CHAPTER 3

"Girl," he whispered against her lips, their foreheads resting against each other, "I don' know how ta do this." Noel didn't either, so she kissed him, slow and deep. Daryl's hands gripped her waist pulling her closer, while hers were tangled in his hair.

She waited for him to make the next move but he never did. So she pulled away searching his eyes, finding the ever-present uncertainty, he was unsure if this was what she wanted. Noel figured she'd have to make it as clear as possible; she wanted him, all of him.

"Daryl," his eyes found hers again as she searched for what to say, "make love to me." She hadn't meant to say it like that but now that she had, she realized that was what she wanted; she loved him. Daryl's eyes widened and stared into hers, searching. She looked at him with honest and caring eyes full of trust; empty of the pity, disdain or disgust he was used to.

So Daryl pulled her in for another passionate kiss that made her knees weak as he pushed her towards his tent. And even though right now he wasn't going to admit it to himself, he was falling in love her. Love. He wasn't even sure if he believed in love, romantic love, or if he was even capable of it. But there she was making him question everything he thought to be true.

Noel wondered if Daryl was ever in love. She wondered if anyone had ever told him they loved him. Judging from the way he reacted to the word, she guessed the answer was no. Part of her embraced this new information, almost taking pride in being the first. Another part of her was distressed by what the man she loved had to endure and that she didn't find him sooner.

As they broke the kiss and entered the tent, an awkwardness they never had time for before made its way between them. Daryl hovered over her with his breath against her lips and his chest rapidly moving up and down. Noel was waiting again, as the awkwardness passed and the desire remained, and to her surprise Daryl proceeded.

His hands moved from her waist to her hips, sliding up the smooth planes of her stomach, his eyes never leaving hers. When he realized she wasn't going to tell him to stop he slid her shirt off, followed by his, and latched onto her neck. Daryl kissed slowly down her neck, along her collarbone to her breasts as he lay Noel down on the cot.

Noel's hands roamed his bare upper half, paying special attention to his nipples and the hair below his navel. She silently thanked Daryl for his isolated location as his mouth latched onto her nipples and her moans were far from quiet. Daryl groaned as Noel's hands traveled into his jeans to stroke him, she was glad wearing underwear was a rarity for him.

He pushed her hand away, making quick work of his own shoes and pants. He pinned her hands above her head knowing he wouldn't last if she kept touching him like that. And Noel didn't resist, her hands remained where they were as his moved slowly down the length of her body, pausing and using his mouth everywhere that elicited the loudest moans.

Noel was trembling with want by the time she was laying naked under Daryl. He kissed her slowly while their bodies rubbed together, seeking friction. Her hands were back on him, sliding down his shoulders and back, stopping just past his butt, pulling him closer while simultaneously lifting her own hips.

He moaned loudly, breaking the kiss, knowing what they both needed. Noel's head fell back in pleasure as Daryl entered her slowly, making sure not to hurt her this time. She wrapped a leg around his hip and Daryl pushed the other to her chest, locking it in place with his arm. Both of them moaned as he moved deeper. As he pulled out and pushed back in, her hips met his quicker and harder then he expected causing a throaty moan erupt from his throat, he realized he didn't need to be gentle with her.

So they set the rhythm together, slow, hard and deep. Sex had never been like this for either of them before; he was on fire and everything he did made her muscles contract with pleasure. Never had he been so concerned with his partner's pleasure, wanting nothing more then to watch her unravel underneath him.

And soon enough, he got what he wanted; Noel gripped the sheets underneath her and his broad shoulder, equally as hard, her nails biting into both the thin fabric and his skin. Her muscles contracted almost painfully around him as she moaned his name one last time before he joined her, spilling himself deep insider her.

The next few minutes were filled with panting and aftershock shudders, the both of them catching their breath and waiting until movement was available again. When it was, Daryl rolled onto his back holding her tightly to his chest. Noel studied him while his eyes were clamped shut and his grip on her was almost bruising.

"Daryl," she whispered and his eyes relaxed, opening to see her dark blue ones. "I'm not going anywhere," she said as she smiled and his hands relaxed as well. They lay like that for a few minutes before she could practically hear the gears turning in his head. Noel smiled softly and kissed a few scars on his chest before pushing herself up to look at him. She placed a knee on each side of his hips and took his head in her hands placing a kiss on his forehead. Daryl stared at her, waiting to see if he would hear those three words that had never been directed at him before.

"Girl…" He was getting nervous that the words might not be coming. Nerves were turning into anger as she unintentionally made him wait, trying to build up her own courage to say the words. She knew he was about to push away from her, the scowl returning, so she spoke quickly but softy with a smile on her face.

"You're so stubborn," his eyebrows lifted in surprise quickly before they furrowed, "You know that right?" his hands moved to push her away but she quickly kissed him again pulling away with a smile. Her hands moved gently on his face while he stared at her wide-eyed still not sure if he should be angry or nervous.

I can handle him fucking the shit out of me but three words and I'm scared shitless. She shook her head and laughed quietly. Daryl sat up quickly ready to start yelling as Noel fell back on her butt between his legs.

"Stop," she said quietly, the small smile still present on her face, "I've just never said this to someone before and I don't want to pussy out now." Daryl just stared as she took a deep breath and pressed her lips against his ear, "I love you Daryl Dixon, all of you, every stubborn, thick headed, redneck, perfect part of you."

Daryl breathed deeply, as if he'd been holding his breath, before laying back down pulling her with him. He shifted them, lying on his side so they were facing each other. Noel was still smiling as she studied his face, it felt good to say, and she could tell he liked it as well.

His eyebrows furrowed suddenly and she reached out to comfort him, "Say it again," his voice was so serious she froze for a moment before moving closer and wrapping her arms around his neck. As soon as she was comfortable with her lips next to his ear she spoke again.

"I love you," she repeated just as serious, her heart slamming in her chest every time she uttered the words. Daryl relaxed into her embrace, pulling her closer, letting her love him.