Hello all. Here is chapter four. I apologize for the few day lateness, but I've been out of town.
I want to thank those who have reviewed, favorited, and followed me and my stories. You are all so kind! Thank you for your criticism.
This chapter establishes the main plot and will feel like a filler, but after this one things start to pick up the pace.
AN: I am creating an alternate website for the M rated chapters of this fic that I will not post on here, but I will be putting a link at the end of each M or M+ chapters that I dwindled down to T rating. You can go to that website if you are interested. I will be using that site for fanfictions that are similar and I have one that will definitely need it.
Without further ado, Chapter four.
Please Review!
Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead or the characters. They belong to their respectful owners. I only own my OC(s).
Chapter 4
Daryl was gonna flip his shit! MJ's alive! Holy fuckin' Christ!
Merle grinned as he heard her chuckling in relieved incredulity against him, her muscles relaxing. He wouldn't admit it aloud, but he was real glad to see her. He glanced behind her to see the leader of her small group relax and lower his rifle.
"Well, stranger, looks ta me like yer on our side."
"Oh, my God! Merle! I am so glad to see you!" MaryJane gasped as she hugged him.
"The feelin's mutual, MJ." Merle replied.
She stepped back, beaming up at him with those whiskey colored eyes. "I knew you'd be alive! I just knew it!..." She trailed off, her face growing pale as she glanced around the older man. "…is Daryl…?"
Merle gave her a mock look of hurt. "Ya think I'd really let anythin' happen ta my little brotha?"
MaryJane let out a breath of relief. "No…no, you wouldn't…how is he?"
The older Dixon sighed. "I ain't gonna lie ta ya. He's been pretty differen' without ya. He ain't like he was. He thinks yer dead."
Her eyes widened in panic. "What?"
Merle placed a hand on her shoulder, sensing her growing panic. "Now, now, don't freak the fuck out on me, MJ. Ya need ta keep calm there, bookworm."
The younger girl smiled at his nickname that she once scorned. "You're right, sorry. I'm sure both of you thought I was dead…I wasn't the toughest girl back then."
Merle chuckled and made no move to deny it to make her feel better. "Nah, ya weren't, but that brings me ta wonder how ya did make it."
MaryJane grinned with a hint of triumph at him, but it was replaced with sadness as she recalled the past months, even year since she escaped Atlanta when he was over run.
"Well, the day it happened I had a day off from school, I was teacher and I tried going to find you guys when my car broke down. All I had was my pocket knife, but I managed to kill a few of the walkers that surrounded me. I ran into the forest knowing it would be safer than going back to Atlanta. I stayed in the forest for days, living off the land like Daryl taught me…" Her eyes seemed to glow at the sound of his name. "After a while I realized I was lost and thought I was done for then, one day Con and his group found me and offered me asylum. If it wasn't for them I'd be dead or a walker." MaryJane explained in a rush, her adrenaline of seeing Merle making her thoughts fly ahead of her.
Merle smirked. "So Daryl's teachings payed off, eh? That's fuckin' great, MJ. I'm real fuckin' glad to see ya. Ya got no fuckin' idea. Yer bein' alive is gonna make Daryl real happy."
MJ frowned at Merle who gave her a look. "What's wrong?"
"I just…I just thought Daryl would've…"
Merle titled his head in realization. "Ah…you'd thought he'd try ta find ya."
The short woman nodded sadly and Merle scoffed. "He promised he would."
"Trust me, MJ, he wanted to...but I convinced 'im not ta." Her whiskey eyes grew dark in confused betrayal. "Now, don't go fuckin' sayin' nothin' 'til ya let me explain." He warned.
She scowled at him. "Okay…explain, Merle."
Merle sighed and began to speak.
Daryl dashed from the house, bow on his shoulder and dead determination in his eyes. He was a man on a mission.
"Where do ya fuckin' think yer goin', little brotha?!" Merle yelled as he stepped from the shitty house, stuffing a gun in the front of his pants.
Daryl turned back towards his brother as his hand grabbed the truck's driver door handle.
"I'm goin' ta get, MaryJane, where else do ya think I'm fuckin' goin'?!" Daryl snapped back.
Merle's icy blue eyes narrowed. His little idiotic shit of a brother wasn't thinking straight. Merle stalked down the stairs and grabbed his brother, roughly shoving him from the truck with anger in his icy eyes.
"Ya ain't fuckin' thinkin'!"
"Get outta my goddamned way, Merle!" Daryl snarled as Merle got into his face defiantly.
Merle's glare did nothing to intimidate his brother. Daryl was always stubborn, especially when it came to MJ.
"Ya ain't fuckin' goin' ta play knight in shinin' armor, Romeo!" The older Dixon ordered harshly.
Daryl stepped closer in challenge. "Ya can't stop me, Merle."
Icy blue eyes narrowed further. "If ya think she's still alive then yer damned wrong, brotha. There's no fuckin' way she's alive."
Dark blue eyes narrowed, Daryl's jaw clenching. "We don't fuckin' know that!"
Merle tilted his head in mockery. "Really? Ya think yer weak girlfriend can hold 'er own against a damn whole herd of those things?!"
The younger Dixon stiffened and Merle sighed, seeing the dead-set determination in his brother's eyes. There was nothing Merle could say that would stop Daryl from going after her.
"She's in Atlanta, right?" Merle asked darkly and Daryl nodded.
"As I recall tha city's swamped with those fuckin' things! Chances are she's already one o' 'em!"
"I don't give a fuck! I fuckin' promised 'er, Merle!" Daryl shouted, hitting the side of the truck in rage.
"I know that, dammit! Ya ain't listenin' ta me! She's dead little brotha! If ya wanna do somethin' fer 'er ya keep yerself alive! That's what MJ'd want!"
Daryl fumed silently, jaw clenching as his eyes flickered at Merle. Daryl knew he was right. She wouldn't want him to jump into that fray to save her if he had the chance to save himself. He still wanted to find her. If he had to put her down….
Stop!
Merle's younger brother glared at him. The former military man could see the wheels in his head turning. Daryl couldn't shake Merle's logic. MaryJane had said those words herself even though Daryl promised to always protect and come for her. Now, that promise was just dust, blowing away in the wind.
It felt as if someone stuck a knife in Daryl's chest when he made his decision. Even if Daryl went Merle would follow him and drag his ass back. It wasn't that Merle didn't like MaryJane…he was just looking after the only person who meant something to him. Daryl respected that, but he didn't have to like his brother's over-protectiveness. Now, with giving in, he would be sentencing MaryJane to death…or something worse than death. His brother was right. There was no way MaryJane was equipped to survive like they could…if she was alive.
Even though Daryl taught her a little about surviving in the woods and handling guns…she was too fragile. Seeing those things walk around and chasing her would cause her to break down. He knew she wouldn't give up, but she wasn't the strongest person. She could barely shoot his bow without panicking. Her chances were slim. Merle was right. She was dead.
Deep inside Daryl, he had a sliver of hope that she was alive, but with no proof it couldn't be nurtured. It would remain a tiny inkling in his mind. All he could cling to was that hope…and the high school picture she'd given him their senior year. He'd have that physical memory along with the ones in his mind…but it wasn't the same thing.
Things would never be the same for him.
Daryl looked his brother dead in the eyes with hatred and defeat.
"Fine…let's get tha fuck outta 'ere."
MaryJane swallowed, tears filling up in her eyes. Merle was right. She had told Daryl to take care of himself before he took care of her. It stung that he hadn't come for her and she had eaten her own words when she was alone.
"Hey, now, hey, don't cry on me, MJ. Ya know I don't like no tears." Merle said, patting her shoulder awkwardly.
She chuckled and sniffed, wiping her nose with her sleeve.
"Don' blame 'im fer not comin' after ya. Blame me." He added, seeing the old hurt resurface in her whiskey eyes.
She looked into his icy eyes and Merle's heart softened. She didn't look accusatory at all. In fact, her eyes showed the exact opposite.
"I don't blame you. You were just protecting Daryl…he's all you had then and you didn't wanna risk something happening to him. I can't be mad at your for that. I would've done the exact same thing if I was in your shoes."
Merle scoffed incredulously. "Ya was always too fergivin'."
Her lips pulled back into a gentle smile. "I guess it's a tragic flaw."
He snorted, ruffling her hair in a brotherly manner. She giggled and shoved his hand away, not even noticing his right hand was missing, replaced by a blade.
"Do you think he'll be glad to see me?"
Merle gave her a look. "O' course fuckin' he will! He's gonna flip shit! He's been fuckin' hopin' ya was still alive and so 'ave I…ya know dat damn picture ya give 'im ya'lls senior year?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Why?"
"He's still fuckin' got it. After we started lookin' fer a place to hunker down after tha world went ta shit, he pulled out that picture and just looked at it. Like he was missin' ya and I know he fuckin' was. He guarded dat thing with a fuckin' passion. E'ry time I tried ta take it he pounced on me like a goddamned bobcat…nearly took my balls off."
MaryJane giggled at him, imagining Daryl do that to Merle. She could only imagine the cussing storm Merle would release.
"He's had it all dis time and it's kinda rough lookin', but I think it's his way ta stay connected ta ya. I think it also kept givin' hope that he'd find ya again."
The girl before him was stunned. She never knew Merle had that level of thought. She knew he wasn't dumb, but he wasn't a genius either. Now, she looked at him differently. Even though he was sometimes an ass to her in the past she always respected him…and then her respect grew even more. Merle did have a heart in there.
Where did it come from, that heart? When did Merle start feeling things he saw? What changed in him? Or, maybe who?
MaryJane smiled warmly and giggled.
"Wha? Wha's so damned funny?" He asked, a little defensively.
She shook her head. "Nothing it's just…"
She reached into her jean pocket and pulled out a crinkled picture. She handed it to him and he took it, chuckling with a shake of his head.
"How in fuck's name did ya get 'im ta grin like dat?"
Merle knew exactly how when her face went red. He gave her a mischievous smirk and studied the picture. Daryl was leaned against a tree, head turned towards her, his eyes sparkling with anticipation and amusement. Even though it was kind of hard to see, the corners of his lips were turned up in a subtle smile. His hair was shorter then, just hitting a few inches down his forehead. He still had his facial hair then too. He looked so much younger, now he had aged, the lines of stress had become more apparent. It had on all of them.
Merle glanced at MaryJane as he thought of that. She had aged too, but she looked good like she always had. The only difference was the stress lines in between her eyebrows, in the corner of her eyes, and where they parenthesis made home around her lips. She was still pretty, but she wasn't his Beth.
"I'm sure we've both aged." She said weakly, noting how Merle studied her face.
Merle shrugged, glancing back at the picture. "Don' matta none. In the world now, ee's all aged too fuckin' ahead o' our time…"
Again, MaryJane was taken aback. He seemed more…human now. She liked it. Merle glanced at Rick who was talking to the leader of MaryJane's group.
"What tha fuck was ya'll doin out 'ere?"
MaryJane sighed before answering. "Well, we had to get supplies for the rest of the group, food and what not. We didn't see the herd coming before it was too late. We were lucky you guys showed up. Thanks for that by the way, you saved my butt."
The older Dixon grinned. "Ya ain't gotta thank me. I's jus' glad it was you I saved insteada some otha girl dat don' mean shit."
"I guess I owe you." She smiled.
He shook his head with a chuckle. "Nah, ain't necessary. I think it's Daryl who's gonna owe me."
MaryJane bit her lip and glanced at Rick in uncertainty. Merle's eyes followed hers.
"Don' worry, he'll let ya'll come along ta our place. Wouldn't fuckin' leave ya'll out 'ere…he's a bleeding 'eart and a cop…makes a pretty shitty mix at times."
The younger, shorter girl beside him studied the man who looked to be her age or a few years older. "What's his name?"
"Officer Friendly,"
MaryJane gave him a scolding glare, one that said: 'Really? Really?' Merle gave her a look of mock innocence and titled his head, looking like a creepy child. Her eyes widened and she leaned away which made him chuckle and return to normal.
"What's his real name?"
"Aw, ya take all tha fuckin' fun outta it." She rolled her eyes. "His name's Rick Grimes, that boy there's 'is kid, Carl and the ninja woman in Michonne."
MaryJane gazed at the others softly, sensing gentle people that were hardened by the trials of living in the world where the dead walked. She understood them all too well.
"Where's Daryl if he's not here? Is he back at ya'lls' base camp?" MaryJane asked, scanning her group members, ignoring the searing gaze of the youngest boy from her group.
Merle nodded. "He took watch after we left and he had watch all fuckin' night long."
Worry bubbled in MaryJane. "Why didn't he take off and go to sleep?"
Merle shrugged. "He don' tell me shit, but I think ya know tha reason why, MJ."
Her face fell as she nodded. Daryl was losing sleep and vital energy because of her and his own self-guilt and disgust. It wasn't fair to him. He was slowly starting to hurt himself. Realizing that made MaryJane want to go to him, hug him, hold him close and promise him that she was alive and that she'd never leave him again. She wanted to try and fix him like she did when they were teenagers. Her heart began to race at the thought of seeing him again.
After she found Con's group and they started further into the forests, she had high hopes of running into Daryl. She was optimistic that it wouldn't be long till she saw him again. As the days passed and she waited she replayed the past in her head, remembering high school, their friendship and the love she felt for him. After all that time she still loved him. She doubted she could love anyone else but him. He had been her everything, the one person who could understand her when others couldn't. He was her best friend, her first and only lover. She replayed those days and nights of bliss in her head, eagerly awaiting the day they would be together again.
Yet, as the days turned into months without a sight or trace of him, her optimism began to fade, but her hope didn't. She prayed every night to God, if he was still there, and begged to see Daryl again, even if it was just a glance. If she knew he was alive then she could live the rest of her days in peace. Now, after all the time that passed, God answered her prayer. Soon, hopefully, she was going to see him again. Joy leapt into her heart, making a large smile grow across her face. Her whiskey eyes lit up as Merle handed the picture back to her.
Merle knew she was thinking of his brother and he was glad she still wanted to see him. He figured that she might've moved on already and boy…that would destroy his brother. Merle's icy blue eyes shot to those of the young kid of MaryJane's group, finally tired of feeling the stare. The kid was watching her intensely, as if she was his and his to protect. Merle's own protectiveness rose up, making his muscles stiffen. No man would try and make moves on his brother's woman and this kid wasn't any different. She was Daryl's long before this kid knew her and he'd make sure he wouldn't stand in the way of his brother and MaryJane's reunion.
Though, he wouldn't mind letting Daryl beat the shit outta him, but he knew any wrong move between the two groups might start something bad. They already had the Governor on their asses they didn't need anyone else. The kid's eyes met Merle's and he quickly looked away.
Yeah, that's right ya'll little shit. Look away.
Merle looked down at MaryJane who was busy gazing at Daryl's picture, excitement radiating off her. A fond grin twitched at the corners of his lips, but it faded as he glanced back at the kid who was watching MaryJane again.
Little prick don' look like he's even his puberty yet.
The kid looked at Merle again. Merle stepped a few inches closer to MaryJane, giving him a warning glare, one that signaled something dangerous.
She ain't yours, keep her eyes offa 'er or yer gonna regret it.
The asshole Dixon had to give the kid credit when he didn't look away, but kept his gaze, lifting his head towards the challenge. Merle laughed on the inside.
A'ight, kid. If it's war ya wan, yer gonna get itt. Then yer gonna get an ass whoopin' by my brotha and me. Ya aint' gonna know what hit ya.
Soon he looked away and it left Merle bothered. He wasn't bothered by much but he could feel the kid would be a problem later on. Merle looked at MaryJane.
"Who's tha kid?"
MaryJane glanced at the kid who was watching Rick speak. "Oh, that's Jeremy."
Merle watched her as she looked at the kid. There was fondness, but Merle could see no attraction or longing in her eyes. In fact, it looked like how a sister would look at her brother or a mother to her kid.
So, it's all one sided.
Merle knew the kid was attracted to her because he'd seen the exact same look on Daryl before. He just hoped that he saw right, that MaryJane felt nothing for the kid. If she moved on it would shatter Daryl's world.
"Ain't he a little young?" Merle inquired with a hint of an accusatory tone.
MaryJane's brows furrowed at her. "What do you mean?"
Merle' expression darkened. "Ya ain't noticed tha way he looks at ya?"
She swallowed and lowered her eyes. "Of course I have."
Merle crossed his arms, gazing at her expectantly. There was no way she'd break his brother's heart without an explanation. If she was indeed with the kid, Merle wouldn't let her go see his brother. Better off letting Daryl think she's dead.
MJ sighed heavily. "He was the one in Con's group that found me. He led them to me and they offered me a place with them. I was lost and he was there for me. He welcomed me in and helped me through the times when I hit my lows, Merle. He's a good kid and my friend. I owe him a lot…he was the one who told me to keep on hoping that Daryl was alive."
A harsh scoff from the taller, older man followed. "He jus' fuckin' said that. From tha way he looks at ya I don' think he fuckin' was sincere 'bout what he fuckin' said. He wants ya fer 'imself, MJ. He fuckin' wants ya."
She released a sound of absurdity from between her lips. "Yeah, right. I'm sure I'm old enough to be his mother!"
Merle stared at her with incredulity. She was blind to the whole thing. She didn't see that the kid liked her more than as a friend. Apparently, his bond with her was stronger on his side than on hers.
"So…ya ain't got feelin's fer him?" Merle asked cautiously and in warning to her.
MaryJane felt like Merle had punched her in the gut as he gazed down at her suspiciously.
"No, I don't. I promise, Merle. I love Daryl and I only want him, okay? There could never be anyone else for me."
She felt like a specimen under a microscope as he studied her. Was he really questioning her feelings for Daryl? How could he? Jeremy was just someone she talked to when she couldn't talk to Daryl. She liked him, yes, but as a friend and as a younger brother. Just the thought of being with him in any other way felt…disgusting. Though, there was that one time…
No! That couldn't affect Jeremy! They promised each other that they'd forget that and move on! Was it possible that he wasn't wanting to forget what happened? Was Merle right?
"I believe ya...but jus' know that even though I like ya and yer my brotha's woman don' fuckin' mean that I ain't weary o' any other man that's seemed to stake a damn claim on ya. There ain't no deeper reason for 'im ta want ya, right?"
Mary Jane broke from her thoughts and bit her lip. If she told Merle he would tell Daryl, wouldn't he? She knew that if she didn't say anything it might come back to bite her should Jeremy try to use it to hurt Daryl.
"Well…um…"
Merle felt his stomach drop. Oh shit. "'Well, um' wha?"
MJ swallowed. "There was one time that, um, I hit a low with depression and I lost hope that I would find Daryl again…Jeremy held me as I sobbed and for a moment I got lost in the past. I thought it was Daryl holding me, whispering in my ear...I kissed him and I said Daryl's name…I just missed him so much and I…I…I thought…We promised that it wouldn't happen again. I thought things went back to normal, but…I swear…it meant nothing…"
She trailed off and hesitantly gazed up at Merle whose expression was one she wasn't expecting. Surprisingly, he look rather…understanding, but she could still see that he was pissed. What the hell happened to the Merle she knew before?
"Well, fuck me, MJ, I thought you'd gone and fucked the kid!" She winced and he just lifted her face with his hand. "I ain't mad…well, maybe jus' a little, but I can understand dat things happen when our fuckin' emotions get in tha way. It happens with me, Daryl, and e'ryone else. We're only fuckin' human. As long as ya ain't wantin' tha kid then I ain't gonna blame shit on ya, 'kay?"
She nodded in relief, gazing thankfully at him.
He dropped his hand and sighed heavily. "Seems like the goddamned kid don' feel tha same fuckin' way."
MaryJane frowned, playing with the string on her button down shirt. "If I could take it back I would…he's known about Daryl…everyone knows about Daryl and Jeremy knows I love him…I don't understand why he would want me when he knows the only reason I live is for Daryl."
Merle was glad to hear that. He believed her completely. She was a person who could never lie, at least not well. He knew she wasn't lying to him then.
"Once yer reunited with Daryl I'd tell 'im what ya told me and if ya need me come an' get me. If he throws a bitch fit I'll knock the shit outta 'im. Deal?" He asked, holding his fist out.
MaryJane giggled and bumped fists with him. That was when she looked down at his right hand and found it to be replaced with a blade. Her eyes bugged out as her eyes shot back up to him in worry.
"Oh, my God! What happened?!" She exclaimed, placing a hand on his right arm.
MaryJane noticed how his eyes flickered bitterly to Rick.
"It's a long fuckin' story, MJ. I ain't fuckin' worried 'bout it no more. Can't get it back so there's no damned need in worryin' 'bout it. I kinda like it now."
She offered him a confident and warm smile. "I think it fits you."
He let out an airy chuckle through his nose as he studied. Christ, it was good to see her. It dawned on him that he had missed her too. She was always easy to talk to, always welcoming no matter how someone treated her.
"Ya think?" He winked, lifting his wrist.
"You'll tell me what happened someday?" She asked hopefully.
He smirked and nodded. "Sure, I will."
She grinned and just looked at him. It was so good to see him. It didn't really hit her that she was actually talking to Daryl's brother. The magnitude of the situation hadn't hit her, but when it did Merle was sure it would bring her to her knees.
Minutes earlier, after they'd just taken the herd down and MaryJane tackled Merle, Rick lowered his gun. He glanced at Merle and the girl who were hugging then back to the man whose eyes were softer now. Who was she? Was she someone from Merle's past? Did Daryl know her too? Even though the girl and Merle were friendly it didn't help lessen Rick's anxiety at the situation before them. He turned his eyes towards the older leader who was looking at Merle and the girl curiously, but almost as if it were old news.
Did he know who Merle was?
"What's ya'lls names?" Rick asked politely, but suspiciously.
The man answered without hesitation and pointed to those in his small group. "My name's Con Slade, this 'ere…" He pointed to the beer belly man on his left. "…is Slim Grant and the kid over 'ere is Jeremy Duncan. The girl huggin' your man is MaryJane Jenkins. Who're ya'll?"
Rick wanted to ask the questions, but knew that any wrong moves could make them hostile. He glanced at Merle and the girl 'MaryJane' who was clinging to Merle like he was her lifeline.
"I'm Rick Grimes, that's my son Carl, Michonne and Merle Dixon." Rick answered, then bounced off.: "How many walkers ya'll kill?"
Con blinked and shrugged, tossing a glance back to Merle, then back to Rick. "Lost count, don't care no more. They's nothin' but a damn nuisance. The more we kill the better. Don't make no difference. Wha' 'bout ya'll?"
Con knew what kind of game Rick was playing, but he was curious as well about them. Why not go ahead and play three question Ping-Pong.
Rick shrugged. "We all lost count too."
"Figures," Slim voiced with an accent as thick as Merle's.
"How many people ya killed?" Rick asked, hand tightening on his pistol.
"In all?" Con asked and Rick nodded. "Three,"
"Why?"
Con stared at Rick solemnly. "'Cause they didn' wanna turn inta those walkin' corpses out there. I figure tha same goes fer ya'll. "
The cop nodded in understanding and affirmation. Rick glanced at Michonne who nodded. Then he turned his gaze to Merle who was talking quietly to the girl.
"We've got a place. Ya'll can come with us." Rick offered.
Con smiled softly, taken aback by their hospitality. "I appreciate that, Mr. Grimes, but it ain't just the four of us. We've got some more."
Rick shrugged. "We'll go get 'em. Ya'll got a safe place?"
Con sighed heavily. "If ya call a rundown barn a safe place."
"We've got a prison. It's well protected…you could stay for a little while if ya wanted." Carl offered, taking a stand by his father.
Mr. Slade smiled warmly at the boy and glanced at Slim who nodded. "I think we'll take ya up on that offer there, son."
A corner of Rick's mouth twitched, pleased and he holstered his gun. "Is there more of ya'll?"
Con nodded. "We got a few more. My wife, my daughter, her two kids, Slim's son and his wife. Ya'll sure ya'll got room fer us?"
"The prison's really big. Ya'll could have a whole block to yourselves." Rick assured.
A pleased smiled came across the silver haired man's face. "Sounds good."
His eyes flickered to MaryJane who was walking with Merle towards them. Con studied the man. He recognized him as Merle, the brother of MaryJane's lost boyfriend. The older man was pleased that she found one of them. That means the second wasn't too far away. Con smiled fondly at MaryJane who smiled at Rick then looked to Con.
"They were kind enough ta offer us a place to stay for a while." Con informed, using his head to gesture to Rick.
MaryJane's eyes widened, her heart leaping into her throat. She zipped towards Rick and surprised everyone as she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
"Thank you, sir! Thank you so much!"
Rick, stunned, patted her back gently, chuckling quietly. "You're welcome, ma'am."
She pulled back and smiled brightly at Rick and he was momentarily taken aback at how…happy she was to hear that he had offered her group asylum. She seemed too excited as she beamed at Merle. Rick glanced questioningly at Merle who just smirked back at him.
"Uh, how'd you two know each other?" Rick asked, looking at MaryJane politely.
"'Cause, Officer Friendly, this girl 'ere is Daryl's woman." Merle answered, taking a step closer to her.
Rick's eyes widened a fraction. Con grinned a little at the other man's reaction. After MaryJane had been with them awhile Con had seen her looking at the picture of the boy she called Daryl and she told him the whole story. She told him how she wanted to look for him and Con tried to give her hope that she would find him. Now, maybe it wouldn't be too long before she finally was. Con grabbed up his rifle and glanced at his followers. The older man frowned at Jeremy who glared at Merle Dixon, glancing at MaryJane possessively and scowled. The kid had no boundaries or common sense to know when he wasn't wanted. As bad as that sounded, Con knew of the kid's desire towards MJ.
MaryJane had no feelings except friendship and even motherliness towards the kid. Jeremy was a hard worker and strong fighter, but he was young and impressionable. Con was just worried that it happened to be MaryJane who carried a big load of baggage on her shoulders that involved another man whom she obviously loved. Jeremy didn't respect that boundary and made it his job to help her. At the time, Con hadn't thought twice since the kid lost his mother and girlfriend during the beginning of the apocalypse.
Con figured that losing those two important women drew him towards MaryJane. As they started growing closer and Con saw Jeremy change. He was extra worried about her, possessive and protective to a point that Con wanted to smack him upside the head. Everyone knew about Daryl and to see Jeremy hoping to try and make her forget him was irritating. Regardless, she was faithful to this man called Dixon. She never returned Jeremy's feelings of anything other than friendship. Con just hoped the kid's feelings didn't get in the way of MaryJane's happiness.
It was obvious to Con that Jeremy wanted her, but it was unethical because she was much older than him. None of the group would accept it unless they were both willing parties and sure about their choices. Though, it would never get any further than what it was then, not with her long lost love being so close. Con knew the kid would try something, but what and when was yet to be seen. MaryJane was like a daughter to him and her happiness meant a lot to him. If this Daryl made her happy when Con'd see to it that it was ruined by anything or anyone. Not even a member of his own group, a kid who was hurting as much as the next person was.
"Well, how 'bout Merle and I go with ya'll to get the rest of your group? Carl and Michonne can wait at our vehicle and lead ya'll to the prison." Rick suggested, glancing at his group for agreement.
Con shrugged. "Sounds good ta me. Our camp's a few miles from 'ere and our truck's just past the green houses the next street over."
Rick nodded and gave the 'go' to his son and Michonne who nodded towards Con and hurried towards their truck. The cop nodded to Merle who wrapped his arm casually around MaryJane's shoulder. Rick and Con both noticed the brotherly protective and possessiveness in his stance and eyes despite looking so nonchalant.
Con also took notice of how Merle sent a warning glare towards Jeremy. The poor kid would be in for a fight if he tried to sabotage MaryJane's happiness. Con frowned slightly, feeling bad for the kid and began leading Rick and the others back towards their truck. They all piled into the truck with Con in the driver's seat, Slim in the middle, Rick in the passenger's seat, Jeremy behind him, and MaryJane in the middle with Merle on her left.
Once they were safely in, they set out with Con telling Rick about what they've been doing to survive. Merle kept his arm around MaryJane, making sure she was right beside him, her form touching his. It was his way of keeping her far from the kid as possible. He kept sending glares at the kid who glanced at MaryJane softly, his hand slowly inching towards her, wanting to touch her.
"We woulda stayed at that farm if another guy and 'is group hadn't run us off and threatened us."
Merle froze in the slightest. He glanced at Rick.
"You remember who it was?" Rick asked curiously.
Con shrugged. "Some guy called the Governor."
Merle's blood ran cold, his arm tightening around MaryJane. Rick glanced back at Merle, giving him a look that told him to keep quiet. MaryJane felt Merle's muscles stiffen and she looked up at him, confused by his sudden coldness at the mention of that bastard the Governor.
"We've had some run-ins with him too." Rick commented earning a sympathetic look from Con and Slim.
"Ya'll too, huh? Damn." Slim sighed, shaking his head as he spoke.
"He's a slippery son o'va bitch. Nearly killed my wife while tryin' ta burn the farm down." Con growled, his tan hands tightening on the steering wheel.
Rick sighed unhappily. "He's been tryin' ta sabotage our fences 'round the prison and sending out attacks from Woodbury."
Con's black eyebrows rose. "Any bad damage?"
The cop shook his head. "Nothin' we can't fix. We jus' fear that next time his attack will be worse than the one before."
"Damn," Slim cussed, spitting his tobacco into an old water bottle in the cup holder.
Merle glanced at MaryJane who was looking up at him curiously. He quickly relaxed his arm and gave her a dirty smirk which she rolled her eyes in return. He wasn't fooling her. She'd get it out of him one way or another. Or she'd ask Daryl…a dazed expression of longing filled her face.
Daryl
"Well, if ya'll have problems while we's there we'll stand with ya'll and fight the bastard." Con assured, sending Rick a promising look as he drove.
A smile grew on Rick's face. "Thanks, we really appreciate that, but I don't want ya'll blood on my hands, Mr. Slade."
"Con and it's not a problem. Somebody needs ta stand up ta that bastard and ya need help and take it while it's there." Con replied assuredly.
Merle grinned at Rick who was taken aback by his willingness to help them. They would need the extra man power if they were planning on fighting the Governor. His grin vanished when he pondered what might happen if it came out that Merle was the Governor's right-hand man at one time. He had no doubt it would be hell and Con's group might turn on them. Rick was asking for problems.
Minutes later Con pulled into an old dirt road that was a straight shot through thicker forest. A few moments later Con shut the truck off and Merle looked to see a barn looked like it was ready to collapse inward from the roof. He grimaced, but understood their situation. Merle slipped from the truck, holding his door open for MaryJane who climbed out behind him. Jeremy had been waiting on his side for her. Merle glared at him and slammed his door closed.
For some reason he despised the kid. He wanted to take his pretty boy face and smash it in. The violent thoughts vanished as MaryJane grabbed his metal cover over his wrist and dragged him towards the barn. Con was talking quietly with Rick and Slim while Jeremy followed, shoulders tense, hands curled into fists.
They all froze when an older woman, about Con's age stepped from behind the open barn door, shotgun drawn and pointed towards them. She was still good looking for her age. She was thin, tan with orange-red hair pony tail and brown eyes. She wore blood stained jeans and a long sleeve shirt with a dark brown cargo vest that ended with dark brown boots. She looked ready to kill, but when she recognized who it was she lowered the gun and ran to Con, throwing her arms around him in relief. Con hugged her back and Merle saw the obvious loving connection, a bond that was strong even through the apocalypse. He admired it from afar, glad to see some bonds remain strong. Con gave her a soft look and turned her towards the newcomers.
"Merle, Rick, this 'ere's my wife, Katherine. Katie, this is Rick Grimes and that's Merle Dixon. They helped save our asses from a herd of walkers in town." Con explained using his rifle to point between the two men.
The beautiful older woman smiled thankfully at Rick and Merle. "Oh, thank you both! Without these four we wouldn't be able to survive."
Rick just smiled at her, shaking her thanks off. "I'm sure they woulda done the same for us."
"Thank you, regardless." She thanked then looked at Merle, seeing him standing so close to MaryJane.
It finally dawned on her who it was.
"Oh, my! Aren't you Daryl's brother?" She asked, stepping towards them.
MaryJane beamed Katie, grabbing her hand. "Yes, this is Merle. I told you about him."
Katie's dark eyes grew with anticipation. "Does he know where Daryl is?"
MJ nodded her head feverishly. "Rick and Merle are staying at a prison with a group of people and Daryl's with them."
Con's wife let out a laugh of delight. "Oh! MaryJane! I'm so excited for you! Finally, you'll see him again! See! Didn't I tell you you'd find him again?!"
Merle grinned as Katie hugged the younger girl, the two of them jumping up and down in excitement. He looked at Con who was just shaking his head fondly at his wife's overexcitement. When Katie pulled back she grabbed one of MaryJane's shoulders.
"So, you're goin' back with them, right?"
Con answered for MJ. "We're all goin', Katie."
Katie turned and looked at her husband in confusion, but relief at the same time.
"Let's all go inside and we'll explain what's happened." Con suggested.
Katie nodded, smiling at Merle like he was a miracle from God. She glanced at his arm, unfazed by seeing his right hand replaced by a blade. She grabbed his good arm and MaryJane's hand, pulling them towards the barn. Merle shot MaryJane a look which made her giggle. Merle wasn't used to being touched by strangers, but since MJ was okay with it he'd tough it out.
Minutes later Merle and Rick were introduced to the rest of the group. They met Con's daughter and grandchildren. Their daughter, Emily had two little boys named Luke and Mark. Their father was missing and believed to be dead. Emily was a pretty girl, a little too skinny, but she had light brown hair and her father's hazel eyes. Both boys were black haired, one with brown eyes and the other with blue eyes. Slim introduced his wife Beverly, or Bev, who was a stout woman with short, curly blonde hair. Their son was Charlie who looked more like Slim. He was a tall, lanky country boy who sported an old Bass Pro Shop, cameo ball cap.
He wasn't able to get up because he sprained his ankle trying to avert walkers from the barn. He was more than happy to hear that Rick was offering them a safer place to stay for a while. After introductions were made Rick and Merle helped them pack what little supplies they had. A few of the men lifted Charlie into the back of the truck, making sure to not hurt his ankle. They all piled into the truck and truck bed. Rick guided Con back to the town where Michonne and Carl were waiting with the truck.
They looked more than relieved to see Rick and Merle again. A few of the others from Con's truck climbed into theirs. MaryJane rode with Merle, making sure that he wouldn't disappear if he left her sight. He made fun of her for being extra clingy which she shook off, sticking her tongue out at him immaturely. MaryJane and Merle glanced back every few minutes to make sure Con was still following.
When it finally occurred to MaryJane that they were heading to see Daryl her heart started to run a marathon in her chest. Her hand wrapped around Merle's shirt sleeve tightly, her legs shaking in anticipation. Merle grinned down jokingly at her.
"Ya ain't excited are ya?"
MaryJane shot him a scowl. "Bite me."
He chuckled. "Ooo! Don't tempt me."
She used her other hand to punch his muscular arm. He feigned hurt which made her feel bad, but once she realized he was faking it she punched him again.
"Calm yer tities, bookworm, we're almost there." Merle said, earning another punch.
"Ow, there's gonna be a bruise there." He complained, rubbing his arm.
She didn't reply, but just stared out the front of truck, waiting for the trees to break to show the prison. Her body was working overtime in excitement, the adrenaline stirring in her veins. She was so close. So close to seeing Daryl again. At last! She began to gently bounce in her seat, earning a grin from Carl and a curious look from Rick who felt her anticipation. He still didn't know all that he wanted to about this girl and Daryl. It was a mystery he wanted to figure out.
Merle felt her anticipation radiate into him making him feel impatient to see Beth again. Even though he hadn't thought about her before then, he felt the quiet stirrings of longing in his belly at the thought of her. He'd see her soon. Just like Daryl'll see his woman soon.
After a long drive, the trees broke, the prison towering before them, walkers lined up along the fences. MaryJane's heart leapt in her throat as Rick hurried through the fences and the main gate was opened by an Asian boy who was flanked by a pretty short cut, dark haired girl. Rick pulled through and made sure Con had enough room to pull in fully and turned the truck off. Merle popped his door open and stepped out. MaryJane nearly fell out in her excitement. Merle caught her before her face could hit the ground.
"Watch it, there, MJ, don't wanna break yer damned nose right befer ya see my brotha." He warned, balancing her on her two, shaky feet.
Merle turned towards Con's group who were filing from their truck. He grinned evilly at Glenn who ignored him and went to Rick with Maggie in tow.
"Who're these people, Rick?"
"They're some survivors we found while under attack by a herd." Rick explained.
Glenn eyed them suspiciously, even as Con strolled towards them with Slim right behind him.
"Are you sure they can be trusted? How do you know they aren't with the Governor?"
"If they was with the Governor, I'd fuckin' know it." Merle hissed, glaring at the kid who just glared back defiantly.
Con reached them then, giving Glenn a warm smile.
"Con, this is Glenn and Maggie. They're…"
Merle turned and looked towards MaryJane who was looking amongst the crowd of people. She didn't recognize the few that came out to greet them and Rick who followed to introduce them. Rick, knowing why MaryJane was sidetracked, didn't bother her and Merle. Merle glanced to see Beth looking at him. Merle pointed secretly to the distracted MaryJane and mouthed her name to Beth. Her blue eyes widened and she studied the girl. After a few seconds Beth's eyes shot back to him incredulously.
Merle mouthed his brother's name in question. Beth glanced up at the watch tower and Merle nodded. He sent Beth a wink and smirk which made her blush. He felt his pants tighten in reaction. He focused his attention on MaryJane who was fidgeting in her spot, eyes scanning the crowd hopefully.
"If yer wantin' ta find 'im he's on watch in tha tower." MaryJane looked up to where Merle gestured.
She made a move to head that way when Merle grabbed her arm.
"Better go ta 'is cell and wait fer 'im." She nodded, not really paying attention to him because of her spinning mind.
He pulled her arm, leading her into the prison. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Beth follow surreptitiously. MaryJane didn't care to take in details of the prison for she had something more important on her mind. She tripped over her own feet a few times, making Merle have to catch and steady her before continuing. They went with haste to make sure she'd get there before Daryl did. Once they climbed up the stairs Merle released her arm and gently shoved her into his brother's cell.
MaryJane zipped around to look wide eyed at him, body trembling with eager anticipation and fear. Merle gave her a confident grin.
"He should be 'ere in a few minutes. Don' give 'im too much o' a heart attack, please."
She had no voice to retort as he walked away. Unable to move, she stood frozen in the middle of the small cell, her heart pounding in her ears. She began to count down the minutes in her head, wondering what was going to happen in the time to come.
Merle pulled Beth into an empty cell, pressing his mouth hard against hers. She kissed him back, relishing in his intoxicating kiss of longing. She missed him…even if he was only gone for a few hours. Her heart raced in joy as she inhaled his scent and felt the warmth of an arm snake around her waist, pulling her against him possessively. Their tongues danced intimately, savoring the taste of the other. Beth moaned, making Merle's lower body harden in response. Moments passed when she pulled back for air, his lips pressed against her neck, then forehead.
"How?" She breathed.
"Long story." Merle responded, as she buried her face in his shoulder.
"What now?"
Merle chuckled. "Now we wait…I'd love to be a damned fly on the wall right now."
Daryl ignored the new group of people and left the watch tower as Carl walked through the door. He thought maybe the kid had tried to say something to him, but he ignored the young kid. All he wanted to do was fall in his bed and die for a few days. He caught a glance of Rick talking to an older, silver haired man. He shouldered his bow and headed inside. He quietly clomped up the stairs, the emptiness in his chest returning as it always did. He ran a hand through his dirty hair and sighed.
He patted his breast pocket, feeling the outline of MaryJane's picture. A surge of pain went through his chest as he removed his hand from the pocket. Another sleepless night of the past haunting him endlessly. He glared at the steps, feeling the urge to punch the wall. He admitted that he hoped that MaryJane might be in that group that Rick and Merle brought in, but he dashed that thought away quickly. No need in giving his hopes up.
He cursed God, his luck, and himself. He cursed the day he didn't tell Merle to fuck himself and head into Atlanta. His own self-loathing grew, driving him mad. Angry water filled his eyes I frustration. After he walked down the hall he turned into his cell, dropping his bow on the desk. He sighed and froze when he felt another presence in the room. He turned his head and when his eyes locked on the form.
The air was knocked from his lungs. His heart stopped beating, his knees starting to tremble as whiskey locked with blue.
"MaryJane?"
There we have it. Once again, I hope Merle was in character. Yes, one of those nasty cliffhangers...again.
I hope it was enjoyable. This is my longest chapter by far and the future ones may be this long, depending on what actually happens in future chapters. More of Daryl to come soon, I know he was only in this chapter for a few moments. It will be worth it in the future, my dear readers.
AN: I will be updating every five to six days, depending on my college schedule and life in general. Thank you for being patient with me.
More to come soon. Please review! I love feedback!
Happy Writing!