Mara could feel her cheek throbbing when she woke. It took a minute for events to come back to her.
She had been rescued. Her team had come to save her, Rick and Michonne, and nobody had died.
Mara felt like she had been beaten with a stick and she gingerly rolled on to her back. For the first time she caught sight of Hershel sitting in a chair, reading a book.
Seeing her eyes were open, he shut the cover and raised the book a little so she could see the title.
"Seems everywhere you go, you can find the good book." He placed it on the floor and leaned over to take Mara's pulse at her wrist.
"You'll be fine with some bed rest. You were severely dehydrated and exhausted but there is no lasting damage."
"I feel really weak," Mara confessed, hating that her voice sounded like a reflection of her body. Frail and damaged.
"You haven't eaten yet. A good meal and some more sleep and you'll be up and about again."
"Is everyone else ok?"
"Rick's gonna be hobbling for a few days and Yussuf needed some stiches but by some miracle y'all alive."
Mara leant back on her pillow and breathed a sigh of relief. She was terribly glad to be out of that tiny room, having all her senses overwhelmed to the point of pain, but if any one of her friends had died getting her out of there then that would have haunted her for a long time.
"I'll get you some food," Hershel said with a kind smile. He got the crutches underneath him and then Mara was alone in the room. She curled her fingers into the rough, scratchy bedding of the prison and thought she had never felt something so wonderful.
The uncomfortable texture solidified the fact that this wasn't a dream. Thinking back, when she had first seen Daryl she thought he was a coping mechanism, conjured up by her brain to get her through it.
But a phantom image couldn't have done the real Daryl justice and if he was just a mirage of her own making surely she would have made him smell better or less dirty. Remembering him cut her loose made Mara smile and then wince at the terrible pain in her cheek.
Probably she shouldn't be critical of how Daryl looked right now when she was less than a pretty sight herself.
Christine appeared in her cell carrying a bowl of soup.
"Do I have to feed you because I've never been great at playing nurse?" Christine was joking but Mara could see the caution in her eyes.
"I think I'm good." Mara wriggled into a sitting position and was please to note that her body was obeying her despite a few niggling bites of discomfort in her legs.
Christine gently deposited the bowl in Mara's lap before dragging the chair closer.
Mara managed to get a few mouthfuls down while Christine watched in silence.
"I'm really glad you're ok," Christine said quietly.
Mara put down the spoon. "So am I."
"We'll have to start sparing soon, get you fighting fit again," Christine said with a grin, seeing for herself that Mara was alright.
Mara reached across and took her friends hand in her own, just enjoying her company.
"So I hear Yussuf got stitches on my account."
Christine laughed. "He keeps talking about how chicks dig scars."
"Oh god, I just hate ruining his delusions."
"Someone has gotta keep him realistic," Christine shrugged. "I'll let you sleep some more."
Mara stretched out once Christine was gone. She was enjoying having that option after being tied to a chair. She had just closed her eyes when she could faintly hear movement at the opening of her cell again. It was the barest rustle of clothes and breath.
Mara didn't open her eyes, she only knew one person who could move that quietly.
"Could you just sit with me a while?" she murmured.
There was silence as the figure froze and then heavier footsteps as Daryl entered the space and took the chair Christine had just vacated.
Mara opened her eyes a crack to look at him. She couldn't see any injuries on him.
He pulled out some arrows and a rag, intending to busy himself with chores.
Daryl caught her watching him. "Weren't y'supposed to be sleepin'?" he said wryly.
Mara closed her eyes again without saying anything. A gentle smile tugged at her lips, amused by his scolding tone. She found the sounds of Daryl working soothing.
...
Mara healed fast. Daryl had been keeping a close eye on her recovery process. He knew his interest in Mara's recuperation had raised some eyebrows amongst the prison's population – except maybe Carol, who looked like she was just short of a 1950s wink every time she saw him – but nobody commented on it. The Governor was consuming everybody's attention. They had all set about making the prison even more impenetrable.
Daryl had been pleased when Hershel announced that Mara's wound were mostly superficial. Occasionally she moved a bit stiffly and she got tired quicker than before. The bruises had faded and all that remained was a thin white line of scarring but Daryl suspected even that would fade over time.
It was only one week later that Mara announced she would be joining him for his normal patrol. He had been going out with Yussuf but Mara had convinced Nathan to let her resume normal duties.
Daryl would have argued with her but he was frankly too excited at the idea of escaping the prison. The Governor had every one on edge. He still hadn't struck back after their latest rescue attempt. Apparently that last mission had made a larger dent in his armed forces than either side could have anticipated. It was one thing to have the numbers but if they buckled under pressure then they were useless.
He didn't feel the need to talk to Mara as they ventured out in to the forest and she was quiet as well. He intentionally kept his pace slow, not wanting to push her. Daryl also planned on going on a shorter route today, sticking close to the prison.
If Mara noticed that he was taking it easy she didn't comment. It was probably wise to not wander too far because of the Governor as it was. There was also the threatening weather. It was actually an overcast cast day and Daryl guessed from the humidity in the air and the distant rumblings of thunder that they were due a storm soon.
Daryl couldn't help sliding sideways glances at Mara out of the corner of his eyes. She said she was fine and he trusted her to know her own body but still Daryl was having a hard time forgetting the first few seconds of finding her in that grungy room.
"Would you quit that?" Mara finally said. Apparently he hadn't been all that stealthy after all. He turned to face her fully and noticed she was grinning at him. Daryl allowed a rueful smile to cross his face before he shrugged.
"Just makin' sure you ain't gonna pass out on me. Don't wanna havta drag your heavy ass around again."
Mara sighed, "Still charming."She took a step forward and her foot snagged on a branch. She went flailing forward at the same time there was a crack of thunder.
Daryl seized her bicep to keep her upright. "You ok?"
Mara brushed his hands aside. "Quit yer fussin'," she said, doing an uncanny impression of him, accent and all.
Daryl shifted his weight awkwardly and he opened his mouth to speak but Mara cut him off, "C'mon, we're wastin' daylight!"
"That was downright unnatural," Daryl muttered.
Mara looked pleased she had managed to turn his own words against him. He was so use to her Australian accent that hearing her replicate his style of speaking was just plain weird.
There was another clap of thunder, this one even closer. They'd have to turn back to the prison soon or risk getting caught in the storm. Just as Daryl thought that the first drops of rain began to fall.
As they got close to the prison the rain got heavier. The ground was getting muddy and slippery and Daryl didn't want to get stuck fighting walkers in these conditions.
It was with a start that he realised that Mara wasn't right behind him like usual. He spun around to find her standing still a few meters back, her arms outstretched and her head tilted back in the rain.
"What the fuck are you doin'?" He snapped, worry making him lash out.
Mara was unconcerned by Daryl's tone. "Just enjoying the moment."
"Yeah like that explains anythin'" Daryl grumbled, crossing his arms in the downpour. His hair was plastered to his forehead as he watched Mara have what he suspected was a mental break down.
Daryl strode over to her, intending to drag her out of the forest if he had to but the peaceful look on her face stalled him. He supposed she could have a few minutes to act insane if she wanted to.
Mara finally looked at him and Daryl was sure he was radiating impatience.
Mara merely looked amused. "Look, you're almost clean," she said and then randomly used her fingers to wipe dirt of his cheek.
Daryl hadn't expected her to touch him and he felt the path of her fingers on his cheek burning. Mara's actions had been just as impulsive judging by the way she snatched her hand back and looked at the ground.
Daryl cleared his throat. "Let's be headin' back. I'm already soaked." He sounded hoarse for some reason.
The thunder and lightning were right on top of them now, giving them a reason to run and a distraction from each other. Daryl could still feel something between them; that much was still unresolved from before her abduction.
At the prison everyone had gathered in the sheltered outdoor area to watch the storm.
"Do you think the thunder confuses 'em?" Carl was asking as Daryl and Mara ran up.
"Who is them?" Rick asked.
"Walkers."
"How so?" Hershel asked, from his seat holding Judith.
"Well they're attracted to noise, right? So what happens when they try and follow the thunder?"
"Good question," Yussuf said looking confused.
"Maybe they just keep following it to the end of the earth?" Beth suggested.
"Well then I'd wish the earth was flat and they'd fall right off," Maggie said.
Carol looked at Daryl and Mara dripping away and shook her head. "You two should go dry up some. You're gonna catch your deaths otherwise."
Daryl wanted to argue with Carol when she was in mother mode but he couldn't fault her logic and he would just look like a petulant child disagreeing with her. Mara was already walking inside and Daryl strode after her.
"Damn, we just got told," Mara said softly when Daryl caught up with her. Daryl snorted. Even Mara was sheepish when Carol got that tone of voice.
As soon as they got into their cell block, Mara automatically kicked off her shoes and peeled off her army jacket, standing there in a black tank top. Daryl eyes widened. The water had made the top cling to Mara's skin so he could see every curve of her body. Her upper chest was slick and wet and Daryl found himself tracing the line of her collar bone with his eyes.
"They can make the stupid things bite proof but not water proof?" Mara was saying oblivious to Daryl's reaction to her. When he didn't answer her, she turned to look at him confused.
As Mara looked at him standing there her expression changed and Daryl was sure she knew how she was affecting him. His own shirt stuck wetly to his body and he felt exposed. Daryl was hyper aware that it was just him and Mara in this cell block.
Mara took a wary step toward him, gauging his reaction. Daryl was experiencing the flight or fight response keenly but nothing was translating to his feet or his mouth. He just stood there mutely as Mara got closer and closer.
Mara paused just before her body touched his. She was so close though that Daryl could feel the heat of her skin. Daryl knew he should move away. Mara was his friend and friends didn't cross some lines. But he didn't stray an inch from where he was.
Mara was giving him ample opportunity to escape, watching his reaction to her proximity for cues.
Mara put a tentative hand on his chest. His heart was hammering under her fingers. Mara tilted her head upwards and pressed her lips to his, going slightly on to her toes to close the distance.
Daryl clenched his fists, wanting to grab her hair or jerk her towards him but knowing he had to be gentle. Mara captured his bottom lip softly between hers.
Mara leaned back and Daryl let out the shuddering breath he'd been holding. Touching Mara filled him with desire and terror in equal measure. Instead of moving back Mara took that last tiny step forward, pressing the front of her body against his.
Maintaining eye contact, Mara caught both of Daryl's hands and put them on her hips. Daryl instinctively dug his fingers into her soft skin losing some of the tenuous control he had. Mara cupped Daryl's face in her hands and brought his mouth back to hers.
When her tongue touched his lip Daryl responded in kind. As the kiss intensified his hands slid up her back and Mara's hands tangled in his wet hair. Her fingers caught and the unexpected pain caused him to growl low in his throat and pull Mara even closer.
They broke apart abruptly, panting for breath. Mara rested her forehead against his, her eyes closed. Her chest was heaving with ragged breaths and Daryl felt a sense of masculine pride that he had caused that reaction from her.
Her eyes still closed, she pressed her lips to his again. "I want you," she said simply, talking against Daryl's mouth. Those three words caused Daryl's whole body to respond. He wanted her too, so badly.
He nodded and with her so close his nose brushed her cheek. Mara grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her cell and Daryl tried not to let his panic ruin this for him.
...
As soon as they were in the cell it was like a switch had been flipped and the Daryl who had clutched her so desperately to him before had vanished.
Mara was standing there with a timid, uncertain man. None of day-to-day Daryl's brashness or bravado was present.
He sat down on the bed, acting as if he was being led to the firing squad.
"Are you ok?" Mara asked quietly. She may be a million times more confident than Daryl in this area but her self-esteem wasn't limitless or impervious.
Daryl was picking at his finger nails. "I ain't done this before." He spoke to the ground.
"As in with a woman you have to see the next day?"
"At all." Daryl spoke so quietly that Mara had to strain to hear him and the enormity of what he was telling her was lost for a few seconds.
Mara was stunned. She had known Daryl was awkward and insecure but Mara had just assumed that most of his relationships with women had been of the drunk one-night variety.
"So you're a –"
Daryl snapped his eyes up at her, forbidding her from saying the word out loud and daring her to make fun of him. That caged and wary look in his eyes was heart wrenching.
"This is unexpected," Mara said, more to herself than Daryl.
Daryl's discomfort reached its limits and he went to rise off the bed. Mara grasped both his shoulders and pushed him down. Before he could try and escape again, Mara moved forward and straddled him.
Mara had to admit she enjoyed the astounded look on his face almost as much as she enjoyed the feeling of his toned body under hers. Regardless of his lack of experience Mara was still wildly attracted to him. In fact his vulnerability gave her an intoxicating sense of power.
Mara ran her fingers through his half-dry hair, pushing it back past his ears.
"I guess we'll start with the basics this time." Without further conversation Mara grasped the bottom of her tank top and tugged it over her head.
Mara didn't want to give Daryl time to think because for him thinking just led to self doubt. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. His hands hovered over the bare skin of her back before lightly touching her. The feel of his rough hands against her naked skin sent a shot of warmth running low in her body.
Mara had never taken anyone's virginity before. She wasn't so sure how to go about it; she just wanted Daryl to feel safe. Mara knew that this change of circumstances meant this couldn't just be physical. Even if they said they were just friends Mara would always be his first and Daryl would always be the man who saved her life.
Their kiss became less gentle and the focus switched from exploration to trying to get as physically close as possible.
Mara had one hand cupping his neck and the other resting on his chest. She could just make out the hint of his tattoo. She knew it was script but had never gotten a close enough look to read it. Mara ran her fingers down the v shaped opening of Daryl's shirt. She could feel the light dusting of chest hair and the strength of his muscles in his upper body.
Watching his face closely, Mara grabbed the bottom of his shirt and tugged lightly broadcasting her intentions. Daryl tensed very suddenly and Mara paused.
Though it killed her a little to speak the words she said, "we can stop, any time you like."
Daryl shook his head. He gripped his own shirt and pulled it over his head. He didn't relax any though. He sat there awkwardly with his hands at his sides.
Mara tried to think of something soothing to say but her brain wasn't in control of her body any more. She was fixated on this new access to Daryl's body. Mara knew Daryl didn't see himself that way she saw him. To Mara, he was beautiful.
Mara lightly ran her hand over his abs. "God, you're hot." It was probably the least poetic thing that could come out of her mouth but her blunt comment made Daryl smile and he relaxed that tiny bit more.
Mara trailed her hands up his body, relishing in being able to touch Daryl with his permission. She noticed a ragged scar on the left side of his abdomen. She traced it, her touch questioning.
"Arrow," he grunted in answer.
Mara leaned forward and kissed his neck, breathing in his scent. He smelt of wet forest and sweat. The combination was incredibly arousing because it was just so Daryl.
Mara worked her way up his neck, taking her time. By the time she brushed her lips along his jaw line Daryl was breathing heavy and his hands were travelling up her back again. Mara could feel them resting under the clasp of her bra and she knew what Daryl wanted to do even if he didn't yet have the courage to follow through.
Grinning coyly, Mara leant back and unhooked her bra. She swung it to the side and dropped it to the floor. Mara grasped Daryl's face between her hands and kissed him, pressing her upper body flush against his.
Straddling him meant the Mara could feel Daryl's body reacting underneath hers. Uncomfortable and embarrassed, Daryl tried to shift back a little. He didn't understand that the sensation of him hard against her was incredibly erotic. Mara arched her back, pressing down on Daryl and keeping him in place. He groaned at the increased pressure and his fingers dug into Mara's shoulder blades.
Mara's fingers danced along the line of his shoulders and began to move down Daryl's back. Daryl's hands shot up and grabbed her wrists. In a display of dominance Mara didn't expect from Daryl he jerked around so that she was on her back on the bed and underneath him.
Her surprise was over ridden by the feel of Daryl's body on top of her. He still had her wrists pinned above her head. A thousand questions popped into her mind about his bizarre and abrupt actions but they faded into the background as she focused on Daryl's sharp blue eyes.
Mara was losing the will to take things slow. His gaze was roving over Mara's exposed skin, drinking in the sight of her. Daryl brought a shy hand to rest against her ribs, his thumb tracing a line under her breast.
Her patience at an end Mara used her free hand to work the top button of his pants loose. Taking Mara's lead, Daryl sat back a bit to undo her pants. He fumbled the zip just slightly. Mara was faster and she slid her hand into his open pants.
Her eyes widened when she quickly realised there was nothing but Daryl under his pants. Needing no more of a sign than that, Mara wrapped her fingers around him. Daryl eyes closed briefly and he didn't see Mara's small smirk.
Mara released him to the sound of protest but she was just focusing on getting the last of his clothing off him. Despite the awkward angle she managed to push her own pants off and her underwear quickly followed.
They stayed like that for a heartbeat, just feeling the length of their naked bodies pressed closed together.
Holding eye contact even Mara felt a flutter of butterflies in her stomach and something about the situation struck her as surreal. She never would have predicted upon meeting this man that she would have grown fond of him, let alone aching to have him inside of her.
Mara reached down to guide him. The sensation of him entering her bowed Mara's back and she threw her head back with a gasp. There was the slight, delicious edge of pain.
Daryl's expression was a combination of shock and wonder. He paused there, taking his weight on his elbows.
When he didn't move Mara brushed her lips across his. "Are you ok?" she whispered.
"Yeah, you?"
Mara answered his sweet question with a proper kiss. She raised her hips up to encourage him. He began moving slowly, eyes focused on Mara's face, diligently watching for any sign of discomfort or pain. Mara found his attentiveness adorable but his pace maddening.
Threading her fingers through his hair, Mara lifted her face so she could lightly nip his earlobe. She was already finding that he responded to the tiny bit of hurt. Daryl speed up some, satisfied that Mara wasn't breakable.
He shifted his position slightly and the next thrust hit Mara at just the right angle, causing her to gasp more vocally than before and swear.
Daryl froze. "Did I hurt you?"
The look of extreme concern on his face made Mara laugh, which was the wrong thing to do considering who she was with and Mara knew that a second later. Anticipating his next move, Mara wrapped her legs around his waist, preventing Daryl from escaping.
"It was a good noise. Don't you dare leave." She sounded more commanding than she intended but the idea that Daryl might stop touching her was unacceptable. It seemed that Daryl had a similar view point that trumped any offense she may have caused.
It didn't hurt that her actions had pulled Daryl to her even deeper.
Mara couldn't control the little moans that she emitted. They were both beginning to sweat and Mara had to reach back and grab the metal bar of her little cell bed. Daryl's rhythm was slipping and Mara could tell that he was close. Daryl's hand was on the back of her thigh holding her close. He'd already wildly exceeded her expectations for an untried virgin.
Mara bit down on his shoulder, knowing the sharp sting would send him over the edge. Daryl captured her lips with his so that when the moment came they were connected in every conceivable sense.
Daryl tensed and grunted, burying his face in Mara's shoulder. His body shuddered above hers and then was still. Mara was breathing heavily, her hair strewn chaotically over her face. From his position Daryl ghosted his lips over the arch where her neck met her shoulder.
Mara felt boneless. If she felt this much satisfaction from one encounter, even without her own climax, what would it be like once Daryl had some more experience. His attentiveness to her comfort hinted at the potential for a considerate and giving lover.
Daryl rested his forehead against Mara's, struggling to even out his breathing. Mara could still feel his heart beat hammering against her chest.
While they rested there, a thousand different words ran through Mara's mind. What she could say. What she should say. She felt heavy with the emotion of the experience and Mara's tongue was laden with a desire to share it with Daryl in this beautifully intimate moment.
Daryl's eyes were soft and Mara got the sense that he was feeling the same palpable connection she was. She opened her mouth about to throw caution to the wind and say exactly what was on her mind.
"Mara? Daryl? Are you in here?"
"Shit, that's Carl," Mara hissed. Daryl was away from her like a shot and before Mara even had a chance to blink he was pulling his shirt and pants on. Mara tumbled off the bed to shove herself into her clothing in record speed. She didn't even bother to put on her underwear or bra.
Daryl was out of her cell and into the main part of the jail just as Carl rounded the corner. Thankfully the boys hollering had far preceded Carl himself. Mara staggered out a few seconds after, knowing their appearance would never fool an adult. Mara's hair alone would be a dead giveaway, let alone the smell of sex on their skin.
Thankfully Carl, though adult in some ways, couldn't recognise the tell tale signs.
"What's takin' you so long?" Carl asked in the bored way of someone sent to inquire but with no real interest.
Mara was stumped. She didn't have any logical excuses. She was still standing there in damp clothes for god's sake.
"Mara thought she lost her knife. I just helpin' her look," Daryl answered.
Carl didn't care. "You have guard duty with Yussuf," he said simply. Daryl nodded tersely at the young boy but didn't make a move to leave.
Mara crossed her arms. She wanted just one moment with Daryl to say something, to establish how they were going to be with each other now that this momentous event had occurred.
Andrea walked in to the cell block, coming to stand behind Carl's shoulder. She opened her mouth to say something but then closed it with a snap. Andrea eyed Mara and Daryl speculatively and Mara winced, certain that Andrea knew exactly what was going on.
Daryl covered again by calling, "I'm comin', I'm comin'" and searching for his shoes.
"I bet," Andrea said dryly. Daryl's shoulder tensed and Mara's posture became defensive.
"Huh?" Carl was confused.
Daryl shoved his feet into his boots and ran down the stairs without so much as a backward glance. He grabbed Carl by the collar of his shirt and pulled him along behind him.
Mara padded down the stairs barefoot to meet Andrea.
"I imagine you'll be keeping this to yourself," Mara said. She hoped that her expression conveyed how serious she was. It wasn't a request.
"Imagine I will," Andrea responded evenly.
Mara and Andrea hadn't had much cause to talk since they had come back. It wasn't that Mara had a particular problem but each woman reminded the other of something they'd rather forget. To Mara, Andrea was a symbol of what had happened to her. To Andrea, Mara was a constant reminder of what the man she loved was capable of.
Mara nodded at Andrea and headed back to her cell to make sure she was more presentable when the others arrived.
AN: So there's that. It has been a long time between updates but I haven't forgotten. After much um-ing and ah-ing I decided to make Daryl a virgin in this fic based on what NR has said in interviews so I hope this scene translated realistically but was still kinda sexy.
If everyone who followed and fave'd this story reviewed this chapter it would make me wildly ecstatic. I know fanfic is fickle but this lack of reviews is disheartening. End of whine, as my other TWD fic gets heaps of reviews, I'm just being ungrateful lol.
MD666