!" Daryl's voice came from a distance, but it was close enough that Emma heard him calling.
Before she could react, the door was flying open.
"Emma!" Daryl shouted as he burst through the door, a hunting knife at the ready in his hand.
Daryl and Emma were both breathing heavily. Daryl, because he had heard Emma's scream and thought she was in trouble. Emma, because she was overcome with emotions that had been raging a war within her for months.
"Emma...?" Daryl caught his breath and swallowed.
As Daryl put his knife away and slowly started towards Emma, she took a step back and held her hand up.
"Stop right there." Emma snapped.
Daryl didn't move again, but he spoke.
"What is it?" Daryl asked confusedly. "What's wrong?"
"You said leaving last year was the biggest mistake you've ever made." Emma retorted angrily.
Daryl was even more confused than before. He opened his mouth to tell Emma just how confused he was, but he stopped when he saw the table flipped over on the floor. His expression softened as he lifted his eyes to Emma.
"You didn't get my note, did you?" Daryl asked.
Emma's anger turned to confusion.
"Note?" Emma asked. "What note?"
Daryl went to where the table lay. A piece of paper was sticking out from beneath the table. He freed it easily and stood up.
"I left this for you." Daryl explained, holding the note out for Emma.
Emma snatched the note from Daryl's hand.
Went to tell Merle I found you. Be back soon.
Emma felt foolish, but not like she had before. She realized that if she had only taken a second to look around, she would have seen the note and known that Daryl hadn't left her like he had in December.
"I'm...sorry...you thought I left..." Daryl muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I..." Emma tried to reply as she wrapped her mind around the events of the past few days.
"It's all right." Daryl reassured Emma softly.
Emma didn't know what to say or what to do next. She had traveled into new territory.
"Well...I told the others in town yesterday I knew where you was, so they aren't out looking for you anymore, but...I told Rick I'd let him know one way or another if you was all right..."
Emma remembered the way she had left town. She thought of Rick and the kids being worried about her and wondering where she had gone and why she had left.
"I have to go." Emma told Daryl as she suddenly snapped into action.
Daryl watched Emma as she started gathering up what little she had brought with her. He thought about what she had said. She said she had to go. She hadn't asked Daryl to go with her, she hadn't said that she was staying in town, and she hadn't said that she would be returning to the Dixon farm. Daryl had no idea as to what Emma was going to do once she got to town and let Rick know that she was okay. Would she stay there? Would she want to come back to the Dixon farm to be with Daryl? Would she leave town altogether for some new, unknown destination? Daryl wanted nothing more than to ask Emma what her plans were, but he knew he couldn't. He had to remain silent and let Emma make her own decision. It was only fair after the way he had gone away last year without informing Emma of his reasons.
"I got to be going, too." Daryl finally said. "There's work to be done and..."
Emma looked up from the saddlebag she had just finished packed up.
"Okay." Emma replied with a nod.
Daryl lingered for only a few moments more. He wanted to remember how Emma looked, how she moved, how she smelled...because he didn't know when he would see her again. Then, Daryl was leaving the way he had come without another word being spoken.
0o0o0
Emma arrived in Scarlet Town by midday. She first went to the reverend's house where she expected to find Shane helping Sam with Amy's things. Instead, she found out that Amy had a slight fever, so she and Sam were postponing their trip up to the Dixon farm until she was well again. Emma apologized to everybody for worrying them. The only one who didn't accept Emma's apology was Andrea, who was staying at her father's house to help nurse her sister back to health.
Then, Emma rode to the sheriff's office to see Rick and Shane.
"Emma." Rick immediately rose when he saw Emma walk through the door.
Rick met Emma halfway and wrapped his arms around her. She returned his embrace.
"I'm so sorry for running out on you, Rick." Emma apologized, feeling thoroughly guilty and embarrassed.
"I'm just glad you're safe." Rick replied, giving Emma a squeeze before he ended their hug.
Rick held Emma's arms as he looked her over for any sign of injury.
"Are you all right?" Rick asked, meeting Emma's eyes when he was satisfied with her outward appearance.
"I'm fine." Emma reassured Rick.
Rick let go of Emma to put his hands on his hips.
"Emma, what happened?" Rick asked.
"Sheriff, it's such a long story..." Emma tucked a curl behind her ear and looked down at the floor. "I wouldn't even know where to begin, or what you would think of me when I finished."
Rick reached out for one of Emma's hands. He led her to the chair in front of his desk. After depositing her there, he pulled the chair behind his desk out to be beside her.
"I have nothing but time." Rick told Emma, his eyes flickering to the door. "Shane won't be back for a while."
Emma hesitated. She wasn't sure she could bring herself to share her history with Daryl with Rick. What would he think of her? As Emma wrestled with whether or not to be honest with Rick, she suddenly remembered Hershel's letter. You are different, but that's what makes you special, Emma Anne. Believe me when I say, dear, that I love everything about you. I love you for your strong, independent side. Just as I have experienced my share of tragedies, so have you. Most children your age, without any family to support and guide them, would have withered away. Not you, Emma. Not you. Though you may not realize it, or even know it's there, there are small moments in which you let another side of you shine through. In those moments, I love you just as much, maybe even more. Do not forget it is there and do not deny its existence. Give that part of yourself the room to grow. Share that part of yourself with the rest of the world, but only if they are deserving of seeing and experiencing it...
So, Emma honored Hershel's request. She told Rick about each unique relationship she had with the Dixon brothers and Sam. She told him about the events that occurred the day and evening of the fall gathering. She explained the different ways Daryl made her feel in the days and weeks following that fateful day. Emma told Rick about the night she shared with Daryl in the loft, and how it had made her feel when he left to spend that winter at the cabin. She told him about getting over what had happened while living on the farm with Rick and the kids. She told him about the trip she took to collect her things in April, how Daryl had made her feel while she was there, and what he had said to her the day before she left. Emma told Rick about what had happened the day of Sam's and Amy's wedding and reception. She ended her story with a brief synopsis of what had taken place the night before.
Rick was quiet. Emma had given him a lot of information to process. Rick's first reaction was to beat the tar out of Daryl for hurting Emma the way he had, but after hearing how he had apologized to her at the reception, that desire lessened considerably, but not entirely. Then, he thought of his relationship with Lori. Rick had courted Lori for several months before they married. It wasn't always sugar and roses, especially with Rick holding the office of sheriff. Rick and Lori had their troubles, while courting and while married. He thought back to each and every argument or disagreement he could remember, then chose the worst one they had ever had. Rick had been shot once while on duty. It had happened when Carl was just a baby. It took Rick nearly a year to recover. Over the course of that time, Rick and Lori had discussed the pros and cons of him keeping his job. Rick wanted to remain the town sheriff, but Lori vehemently disagreed. When Rick was well enough to return to work if he so chose, he and Lori had their biggest quarrel yet. Lori even threatened to leave Rick if he returned to work. After several weeks of discord between the two, they eventually smoothed things over and everything went back to normal. Rick thought about what he would have done had Lori left him. He wondered how his life might have been different, how hers might have been different.
"Well..." Rick sighed.
"I know what you're thinking-"
"No, you don't." Rick interrupted Emma before she could go any further.
Rick ran one hand through his curly, close cropped hair.
"I was thinking about...Lori..." Rick looked at his desk. "I was thinking about all the...shit we went through."
Rick leaned forward, but kept his eyes on his desk.
"Lori was the perfect wife and the perfect mother...but it wasn't always perfect between us. We fought, we didn't see eye to eye...sometimes it was downright awful." Rick ran one hand up and down the back of his neck. "There were even a few times where I thought she'd leave me, but..."
Rick looked over at Emma.
"Once, Lori told me that I didn't care about her or Carl." Rick sat back in his chair and rubbed his chest as though he had been wounded. "She said that...right in front of our son. Granted, he was just a baby, but still...it was the worst thing she ever said to me."
Rick closed his eyes and relived the memories he was bringing back to life with his words.
"I didn't think I could ever get over it. I swore to myself I would never forgive her..but..." Rick saw his wife's beautiful face in his mind. "Lori broke down that night after she put Carl down. She wept in my arms for a long while before she said she was sorry for saying what she said."
Rick opened his eyes and swallowed the lump in his throat.
"I had just gotten back on my feet after being shot...Lori was just scared of losing me." Rick cleared his throat. "Take it from me, Emma, you'll do and say a lot of stupid things while you're alive...but never more often than when the people you...care about are involved."
"What are you saying, Rick?" Emma asked bluntly. "Are you saying that I should just forgive and forget what Daryl did? What he said? That I should just up and go be with him, thought, reason, and logic be damned?"
"I'm not telling you what to do, Emma." Rick replied, laying a hand on Emma's knee. "I'm just trying to help you make the best decision for yourself."
"What about you?" Emma asked quietly. "What about Carl and Judith?"
Rick smiled and gave Emma's knee a pat.
"What about us?" Rick asked. "I'm not saying we wouldn't miss you like hell, because we would, but we'd be all right."
"What...?" Emma shook her head.
"What is it?" Rick asked.
Emma hesitated, but she had already divulged so much personal information to Rick. Nothing seemed off limits.
"What would Lori say?" Emma asked.
Rick's smile remained on his face, but it softened around the edges.
"She would be so grateful to you for all you've done for us." Rick murmured. "She would want you to make the decision that would benefit you most, make you the happiest. She would want nothing but good things for you...after..."
Rick suddenly looked away from Emma as his eyes filled with tears once more.
The door opened.
"Rick, you would never..." Shane's voice trailed off as he saw Rick and Emma sitting together in front of Rick's desk.
"Hey, Shane." Rick looked up from the floor and smiled as best as he could.
Shane's gaze volleyed between Rick and Emma.
"Is everything okay?" Shane asked slowly.
"Yeah." Rick answered with a nod. "Emma's fine. Everything is fine."
Shane wasn't convinced, but he didn't press the issue.
"Well, I should be going." Emma piped up, getting up from her chair. "Rick, where are the kids?"
"I left them with Carol at the inn, seeing as how Amy's ill." Rick replied, standing as well.
"I'll go and get them, take them home."
"I'll see you later, then." Rick said as Emma started for the door.
"Glad to see you safe and sound, Emma." Shane told Emma as she passed him.
"Thank you." Emma replied as she looked over her shoulder at Shane.
Emma closed the door behind her.
0o0o0
It started to rain as the sun set that evening, ending what had turned out to be the longest day of Daryl's life. He had skipped lunch and supper with Merle, which was just as well since Merle hadn't prepared anything, and had gone right to his house after the work day was finished. He had been sitting in front of the empty fireplace since then with a pipe and a cup of strong coffee. Daryl knew the coffee wouldn't keep him up. He already knew he wasn't going to sleep a wink, not while he wondered what Emma was going to do about what had happened the night before.
Daryl wanted to believe that Emma had forgiven him. He wanted to believe that the moment she had opened the cabin door and he had kissed her lips, his sins had been absolved. Daryl wasn't so sure. Six months had passed since he had laid with Emma in the loft and then left her to spend the winter in isolation. Many things had happened over the course of those months. Emma had left the Dixon farm and gotten a new job in town. It had been very apparent at the wedding and reception that Emma had formed a bond with Rick and his kids. They seemed to make Emma happy, or at least fulfilled. Daryl didn't know how strong of a pull they might have on Emma. Were her feelings for Daryl stronger than her feelings for the Grimes' family? Were they the same? Daryl didn't know, and that was why sleep wouldn't come.
It started raining more heavily outside. Daryl could hear it on the roof. He had already closed the windows to keep the rain out. As the rain fell harder, a leak started. Daryl got up from his chair to put a pot under it until he could fix the leak the next day. The sound of the rain clinking against the pot was rhythmic. Daryl focused on the sound to keep his mind occupied. Eventually as the pot filled, the soothing sound stopped. So, Daryl got up to dump the water outside. He picked up the pot and carried it to the door to throw outside. When Daryl opened the door, he dropped the pot. It clattered to the floor and the rain water inside splashed everywhere. Standing in his doorway was Emma with Skipper in her arms. She was dripping wet, and so was the dog. Daryl felt as though the wind had been knocked out of him.
"Hi." Emma finally broke the silence.
"Emma..." Daryl's voice was nearly lost in his breath. "What...?"
A soft, close-lipped smile came to Emma's face as she gave Daryl a single shrug.
"I'm home." Emma murmured.
Daryl could hardly believe his ears or his eyes. He wondered if, in reality, he was still sitting in his chair by the barren fireplace. He thought maybe he had become so focused on the sound of the leak that he had drifted off to sleep and was dreaming. It just didn't feel real.
"Can I...?" Emma asked, adjusting Skipper in her arms.
Daryl quickly stepped aside to allow Emma entry. He closed the door behind them and turned around, half expecting Emma to have disappeared. She was still there.
"I'll get you some towels." Daryl mumbled, going to his bureau.
Daryl pulled several towels out of a drawer and handed them to Emma. She tended to Skipper first. Daryl watched her as she got down on her knees and used a towel to dry the dog off. When Skipper was much drier than before, Emma stood up. She looked around at the house.
"What?" Daryl asked, suddenly self conscious of his little home.
Emma met Daryl's gaze with a smile.
"I've never seen the inside of your house before." Emma replied.
Daryl realized she was right. It seemed strange to him that Emma had never been in his house.
"I hate to ask...because I know it's hot, but..." Emma turned to look at the fireplace. "Could I light a fire? I don't want Skipper to get sick..."
"Sure." Daryl shook his head to try and shake some sense into himself for having not thought of lighting a fire before Emma had mentioned it.
While Daryl started a fire, Emma took her hair down. She pulled her hair to one side of her body and began drying it with a towel.
"Did you..." Daryl cleared his throat as he stood in front of the small fire. "Did you bring your things?"
"Yes." Emma replied with a nod. "I left them in the barn because..."
Daryl put his hands on his hips as he waited for Emma to finish her sentence.
"I didn't know if you would..." Emma looked down at the floor.
"Well, you don't want to go out in the rain again to get your stuff." Daryl shifted his weight. "You can borrow something of mine to wear...if that's all right..."
Emma lifted her gaze.
"Let's get something out of the way."
Emma crossed the room to where Daryl stood. She reached for one of his hands and lifted it to her chest. Daryl could easily feel Emma's heart pounding beneath the wet fabric of her blouse. His was pounding just as hard as hers.
"I'm scared, too." Emma admitted softly.
Daryl swallowed nervously. Emma took a deep breath, and his hand rose and fell with her chest.
"I just need to know one thing." Emma took another deep breath. "You can be just as scared as I am, but I need to know that...you won't leave again."
Daryl lifted his hand from Emma's heart and placed it against the side of her neck. He used his other hand to hold Emma's face. He brushed a wet strand of hair away from her cheek with his thumb. Emma's eyes fluttered closed. Daryl leaned in and pressed a single kiss to Emma's forehead. He moved his hand to the back of Emma's neck as he brushed his lips against her temple, then her cheek. Emma tilted her head back as Daryl brought his mouth to hers. When her lips parted, Daryl kissed her top lip, then her lower lip. He didn't know if what he was doing was right, or if it felt good, but it felt good to him. Emma was breathing heavier than before, so Daryl thought maybe it felt good for her, too.
Daryl let go of Emma so that he could take off her wet clothes, but then he hesitated. He had never seen Emma nude before. Both times they had been intimate, she had been wearing her nightdress. Emma seemed to sense Daryl's hesitancy. She took a step back towards the bed and slowly peeled off her wet blouse. Daryl almost felt as though he should look away from Emma as she undressed, but he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Emma finally revealed her bare breasts to Daryl. He had never seen breasts before. Emma motioned for Daryl, then placed his hands on her breasts. Daryl was very gentle with Emma as he touched her and explored her body. Her breasts were soft and supple in his hands. As he stroked them and felt them between his hands, her nipples hardened. Daryl was especially careful with them. When Daryl brushed his fingers over Emma's right nipple, she closed her eyes and moaned. The sound urged Daryl on. He continued running his fingers along the curves of her breasts and her hardened nipples. After what seemed like hours, Daryl needed more.
"Your turn." Emma whispered when Daryl gently tugged at her skirt.
Daryl thought that was only fair. He nodded and began unbuttoning his shirt. He let it fall to the floor, exposing his bare chest and stomach. Emma was just as curious about Daryl's body as he was about hers. She placed her hands against every one of Daryl's defined muscles, tracing the lines and indentations they made upon his body. Daryl reveled in the feeling of Emma's hands on his flesh. Her fingertips left fires in their wake. Emma pulled Daryl to her body. Daryl groaned when Emma pressed her breasts against his bare chest. He wrapped his arms around her to keep her close. Emma sighed at the feeling of Daryl's strong arms around her. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against his chest. Daryl's heart was thudding under her ear. It sounded like the gallop of a horse.
Emma kicked off her boots next, then took the rest of her soaking wet clothing off. They lay forgotten at her feet. Daryl had to pick his jaw up off the floor when he saw Emma totally naked. He had no reference when it came to a woman's body, but he didn't need one to know that Emma was beautiful.
When they were both nude, they got into bed together. At first, it was curiosity that drove the couple as they explored the other's body with fingers and mouths. Then, it was passion and desire. Daryl got on top of Emma, and ever mindful of his weight on top of her, made sure she was comfortable before he guided himself into her. It was becoming easier to do, but it was still new. Daryl didn't feel nervous, though, because he knew Emma was just as new to intimacy as he was. They were figuring it out together. Daryl took his time that night as he pumped back and forth, in and out. He used a much slower pace than the times before. He wanted to enjoy and experience every moment. He didn't want to miss any part of Emma's face, her body, or the sounds she made. Emma seemed to share Daryl's desire. She worked her hips at the same slow, steady pace. Her hands were gentle against Daryl's neck and back. She didn't scratch his flesh or pull on him. They took their time together.
Afterward, Emma laid in Daryl's arms. He ran one hand along the length of her damp hair as she laid with her head on his chest.
"Should I call you darlin', now?" Daryl asked suddenly after it had been quiet for hours.
Emma laughed softly when she felt Daryl's body shaking as he chuckled quietly.
"If you really want to." Emma replied.
After a few moments, Emma was struck by Daryl's statement. She assumed he was joking, but she need to make something clear to him before their relationship went any further. She lifted her head and rested her chin upon Daryl's chest so that she could look at his face while she spoke.
"I'm still the same woman I've always been." Emma murmured, the flames from the fireplace dancing with the shadows across her face. "I haven't changed."
"I know." Daryl replied with a nod.
Having gotten that off her chest, Emma laid back down. She was tired from having ridden through the rain and due to the time she spent with Daryl in bed. Emma felt comfortable with falling asleep as her eyes grew heavy. She wasn't worried about what the morning would bring. Emma trusted that when she woke the next day, Daryl would still be there, even if he wasn't in bed with her.
"The Shadowlands" - Ryan Adams [Daryl arrives at the cabin, Daryl and Emma have sex]
"I Dream A Highway" - Gillian Welch [Rick and Emma talk/Emma arrives on the Dixon farm]
"Dark Turn of Mind" - Gillian Welch [Daryl and Emma make love]