Hello all. Here is Chapter 6!
As I said before I have been suffering from a stomach bug, but I am better now. With a family get-together out of the way I can focus on this story and my school work. Thank you all for your patience and support. I apologize for the lateness, but here is a long chapter to make up for it. I hope it is good.
I would like to thank those who have reviewed chapter 5...ifrickinlovenarwals, texasbelle91, mrskaz453, The Reading Dead, igottoomanyloves, and an anonymous reviewer (Guest).
Thank you who have favorite and followed my story!
AN: REMINDER: 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.
AN II: I have come to the realization that this story is going to be longer than I planned. So, the length is up in the air at the moment, but I hope it will be at least ten chapters and no more. The chapters are going to get longer to fill in the space for that if I decide to do so. I will keep you all updated as soon as my decisions are made.
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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 6
When the sun started to set in the sky Carol set to work on making a big dinner with the help of Katie, MaryJane, and Bev. The short, silver haired was rather taken aback by the help from the insistent strangers. Usually, she had at least one pair of hands from Beth or Carl. Now she had three extra sets of hands who seemed eager to help and denied her assurances that she could handle it. The food wasn't much, but it was what they could scrape together with both groups' rations.
"Thank you all for the help." Carol thanked whole-heartedly. "Usually it's just me and Beth."
MaryJane glanced at Beth who was smiling down at a cooing Judith.
"Oh, it's no problem! I miss cookin'! Bev and I used ta have a cook out every other weekend when we were young girls and first started dating our husbands. It feels nice to do somethin' similar to it." Katie replied with a beautiful, beaming smile.
A ghost of a smile graced MaryJane's lips as she gazed at Beth and the baby, but that's what it was, a ghost. The older woman was suspicious of Beth, but not in a bad way. She was curious as to why Merle had been staring at her.
Does Merle have feelings for her? Is she girl who made this change in Daryl's brother? Does Beth have feelings for Merle? Are they together in secret?
MaryJane wanted to believe it, but it seemed rather impossible due to their obvious age gap. Though, when did MaryJane really care about age? Her parents had been ten years apart and her grandparents more than that. So, if Merle wanted a girl as young as Beth, MaryJane wouldn't care. She knew Daryl would mind since Beth seemed to be like a little sister to him. Does Daryl know? Now, that was a question. MaryJane suddenly recalled the look Daryl gave Merle when they had been introduced to each other's groups.
She was certain Merle was staring at Beth, but why would Daryl give Merle such a dark look? Did Daryl know something?
Whiskey eyes glanced at Beth again. MaryJane would hold her hand back and play the cards slowly to see what hand would be laid out. She rather liked the girl and Judith so what better way to get to know her and information concerning the one-handed Dixon? MaryJane wasn't going to just talk to Beth for Merle, no, she wanted to get to know her like she did everyone else. So, she'd start with Beth and hopefully she wouldn't suspect or get freaked out by MaryJane's attentiveness.
The older woman's thoughts went back to Daryl who had departed very hesitantly from her to go with Rick and Con to check the weak spots in the fence. Well, maybe 'hesitant' was a bad word to use for what Daryl was feeling. He was down right and utterly panicked. He feared that if she left his sight she'd vanish.
If MaryJane were to be honest she felt the same way. Her mind went back to their kiss in his cell earlier. A real grin twitched at the ends of her lips. Her heart stuttered and her tummy did those flip flops. There weren't words to describe what she felt after kissing him again. It felt as if she'd kissed him only yesterday. His lips were so familiar and warm...she was reminded as to why she missed those times with him. Especially the times where only the forest heard their cries, her bed creaked with every motion and the car windows grew foggy with heat. Her stomach curled tightly, almost painfully of those memories during their youth. How blissful those times had been, so beautiful and worthwhile. She wondered momentarily if they would be the same. With a mental shake of her head she knew it wouldn't be.
Time had passed and too much had happened in between that time. If she and Daryl were to go down that path again it wouldn't be the same, nothing would really be the same. She'd already accepted that and it made her wonder what it would be like then. The only way she could really find out would be to walk down that path again.
She'd be lying if she said she hadn't missed their intimate contact, but she doubted that Daryl had much thought about it, unlike Merle who had a one track mind that thought only of it. There was so much more to worry about and even though a man does have needs, she knew Daryl wouldn't succumb to them. He'd push them down, suppress them and worry about what really mattered.
Hell, she didn't even know if Daryl would still want her in that way. He may want her like they used to be when they talked and hung out, but the other way? She wasn't so sure, but she was sure that she wanted Daryl completely and in every sense of the word. Though, if emotional and mental support was all he wanted then she'd be fine with that. Just having him back was enough for her, but the mind did reminisce on what could be.
"So, MaryJane, from the way Daryl was lookin' and standin' around you I'd say you two know each other. You don't happen to be a long lost girlfriend do ya?"
MaryJane snapped from her thoughts and looked at a curious Carol.
"I don't if you'd call me his girlfriend, but we were together before the apocalypse happened, yes. Why?"
Carol just smiled. "I always thought Daryl had a girl before this all happened. Merle used ta mention a girl ta Daryl sometimes and he'd just tense up. He just reminds me of a guy who would've had someone special. I never thought in a million years I'd actually meet said girl."
MaryJane, having been naturally possessive of Daryl, felt that streak rise up in her. Carol had a fond gleam in her eyes when mentioning the tracker, but it never seemed to be anything else. That made the woman relax. She was just grateful for what Daryl does for the group.
The dark haired girl just nodded. "I'd be the same way, but here I am. Thank God for that too."
Carol eyed the girl warmly. She always liked Daryl, but never in anything more than platonic. He was good-looking, yes, but that was just it. She was very grateful for what he's done for her, but when she looked at him she saw just a friend. Besides, it was obviously clear to Carol, and those who cared to notice, that Daryl's heart had never been available. It had always been with someone else and it wouldn't ever belong to anyone else except that person who first took it.
"I'm glad you're here. Maybe Daryl'll open up more." Beth piped up from behind MaryJane.
Another dose of suspicion grew in MJ. What did Beth know about her? Did Beth know something more about her and Daryl? She threw away the idea that Daryl told her anything. So, who could've if she asked? MaryJane bit the inside of her cheek when one other person came to mind.
Merle.
If Merle told her then his and Beth's secret relationship would make much more sense. MaryJane began to brew theories in her head as she began setting the most used table. Katie wiped her hands on a rag while Bev threw the cut up vegetables into the stew.
"I hope so too. He's always been really reserved around us. Also, really tense too. When you were with him he was so relaxed. I think you being here will do some real good." Carol added to what Beth didn't continue to say.
Carol gave MaryJane a kind smile as she finished up setting the table.
"How long do you stir the stew usually?" Bev asked, using the same rag Katie used to wipe her hands.
Carol shrugged. "I let it boil for fifteen minutes then stir for a few then let it sit."
Bev nodded. She had been a cook at a restaurant in a small town outside of Atlanta. She was real good at it too, made the restaurant really popular with her cooking skills. The rare times the group found a place with a wood burning stove she would whip up an excellent meal even if it was just soup.
After getting her job done MJ went and sat by Beth who was rubbing Judith's hair down with her hand. When MaryJane sat down Judith's big blue eyes looked right at her curiously. The older woman smiled at her, making a gasping sound at her.
"Why hello there, sweetie! Aren't you just as cute as a button?!"
Judith stuffed her fist into her mouth, staring at MaryJane like she was something interesting to look at.
"You've got the prettiest blue eyes I've ever seen!" She cooed, making Beth smile too.
MaryJane looked over at Beth and held out her hands towards Judith.
"May I?"
Beth smiled and handed the baby over. "Sure."
MaryJane sat the infant in her lap, her wet fist unclenching, gazing up at her. Whiskey eyes locked with hers and a powerful sense of adoration welled up in her. Looking at Judith reminded her as to why she wanted a child. So innocent, beautiful and pure. MaryJane talked baby talk to Judith earning moans in response, her eyes seeming to speak for her what she couldn't physically say yet.
"You're the prettiest little girl I've ever seen, yes, pretty girl."
All of a sudden she squirmed, pushing against MaryJane's arm, making a face and noise of distress. Having worked with infants MaryJane had an inkling as to what she wanted.
"Aww, it's okay, sweetie."
She grabbed her under her arms and lifted her into the air, placing her lead-like feet on her lap, putting her into a standing position. That seemed to appease Judith as she began patting MaryJane's hair that was draped on her shoulder.
With her face level MaryJane started making faces at the baby, earning little grins here and there. Beth watched with a warmth in her chest. MaryJane was a natural mother, seeming to know what to do for Judith. Daryl was lucky to have her. Beth felt pity for MaryJane too since she couldn't really have her own baby. She was sure she wanted one, but knew it would probably be impossible.
Maybe Judith would be a substitute to appease the motherly instincts in the older woman. All Beth knew was that what happened to Lori couldn't happen to MaryJane. Daryl might actually break then. Shaking such thoughts from her head, Beth focused on the sweet moment between MaryJane and Judith.
Judith let out a gurgily giggle as MaryJane began blowing against her chubby cheeks, earning toothless grins from the infant. MaryJane giggled herself, her heart just soaring so high in her chest at her interaction with the baby. Judith stuffed her fist into her mouth again, a little dribble escaping her lips. Beth giggled and wiped her mouth.
"We's got a wittle dwibble, don't we? Auntie Beth will clean it up, won't she? Yes." MaryJane cooed, then looked at Beth and spoke normally. "Thank you, Beth."
Said girl smiled. "Sure."
Judith pushed her head into MaryJane's jaw, her free arm stretching out to grasp at her shirt collar. Her tiny fist pulled it towards her and MaryJane chuckled.
"I think she's getting tired."
Beth nodded. "There's been so many new people to look at. I'd be tired too if I was her."
MaryJane chuckled again at Beth. The whiskey eyed girl admitted that she really liked Beth despite what MaryJane was theorizing about. Not that what she was thinking about would affect her opinion of Beth. No, in fact it would earn her brownie points in MaryJane's book. When Carol announced that the stew was ready MaryJane handed the baby back to Beth who draped the infant over her shoulder.
Carol, Katie, and Bev left the room to get the word spread that dinner was ready while Beth began getting her bottle together.
"Need help?" MaryJane asked from her sitting position.
Beth gave her a sheepish look. "Yeah."
MaryJane smiled. "Here, I'll take her back and you make the bottle."
The blonde nodded and handed Judith back over who was starting to get fussy. MaryJane propped the infant on her hip while Judith rubbed her face irritably on MJ's shirt. Beth hurried with the bottle, knowing how impatient Judith could get.
"I think this little rascal's gonna to sleep really good tonight." MaryJane theorized as Beth screwed the lid on top of the bottle.
"Me too," Beth agreed, smiling warmly at the older woman.
The young blonde sat at her usual seat and held her hands out for Judith and once in her arms Judith accepted the bottle, eating greedily. MaryJane's heart swelled at the sight. How she wanted her own children! Shaking her head quickly, she took a seat across from Beth and waited for Daryl. When his face popped into her head she felt her heart rate quicken. The need to see him again curled in her belly. She placed her hands in her lap, curling her hands together tightly. Her heart felt a little hollow when he wasn't there and it needed to be filled.
Patience, MaryJane, you've been parted from him for how long? I think you can wait a few minutes more.
Daryl waited impatiently to get back to MaryJane while talking with Con and Rick outside. Rick explained to Con what their daily routine was and Daryl followed as they started walking along the fence, stabbing a few walkers here and there who were beginning to strain a weaker part of the fence. Con asked Daryl about his cross bow and how long he'd been using it.
Con shouldered his rifle, draping his free arm over the barrel that faced the fence row. "You know a bow man is a bow man through and through. I used ta shoot a bow in my youth, but I pull tha shit outta my shootin' arm and that was that."
Daryl frowned. "That's a damn shame."
The older man shrugged. "It sure is. I miss that bow, but I don't miss it enough ta fuck my arm up any more than it already is."
The tracker grinned a little at that and nodded. Rick just smiled sadly at Con. Said man glanced around the prison with impressed eyes.
"I gotta say, ya'lls gotta damn good set up 'ere. Couldn't find nothin' better than this." Con complimented, setting the butt of his rifle back onto the ground.
Rick nodded in thanks. "It's secure for the most part. The Governor makes it kinda hard to keep secure when he sends out attacks."
"Yeah, I saw yer makeshift fences there back-a-ways. Whoever did it did a pretty good job." Con replied, glancing back behind them, towards the fence.
"My brotha and I fixed it." Daryl piped up, earning an impressed grin from the silver haired man.
"Nice goin', son. By tha way, wha' happened ta yer brother's arm there?" Con asked curiously.
Daryl glanced at Rick and they shared a knowing glance.
"Uh, well, desperate times call for desperate measures in this world now." Rick answered.
Con didn't look convinced, but he just nodded, taking the answer. "I hear ya."
Their conversation was cut short, to Rick and Daryl's relief, when Glenn came running, saying that dinner was ready. Con let out a delighted chuckled and headed towards the prison. He slapped his arm around Rick's shoulder in a brotherly way. Daryl looked at Glenn who smiled at him.
"Maggie and I'll take watch tonight. You get some rest."
Daryl nodded. "Thanks,"
Glenn watched as Daryl took long strides back into the prison, as if he was in a hurry to get somewhere. A grin spread across Glenn's face. With all the new women in the prison word spread quickly about the girl MaryJane and Daryl. The Korean was glad that Daryl had someone, again at least. Glenn knew how nice it was to have woman to come home to and to sleep with at night. Daryl was a hard worker and one of the toughest men he'd ever known. He was Merle's brother so you know he was a hard ass. Though, every hard ass needed a woman to soften them and Glenn was sure that this MaryJane was the person who could do that to Daryl. Glenn gave the tracker one last look before heading towards the watch tower where his beautiful wife waited for him.
Daryl followed after Rick and Con into the mess hall. He stopped at the entrance, doing a quick sweep of the cafeteria with his eyes until he found MaryJane. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding and he tried to force the desire to hurry from his veins, but it was clogged in him. Watching himself closely, not wanting to appear overly anxious, he took slow, calculated steps towards the table.
MaryJane looked up and when her eyes registered who it was her brown eyes lit up, a smile pulling at the corners of her lips. Daryl approached her with a cool expression, but her eyes looked down at his free hand to see it clenching and unclenching with impatience. Daryl finally made it to the table and took his seat beside MaryJane, draping his bow on the back of the chair. She smiled at him and he just nodded to her. Her heart felt it had been punched by his curt nod, but it vanished when she felt hand grab hers under the table and lace their fingers together.
Her slightly hurt expression blossomed into one of delight causing her to squeeze his hand. Daryl returned the squeeze with an emotionless face, his thumb rubbing the back of her hand as if feeling if she was really real. MaryJane, feeling content, glanced around for Merle. She had set an extra space for him, disliking his chosen isolation from the rest of the group. He was a bread winner and he deserved to be sitting with the group. When said man finally strolled in MaryJane beamed up at him. He sent her a wink and punched Daryl in the shoulder in a brotherly fashion.
She waited for Merle to take the seat and was surprised when he did plop down beside his brother, smirking as he saw their hidden conjoined hands.
"Hey, there, Romeo, Juilet," He greeted sarcastically, earning a warning glare from Daryl.
MaryJane, fond of the nicknames just giggled and squeezed Daryl's hand in comfort.
"How're you this lovely night, fine Mercutio?" She asked with a British accent in reply.
Merle mock shivered physically when she spoke. He made a face like he was about to come in his pants which made Daryl roll his eyes. Merle gave her a predatory grin as he leaned around Daryl to leer at her.
"I jus' love it when ya talk all fuckin' Brit ta me, MJ, talk ta me more, baby."
MaryJane just smirked and winked at him, flipping her hair playfully over shoulder making Daryl's eyes dart to watch her. She caught his eye and flushed deeply and it reminded Daryl of a younger her when they first really started to talk. She would always blush and hide her face behind a curtain of hair. He wanted to kiss her then for being so damned beautiful, but being in the presence of the two groups held him back. He just stroked her fingers with his.
Carol, Katie, and Bev passed out the bowls of stew which actually smelled considerably good and after a short prayer from Con, which made the Dixon brothers share an awkward glance, they dug in. To eat, Daryl had to release her hand, but the physical connection was remade when MaryJane placed her hand on his thigh causing Daryl to shiver involuntarily. His little friend hadn't reared in a long time, but then…he just did making Daryl's eyes darken and dart to MaryJane who was oblivious to his momentary discomfort.
As he ate the groups swapped stories on what they were doing before the apocalypse happened and Daryl listened curiously, surprised to hear that Con worked managing a stock ranch and making custom rifles. Katie was a retired school teacher who ended up helping Con with both enterprises. Slim had worked at a coal electricity power plant who had been recently laid off because of the government decision to shut down coal powered plants and was childhood friends with Con. Beverly had been a cook and Charlie was about to graduate high school and go into the work force as a welding mechanic.
Daryl was rather fond of the young man, having connected with him so he was interested to hear his story. His eyes darted to Jeremy who began telling his little tale causing him to grimace. His dark blue eyes glanced to MaryJane who glanced at the kid, but seemed to really pay no mind as she watched and smiled at Judith whom Beth was rocking to sleep. Beside him, Merle glared at the kid as he sipped his soup. Daryl was glad he at least had his brother's support, no, he was thankful.
Apparently, the kid had been in L.A. for a time shooting commercials for medicines and had a small part on a soap opera. When he said that Daryl and Merle shared a look. Called it. With a roll of Merle's eyes his younger brother focused back on the kid who admitted that he hadn't been exposed to harder, country life since he was a city boy. Daryl had to give him credit for at least saying that he had no idea how he survived. He moved back from L.A. because of a stagnant career and moved back in with his rich parents who didn't survive.
Daryl wasn't a heartless person like his brother was so he felt for the kid a little after seeing the genuine pain in his eyes when he mentioned the loss of his folks. Though, when his pretty boy eyes darted to MaryJane that empathy vanished and his muscles stiffened possessively. Nevertheless, he could understand why the kid would latch on to MaryJane. He'd just lost his folks and MaryJane's always been a nice person. Put two and two together.
She glanced over at Beth to see her gazing surreptitiously at someone on MaryJane's side of the table. Having a suspicion, MaryJane glanced over to see Merle staring back at Beth. The two averted their gazes quickly, not wanting to get caught, but MaryJane had already caught them. Instead of grimacing, she was grinning. She was rather excited for the two. So much loss between the both of them brought them together along with mutual attraction.
You two have got a lot of explaining to do when I start asking questions.
When the kid finally finished his story Emily, who was smiling at her two boys introduced herself properly and began telling her tragic tale. She'd been married to a Marine who'd been on a tour and worked state side in Atlanta, but suffered from mild PTSD. Con had been his father figure and the older man had helped him get past his disorder to be the right father for his sons. They'd been all together when the dead rose and James, her husband, had packed her and the kids into their car and ordered her to go to her parents' place.
She hadn't wanted to leave him, but not wanting to go against him made him swear to come back to her when he found his brother and he did. She left and he never returned. Emily began tearing up as she told the story, earning a supporting arm from her father and worried inquiries from her boys. Like a strong mother, she pushed through and finished her story, saying that her boys were her everything. Daryl's eyes darted to Charlie who was watching Emily softly, a strange fondness in his eyes.
Daryl glanced at MaryJane who offered him a smile. He flickered his eyes to Charlie and Emily and then back to MaryJane as a signal. Her eyes went the route his did before she mouthed: 'Later' to him. He just nodded shortly and glanced at Charlie who seemed ready to jump up and comfort her. MaryJane was next and Daryl felt her hand tighten on his thigh. Now, the beans were getting ready to be spilled to the rest of Daryl's group.
"Well, there's not much to say about me. I was born in Atlanta and moved to a small town to get away from the hustle and bustle. At school I met Daryl and we became friends..." MaryJane watched the reactions of Daryl's group and found Beth to be smiling so excitedly. "…we uh, we were really good friends and when I went off the college we kept in contact up until after I graduated and got a student teaching job in Atlanta. I had the day off when the apocalypse happened and I remembered what Daryl taught me about survival and I made it in the forest for a while on my own. I'd hoped I find Daryl and Merle, but unfortunately it wasn't to be, but Con's group found me and….here I am. I've found Daryl and Merle again so I'm excited about that…so…yeah."
Beth was grinning widely at MaryJane who just watched reactions and was surprised to see fond smiles. Daryl shot her a thankful look, not wanting to give them too much information on their relationship. He was always a private guy and MaryJane accepted that, glad too that he didn't like people knowing too much. She liked her privacy too, especially when it came to him. Hershel, Beth's father was smiling so warmly at MaryJane and she smiled back. His kind eyes flickered to Daryl then back to her. He looked…delighted to see her with the tracker. That elated her chest, her fingers feeling the material of his jeans.
After her story was told Rick and the others began on their stories. MaryJane listened with interest as Rick started. She frowned when she mentioned his wife and that she was dead. He didn't elaborate which made MaryJane look at Daryl in confusion. He gave her a familiar look which told her that he'd tell her later. She watched and listened to each story, feeling bad for Carol to hear that she had lost her daughter and husband. MaryJane listened to Beth and Hershel's combined story, but as MaryJane watched Beth talk she suspected there was something that was being told.
Daryl's dark eyes were narrowed on Beth which confused her. He seemed to be looking at her with disdain. Did something happen between them? Did Beth do something to anger Daryl? MaryJane glanced at Merle to see the elder brother glaring warningly at Daryl. Was that the famous Dixon protectiveness she saw in Merle's eyes? She knew that glare very well. Though, Daryl averted his eyes to finish his soup, ignoring his brother outright.
When it came around to telling his story, Daryl stiffened and Merle ended up telling them everything, leaving out some very important details MaryJane never knew about. If she did she might actually hate him and Merle didn't want that. MJ was like his sister and her hate was something he refused to have from her. He knew Daryl was gonna eventually tell her, but the rest of her group didn't need to know.
Knowing of Daryl and how he was, Con and his group weren't offended by Daryl's lack of social behavior. After Hershel told the story about Glenn and Maggie and their marriage the group finished their dinner with a few jokes and funny stories, earning real smiles and laughter that many of them hadn't seen or heard in a long time.
"…I went saw my friend the next day and he was still holding the toad in his hands. I asked him, I said: "Hey, I thought you was gonna take that ta the zoo." He said: "I did, now I'm takin' 'im to tha movies.""
MaryJane laughed and Daryl grinned at Con's joke. Daryl's hand was wrapped around hers, his heart swelling at the sound of her laughter and the sight of her smile. He felt like he had returned to the past upon hearing that laughter. Beth glanced at Merle who was smirking at his ogle-eyed brother. Merle winked quickly at her. Beth blushed and stood, saying that she had to put Judith to bed. That ended the night and everyone stood, taking their bowls to the sink. MaryJane took Merle and Daryl's and began helping Carol and the other women clean them.
Carol was once again awestruck by the help. Daryl watched Jeremy as he followed Rick, Con, Hershel, and Slim from the mess hall. The kid glanced longingly at MaryJane before hurrying away. Daryl felt a strange sensation of dread pit in his stomach. He didn't know what made him feel that, but his gut didn't feel too good when he looked at Jeremy looking at his woman. Daryl didn't even notice Merle follow Beth from the cafeteria. Even if he'd noticed he wouldn't have cared. Merle was asking to get his ass blown off so he let him. He done tried talking him out of it and it did little good, but earn Daryl a bruise.
The tracker stood, shouldering his bow and waited for MaryJane to get done. He glanced over at Emily who was sitting beside Charlie, a boy in each lap. Charlie was smiling affectionately at her while talking to the boy in his lap. The little kid beamed up at the older boy and hugged him. Emily smiled at the interaction, reminding her son not to get too rough with Charlie since he was hurt.
Daryl watched the scene with a strange warmth in his chest. He was sure Charlie liked the older woman and he obviously loved the boys. The dark haired hunter wished the best for all of them, hoping that something good would come for both sides. The kids needed a real father figure and maybe Charlie would be that for them.
"Go on," Carol whispered to MaryJane, nudging her shoulder with hers.
MaryJane averted her eyes from a waiting Daryl, flushing. She shook her head.
"No, it's okay. He can wait." She smiled.
Carol gave her a knowing look. "Go on, we've got this. You and Daryl's got a lotta catchin' up to do." With that she winked at her and wiggled her eyebrows.
Katie and Bev giggled as MaryJane blushed deep red. It was ridiculous really, MaryJane had already slept with Daryl numerous times, but the mention of it still made her blush. What was wrong with her? With a quick, embarrassed nod, she dried her hands and walked towards Daryl who was watching Charlie, Emily, and her kids. Daryl's dark eyes were on the little boys, an unreadable expression on his face. She brushed her hand against his to get his attention.
"Hi,"
His long hair flew as he zipped his head around, his dark eyes softening as he gazed down at her. He glanced at Carol and the others who were sneaking glances at them. Daryl took her hand, not caring if the women saw, lacing his rough fingers through hers and pulled her towards the stairs. MaryJane followed without hesitation. When they entered his cell it was pitch black. He released her hand and moments later the cell was a little brighter with the light of a candle on the desk in his cell. It was dim in the cell, but enough light to see.
MaryJane watched as he slid his jacket and vest off, leaving him in his cut off flannel shirt. She followed suit, pulling off her leather jacket and kicking her boots off. With her boots she was two inches shorter and Merle always made fun of her height. She may've been short, but she was fun sized earning another nickname from the perverted older Dixon. "Snickers". She snorted quietly, but Daryl heard it.
"Wha'?"
"Snickers,"
With hearing that Daryl just rolled his eyes. Leave it to his perverted older brother to make a joke about that. He kicked his boots off and closed the curtain of his cell behind her. He mumbled something about his brother being 'too friendly' with 'his woman'. Hearing those quiet words made her heart swell. She was his woman. Her whiskey eyes skimmed over the cell and she smiled upon seeing her back pack sitting by the door. Daryl watched her as he set his bow down and began inspecting it.
"Wha's that?"
"My back pack, has a little of my personal stuff that I managed to find after a few runs."
Daryl nodded and turned around to set his bow down. She pulled some shorts from the pack and immediately began pulling her pants down. Right then Daryl turned around and he felt his heart skip a beat and the Dixon blood begin to race. Her legs were long, lean, and pale. He easily remembered being in between those legs and making her cry his name. Shaking the delightful thoughts away he murmured an apology when she turned her head to see him watching.
"Sorry,"
MaryJane grinned at his embarrassment. "It's nothing you haven't seen before, Daryl."
Yeah and I'm wantin' again it more and more.
He didn't respond as he watched her pull the tight, black shorts up and lean back over to grab something else from her bag. She pulled a dark tank top from it and wasted no time in unbuttoning her shirt. Daryl felt like he was getting a strip tease and he wanted to walk over to her and just take her where she stood. The strain in his pants was a clear indicator of his desire to do just that. Not wanting to make a fool of himself, he turned and slipped the belt from his pants and stared at the wall, willing his body to calm down.
It was hard knowing that she was right behind him, tempting him with her stripping. His muscles tensed when he suddenly felt arms snake around his waist. He relaxed when he remembered it was only MaryJane. She pressed her cheek against his shoulder blade, inhaling his scent.
"I'm sorry,"
Daryl knew what she was apologizing for, but she didn't need to. He wasn't ashamed of wanting her, but he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. How long had it been since they'd been together?
Too fuckin' long.
He wouldn't rush her though. If he were to be honest he didn't want to rush either. Rushing could cause bad things to happen and losing her was something he wouldn't allow. He'd die before he lost her again. End of story. So, when she was ready he'd be ready too. Lowering his head, he placed a callused hand over hers that rested on his belly.
"Never apologize ta me, MaryJane."
She gave his bunk a thoughtful look before she released his waist and he turned around. He stood over her, tall and domineering. His dark eyes ate in her relaxed form, his eyes taking in her small form and exposed skin that seemed to glimmer in the candlelight. His hand reached out to cup her neck and cheek. He watched as her eyes closed and she leaned her face into his touch. He stepped closer to her, his chest brushing hers and leaned his forehead against hers.
He closed his eyes and brushed his nose with hers. MaryJane stood up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips urgently against his. Daryl inhaled sharply, but kissed her back, her bottom lip in between his. She deepened the kiss making Daryl's arm snake around her waist. His tongue danced lovingly against hers, tasting her and the soup from earlier. A moan escaped her mouth as he tilted his head to gain better access to her mouth, kissing her with everything he was.
His longing returned as he pulled her flush against him. She inhaled sharply as her fingers grasped at his sides, holding her to him. The kiss was broke in the slightest as MaryJane pulled her mouth back for a little air. She had to gulp air as Daryl's mouth claimed hers possessively again, kissing her in a way that made her toes curl. Wet sounds echoed in the room as the kiss grew a little desperate in attempt to soak in each other's lips.
Though, oxygen was not going to be ignored and Daryl's mouth left hers. He opened his eyes to see her lips swollen and a deep blush on her cheeks, her whiskey eyes glazed over with desire as she stared up at him. His thumb grazed her cheek affectionately before he stepped away and sat down on the bed, back against the cell wall and legs spread out along the length of bed. He held a hand out to her, beckoning her to come to him.
"C'mere,"
She came and took his hand. She climbed in with him, sitting in between his legs and resting her back along his chest. When she was comfortable she bent a knee and relaxed against his muscled, yet soft chest. Daryl set a hand on her bent knee, his other arm snaking around her waist. She rested a hand on his thigh and laced her fingers with the hand that rested on her belly.
Daryl buried his face in her hair, closing his eyes as he inhaled her sweet scent. His heart rested calmly in his chest, but it beat hard enough, rejoicing at her closeness.
"Am I staying here tonight?" She asked quietly.
"Ya ain't leavin' me again."
She shivered at his response, hearing the hopeful, yet pained tone in his voice. She just asked, not sure if they had set up a cell for her. She wasn't upset, in fact, she was rather pleased. MaryJane just shook her head and turned her head, placing a butterfly kiss on his bicep. Comfortable silence dominated the room and MaryJane was fine with just laying here in his arms, relishing in the comfort he offered, but her mind was racing with questions. Silently, she filtered through the less awkward questions concerning Merle and Beth and decided to start with the least personal.
"What happened to Rick's wife?"
Daryl shifted a little beneath her, his hand tightening around hers.
"Why?"
MaryJane shrugged. "He mentioned her and that she died, but he didn't say how. I know she was Judith's mother, but what happened?"
Daryl wondered if telling her was the best thing since she was a woman he always wanted her own kid. He knew it could never happen now, but if she ever got the idea she should know for her own safety.
"She died givin' birth ta Judith."
MaryJane froze against him and he was internally glad. He doubted she wanted a child bad enough to die and leave it alone in this world.
"How?"
Daryl sighed. She wanted the whole story. He didn't know the whole story, just bits and pieces from Carl and Maggie.
"Apparently, she'd gone inta labor 'cause o' stress while they was runnin' from walkers and Maggie had ta perform a C-Section ta save Judith. Lori died and Carl shot 'er ta prevent her reanimation when the walkers got 'er. Rick found a walker eatin' on 'er and killed it...He had a mental breakdown after losin' 'er."
MaryJane's chest contracted, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.
"My God…" She whispered.
"Yeah, I didn' like 'er none, but she didn' deserve ta die that way. No one does." Daryl added, sensing her distress.
A tear leaked from MaryJane's eye which she wiped away quickly.
"Poor Carl…poor Rick."
Daryl agreed silently and squeezed her in comfort. MaryJane turned her cheek to rest it against his chest. He lifted the hand from her knee and placed it on her hair over her temple and kissed the crown of her head. He hoped she understood why having a kid in the present time wouldn't be a good idea. Well, he didn't know if she had aspirations to do so, but he saw how she looked at Judith. He had right to worry.
MaryJane inhaled deeply, swallowing the lump in her throat. Daryl, deciding a subject change would do good, spoke of his observation of Charlie an Emily.
"I think Charlie's gotta crush on Emily."
MaryJane grinned. "He does,"
Daryl frowned confusedly. "How'd ya know?"
"Because he told me." MaryJane chuckled, rubbing his hand with her fingers.
The tracker tilted his head with acceptance, resting his chin on her head.
"So…wha's up with it all?" He asked, wanting to hear her voice.
It'd been too long since she'd actually talked to him and he wanted to listen to her like he used to. MaryJane, surprised by Daryl's curiosity, answered.
"I think Charlie's liked her since the beginning. He'd tried this best to cheer her up after the loss of James and took it upon himself to kinda be there for Luke and Mark. Those boys adore Charlie like he was their real father. Emily's grateful, but she's almost thirty. Her and James got married out of high school and had Luke then when she was twenty she had Mark. Charlie's barely nineteen, but you know I don't care about age."
Daryl let out a breathy chuckle. Her parents had a big gap between them so he understood why she was immune to such a thing.
"How does Emily feel 'bout 'im?" Daryl asked, wondering if the poor kid would get his heart broken.
"She appreciates what he does for the boys and what he's done to protect her, but she's still hung up on James. I understand where she's coming from since she's not lost hope that he's still alive."
Daryl let out a deep breath and he knew what he was about to say was cruel.
"The odds are he didn't make it. If he just ran into the fray like that…I'd be real surprised if he did."
MaryJane stiffened above him. "I made it."
"Yeah, but ya ran outta tha city. Ya didn' go aftta someone in tha city. Ya came ta find me."
She had to give him that, but how could they be sure he wasn't alive?
"She shouldn't give up hope that he is. I didn't and it turns out I was right not to."
Thank God for that.
"Nah, 'cause ya knew fer a fact that I was alive." He replied matter-of-factly.
She smiled at that. "'Cause you're a Dixon."
He nodded, tangling his fingers in her hair. "'xactly,"
MaryJane's irritation left her, but she just hoped that Charlie wouldn't get too attached to Emily. What would happen if James happened to turn up again? But, what if he didn't? Emily shouldn't wait for him forever. It was a conundrum and MaryJane felt her pain. Silence fell between them again. In distance they could hear voices echo softly in the prison. Everyone was settling down to sleep. That thought made MaryJane itch to ask the question about Merle and Beth.
"Daryl? Can I ask you a question?"
Daryl knew that tone. That innocent tone that always knew more than what she really did. Narrowing his eyes suspiciously he answered with a hum.
"Is there something going on between Merle and Beth?"
His stiffening gave her a hint that the answer was 'yes' and Daryl knew about it.
"Wha' gave ya that idea?" He asked nonchalantly.
MaryJane shrugged again. "Just the way he looks at her and she at him."
Daryl saw the game she was playing. She was trying to pull out any information from him without upsetting him. She'd always been considerate like that.
"Why so curious?" Daryl replied with a question.
MaryJane felt that he was stalling, but played along. "Merle's like a brother to me. He deserves happiness in this world. He's rarely had it in his life and if she's the one to give that to him I'd just like to know if it's true. I care about him, Daryl and I want to see him happy too."
Even though she meant well by what she said, Daryl couldn't help but be resentful towards his brother to have MaryJane's care and affection. Daryl was a selfish person when it came to her and anything involved her.
"I think ya should ask 'im. Ain't my room ta say nothin'." Daryl finally said with full truth.
An affectionate smile graced her face. She wasn't mad at him for not answering, she was proud that he would protect his brother like that. MaryJane was sure she had the answer to her question, but she wanted to gather more information before spilling to Merle that she knew. She considered that maybe she was getting into business that wasn't hers, but Merle was Daryl's brother and Daryl was hers…so Merle's business was partially hers like his was theirs.
"Okay, Daryl…thank you." She whispered.
Somehow knowing that would be her reaction, Daryl let a grin pull at his lips.
"When ya find tha answer, I'd sure like ta know wha ya find."
So, maybe Daryl didn't know much either. Interesting. MaryJane just nodded and it was then that exhaustion washed over her. She yawned loudly and settled further back against him.
"Easy there, yer gonna spread it!" Daryl joked lightly before he yawned himself.
MaryJane giggled and sat up, Daryl's hands falling from her body. He sat up too, his back rejoicing the change of position. He watched as MaryJane stood up and blew the candle out. The tracker slid back on the bunk and let his head his the pillow. MaryJane crept through the darkness and climbed in beside him, pressing her back against his chest.
His large hand reached down and grabbed the sheet, pulling it over them, wrapping his arm around her waist to pull her tighter against him. MaryJane let out a contented sigh and snuggled under his arm, lacing her fingers through his on her belly. Daryl pressed his legs against hers, making them bend, one of his limbs snaking between hers. MaryJane bit her lip to hold back a laugh as she used her bare toe to push his pant leg up tickle his ankle.
His arm tightened around her and he groaned, pulling his ankle away from her. "Cut it out."
She did it again and he jerked his leg back. She giggled, striking at him again.
"Yer gettin' ready ta regret this, MaryJane, cut it out!"
When she didn't stop Daryl reached towards her tickle spot under her knee. When his fingers brushed the area she let out a yelp, pulling her leg away.
"No! No!"
Daryl grinned. "Aw, hell yeah! Pay back's a bitch!"
MaryJane tried to roll from the bed, tears slipping down her cheeks as she cried in laughter, her skin prickling at the tickling sensation. Daryl wrapped his other arm around her to hold her in place. Her hands clawed at his arm as he made triumphant noises, mocking her cries to stop.
"No! No!"
"Do ya give up?" He growled in her ear.
She shook her head. "Never!"
He shrugged and proceeded his assault, her legs kicking in the air while he used his own to pin them down. The others in the prison were probably wondering what kind of sick game they were playing, but neither cared. After a few more moments of tickling torture MaryJane caved.
"Please! I-I surrender! I g-give up!"
With a pleased growl he ceased his assault. MaryJane's lungs felt like they were about to burst as she gulped air, giggling as she did so. Daryl was grinning in the darkness, his heart racing. He felt better and he thought they were back in the past again…like how they used to be. Though, when he glanced around the dark cell he realized that he was very much in the present and he wasn't upset by it.
Once they had calmed down Daryl was snuggled closer to her, burying his face in her hair. MaryJane sighed contentedly in front of him. His once dead heart beat so high in his chest, feeling joyful and…young. He laid a soft kiss on her earlobe.
"I really missed ya, MaryJane."
MaryJane smiled into the darkness, tightening her hold on his fingers. Sleep claimed them quickly and for the first time in a long time, the two slept soundly, deeply, and without dreams of the past.
There we have it. Again, in character? (You know the drill.) I am pleased with this chapter and I hope you are too.
AN: As said, this story is longer than I planned, but until I have made a decision to how long it will be it will go as is. Don't worry, I will end it as I thought it should. I am excited for what's to come and I am eager to get it out to you! I have so much planned!
Also, those who are interested I have a Walking Dead one-shot called The Man Comes Around and it has a hint of DarylxBeth and those of you who haven't read if you would go check it out and see what you think.
More to come soon. Please review! I love feedback!
Happy Writing!