Thanks to everyone who read last chapter. Sorry for the chapter breaks not coming over, ooops, fixed this time!
A little more to move us along.
Chapter 2 Fallout
Daryl hissed as Micah pressed the ice pack against his jaw. He could hear Adam, Sophia, and Carol screaming at each other in the living room and he sighed as he looked into the face of his youngest son. He gave the boy a soft smile, "I'm fine boy, put that against your eye."
He heard his brother chuckle and looked up to see Merle grabbing a beer and a cold chicken leg from the fridge. Merle opened the beer and bit into the fried chicken leg and shook his head, "I told ya boy, ya needed to fuckin' call ahead."
Daryl sighed as his brother took a drink from the beer and shoved it toward Daryl. He took the beer and drank from it almost groaning at the test. Merle smirked at him from around the chicken leg, "Almost as good as pussy."
Daryl groaned and went to stand up but he felt Micah's hand on his arm, he looked at his son. Micah shook his head, "Dad, let mom and 'Phia talk to him."
Merle laughed pulling himself up on the counter top, "That boy is pissed. Caleb called me and both of us busted ass to get here. But I see we were late."
Daryl sat back down rubbing his chin, "Boy's a damn tree and hits like a damn Mac truck."
Merle nodded his face getting serious, "He's been the man of the house since ya left. He took that shit real serious when ya got locked up."
Daryl ran a tired hand over his face and threw his hair, "This isn't what I wanted to do today. I fuckin' thought we would talk things out me and his momma."
Merle heard the back door slam open and he wince when he saw his wife standing. He jumped off the counter turning to give her, his most charming smile, "Sugar tits."
Andrea growled, "You didn't tell her? Even after I told YOU!"
Merle held his hands up in innocence, "Sugar ya know I was just doin' what Daryl wanted."
Andrea walked pass him and slapped him in the back of his head, "Asshole." She narrowed her eyes on Daryl walked toward him, her finger already waggling at him, "AND YOU. You don't just not talk to them for five years and think coming back here is going to be easy!"
Daryl swallowed hard and picked at his jeans afraid to look at her. His head snapping up when he heard flesh hitting flesh in the living room and once he heard Carol's voice raised he got up and went toward the living room, he was pissed now.
-Titans-
"YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME HERE MA!"
Carol shook her head staring up at her oldest son, her voice level and calm, "You need to calm down Adam Daryl Dixon. He got out today I didn't know he was, let alone coming here. He's your father."
Adam growled, his chest heaving, "He ain't no father of mine! Bastard robs a god damn bank and leaves us. LEAVES YOU WHEN YOU'RE SICK! He ain't welcome here!"
Sophia rolled her eyes from her spot on the couch, hissing through her teeth, "ADAM! We all know why he did what he did.
Adam growled advancing toward the doorway, Carol grabbed his hand pulling him back into the living room as he screamed over her head, "CUZ HE'S A CHICKEN SHIT!"
Carol pushed on his chest, moving close to him her voice was stern and quiet, "ENOUGH! WE don't know what your father was thinking, but he IS your father and he at least deserves a chance to be heard. I didn't raise you to be like this, family is everything!"
Adam looked down at his mother and shook his head, "How can you say that? Of all people, you want to give him another chance?"
Carol felt her throat tighten up, "I never said that, I don't know how I feel but he's YOUR father, you only get one."
Adam paced in front of her chewing on his lip when he finally looked up at her, she could see the hate brewing in his face, "And I guess all the shit people say about us is true, we ain't nothin' but white fuckin' trash if you let that son of a bitch lay between your legs again."
Carol was across the room before anyone could say another word, her hand connecting with her son's face, "DON'T YOU EVER!"
Adam felt remorse as soon as the words left his mouth, his eyes welled up as he stared down at his mother, tears were freely flowing down her face. Then he heard a low growl from the door way and looked up to see the murderous face of his father.
When Daryl had heard the slap, he was worried that Adam had hit Carol. He wasn't going to stand for that boy laying hands on his mother.
Sophia seemed to understand what her father probably thought and she was across the room her hands going to her father's chest, "DADDY, Daddy I need you to look at me!" Daryl looked down at her, his eyes were dark, "Daddy, momma has this. Her and Adam just need to work some things out. Why don't we go back into the kitchen?"
Carol didn't turn around she put her hand on Adam's chest and looked into her son's eyes, "I got this Daryl. Go with Sophia."
Daryl eyed his son and let his daughter led him back into the kitchen.
Carol leaned into Adam and her son wrapped his arms around her, finally letting his own tears fall, his voice cracking, "Why momma? Why is he here?"
Carol smiled as she pulled away and looked lovingly at her son, her hand going to the place where she had hit him, "He loves you all and wants a chance Adam. Can you do that for me?"
Adam shook his head looking toward the door way his father had just been standing, "I don't know momma, he gets out of line I'll kick his fuckin' ass."
Carol pulled away from him and nodded her head, "I wouldn't think anything less of a Dixon."
-Titans-
Andrea had herded her family back toward their home after Adam went out to the garage. Carol went to work making spaghetti. Trying not to think about Daryl being there. She had to be strong. He was there for the kids nothing more. She heard Sophia and Micah asking him a million questions as the three of them set the table. It made her heart hurt, it reminded her of a life she lost a long time ago. She would do anything to get that life back, but she knew it was long gone.
Steeling her face and willing her tears at bay she turned giving Micah a soft smile, "Baby will you go out and tell your brother dinner is done?"
Micah nodded, but Daryl stopped him, "I got him."
Carol shook her head, "I think Micah should go."
Daryl walked to the door with her following him, he turned and swallowed hard, "Carol I ain't gonna hurt our son. Just gonna get him for dinner is all." He gave her a crooked smile rubbing his jaw, "Besides I'm the one that has to worry."
She watched him go feeling her stomach twist. She ran pass the kids and down the hall to the small bathroom off the hallway and threw up. She cried as she did, hanging onto the cool porcelain she hoped that things would work out.
-Titans-
Daryl walked into the garage and was surprised to find his old truck sitting on jacks, he could see his son was underneath it working on something. He chuckled as he walked over to the radio and turned down the Disturbed song that was pumping through the garage. When Adam didn't move, he walked over and kicked his foot.
Adam had heard the door open and looked over to see his father's boots come into view. He just kept working on getting the oil pan back into place tight. He tried to ignore him, he might have told his mother he would behave himself, but that didn't mean he had to play nice when she wasn't around. But when his dad kicked his foot he felt that anger snap in his chest. Rolling out from under the truck he glared up at the old man. "WHAT?"
Daryl chuckled leaning with his ankles crossed against the work bench, "I get it ya know."
Adam pushed off the floor and put his work rag in his back pocket, "What is it that you fuckin' get? That you ain't welcome here?"
Daryl stood up straight and nodded his head, "Let's not forget who's house this is. Who's land it sits on."
Adam chuckled, "Did ya steal the money for it?"
Daryl growled taking a step toward his son, his fists clenching at his sides, "Listen, SON, I worked hard for this land, just like your Uncle Merle did. Your momma and I worked together to build this damn place up for your ass, don't fuckin' forget that."
Adam snickered, "And where the fuck were you when she needed you?"
Daryl swallowed hard, "I did what I did. And I paid for it."
Adam got closer to his father bumping his chest, "I was here. When you were too chicken shit to be here. What the fuck do you think would've happened if she died?"
Daryl's head snapped up and he glared at his son his nostrils flaring, his voice thick with emotion, "Don't say shit like that."
Adam nodded at him, "See I thought that shit every time she passed out. Every time she was too sick to pull herself off the floor. You weren't here, no you had the money for the treatment, you made damn sure of that." Daryl's eyes widened and Adam huffed, "Ya we figured out a long time ago what the hell you did it for. But see I know you weren't MAN enough to stick it out when shit got bad. But at least one of us was. You hurt her and I'll kill you."
Adam turned to walk away and Daryl spoke, "And if you continue to talk to her like ya did earlier I'll whip your ass boy." Adam turned and his dad was right there bumping his chest with his own, "I might be a chicken shit son of a bitch, but I ain't ever meant to hurt anyone, especially your momma. What ya said earlier that was to hurt her. So, fuck with my wife again and I'll beat your ass. Say what ya want to me, but leave her out of it."
Adam was stunned into silence as Daryl slammed his shoulder into his hard as he walked out of the garage. He stood there a moment and took a few deep breaths. He promised his mom and deep in his heart Adam knew his dad was right, he had fucked up. But at least he spoke his mind to dad.
-Titans-
Daryl walked into the kitchen to see Sophia putting food on the table, he looked around, "Where's your momma?"
Sophia's eyes cut to Adam as he walked in behind his dad, "She's getting sick again."
Adam went to move around his dad, but Daryl's hand gently came out stopping him, "I got her."
Before Adam could argue, Carol appeared at the door looking pale but a smile on her face. She looked at Sophia, "Thanks sweetie."
Sophia nodded, "Everything alright momma?"
Carol nodded biting her lip a little, "Oh yeah, just nerves. Let's sit down and eat."
They all sat down awkwardly at the table and Daryl felt his stomach growl, he smiled at Carol who was on the opposite end of the table, "Smells damn good."
Carol smiled at him, "Good, let's dig in before it gets cold."
They started to pass around bowls and as everyone started to eat Daryl couldn't believe that he was sitting in his own home. Eating at his own table with his family. He felt himself get choke up, but he smiled and swallowed down the spaghetti, his eyes settling on his wife.
Sophia smirked at Adam, "Meg called earlier."
Adam's head snapped up, "What? When?"
Micah smirked at him, "While you were out in the garage whackin' your pecker."
Carol slapped Micah and the boy ducked, her finger wagging at him, "Knock it off. I won't warn you again."
Micah looked in his lap, "Sorry momma."
After dinner Carol got up and starting putting the leftovers away. Daryl leaned back and rubbed his stomach, "Damn that was a fine dinner. Maybe the best of my life."
Carol gave him a soft smile and looked over at Micah, "And you young man are washing tonight and drying since you enjoy talking about peckers at dinner."
Micah groaned, "Ok momma. Gez."
Daryl chuckled grabbing the smokes from his pocket he knocked them on the table and Sophia put her hand over his, "We don't smoke inside or around momma."
Daryl looked up at Carol his face flushing red, "Oh yeah, shit. I'm sorry."
Carol gave him a sad smile, "You didn't know."
Daryl stood up and walked out to the front porch pulling a smoke out he lit it and took a deep drag as he watched a car slowly make its way down their long drive. He heard the screen door open and a chuckle, turning he saw his son standing there, "Oh I forgot about him. This shit should be fun." Adam walked up next to Daryl and nudged his shoulder, "Got another one of those."
Daryl raised an eyebrow, "Ya smoke?"
Adam nodded, picking up the pack taking one for himself and lighting it, "You've been gone a long time."
Daryl watched his son settle on the railing, "How long ya been doin' that?"
Adam took a drag and letting it out, "I work with Merle and Ken. Be glad I ain't got the clap yet."
Daryl choked on the smoke in his lungs, "FUCK, remind me to beat your Uncle's ass." They were both quiet as the car stopped in front of the house. Daryl nodded toward the sedan that a tall man was getting out of, "Who the fuck is that?"
Adam chuckled, "That's mom's boss, Tobin. Been sniffing around since she started at the hotel. I've been working on chasing him away, but now that you're home…..this should be fun."
Daryl growled as the tall man walked up to the porch his eyes cutting to Adam, "Adam, how are you tonight?"
Adam smiled, "Just fine, what the fuck you want Tobin?"
Tobin swallowed hard, "Well your mom left before the schedule was done. I was just bringing her a copy."
Daryl hopped over the railing of the porch and landed next to the guy. He saw fear flash across his face as he took him in. He was a fucking yuppie, of all fucking people to be sniffing around his wife. Daryl held his hand out, growling around his cigarette that was firmly between his teeth, "Give it to me I'll give it to her."
Tobin's eyes went to Adam, "Who's your friend?"
Adam stood up tall and grinned the classic shit eating grin of the Dixon, "This is my dad, got out of prison today."
Tobin looked at Daryl and Daryl took the cigarette from his mouth and blow smoke in his face. Tobin swallowed hard handing the paper to Daryl. Daryl didn't say anything, he just glared at the man. Tobin nodded to Adam, "Let your mom know I stopped by."
Adam didn't say anything as the man walked away. He looked over at Daryl at the sound of ripping. Tobin stopped and looked at Daryl as he smirked throwing the little pieces of paper in the air, "No need asshole, she ain't needing your schedule cuz her ass quits."
Tobin stood there stunned as Daryl nodded to him and took the stairs two at a time. He winked at Adam as he went into the house.
Adam stood there smoking his cigarette and watched as Tobin left. He smirked to himself and headed back into the house.
-Titans-
Daryl woke up some time around midnight and jerked awake. Sitting up he realized he was in his own house. He turned on the light next to the couch and sighed resting his elbows on his knees he ran his hands over his face trying to wake up. That's when he heard the sound of someone vomiting coming from the downstairs bathroom.
Getting up he moved quietly down the hall and opened the door slowly. Looking in he saw Carol on her knees hanging onto the toilet. Stepping back into the hallway he got into the small closet outside the bathroom where Carol kept towels and wash cloths. Grabbing a wash cloth, he went back into the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, he turns on the water and wets the cloth. Looking over he notices she is almost asleep against the toilet seat.
Kneeling he puts the wash cloth on the back of her neck, his hand gently going to her back, "Carol?"
Her head snaps up and her eyes are wide, "Oh, Daryl. I thought…I thought you were Adam. I'm fine."
Daryl shakes his head, "Don't look fine."
Carol flushes the toilet and leans back against the tile wall, hugging herself, "Since I stopped treatment, sometimes things still upset my stomach. I'm fine."
The bathroom door opens and Adam is standing there in his sleep pants, "Bring her into the kitchen."
Carol groans, "I can get up on my own you two."
Gritting her teeth, she pulls herself up and sets the wash cloth on the sink. As she steps toward Daryl she stumbles and he grabs her, bending he lifts her, his arms under her knees. Carol growls, "You two are being ridiculous."
Adam chuckles as Daryl sets her in one of the kitchen chairs, he kisses the top of her head, "You need something for your stomach and one of those protein shakes. I would guess you didn't keep anything down."
Daryl sits down next to her looking scared out of his mind and she shakes her head at him, "Adam is like a mother hen."
Adam walks over and shoves two small white pills in her hand, "Under the tongue.
Carol rolls her eyes and puts the pills under her tongue, "I'm fine. Just too much tomato sauce tonight."
Adam sits across his father and watches as Carol drinks down the chalky shake neither man saying anything. Carol picks at the bottle, the silence is awkward and it's making her stomach churn, her voice is quiet, "I don't want either of you to fight anymore. I want you to work things out. I'm not always going to be around to stop you from killing each other."
Daryl swallows hard, looking at her, "Don't worry about us. We came to an understanding out there in the garage. You let us worry about you."
Adam stretches standing up, offering his hand to his mother, "Come on mom, let's get you to bed."
Carol nods standing up she lets her son settle her as they start out of the kitchen. Daryl comes out of the kitchen and follows them upstairs. He watches his heart ripping out of his chest thinking of all the times his son did this for her.
Once they get into the bedroom, Daryl is shocked to see that everything is just like the night the cops came. Down to his leather winged vest which is hanging off the chair in the corner, his favorite boots tugged under the chair. His eyes go to Adam as he covers his mom up, the two of them are laughing. Daryl didn't hear what they said, too busy living in the regret he has built for himself. But his head snaps up when he hears Adam, "Hey by the way mom, dad told Tobin today you quit."
Daryl's eyes go wide as he looks at them. Adam has a shit eating grin on his face. When his eyes cut to Carol swallows hard, she is pissed.
Thanks for reading!
