Hello all. Chapter 10 has made an appearance.
I have post this chapter on time! Congrats to myself! This chapter has much more of building plot for later on drama. I am rather excited about what's to come in the future. I think you all will as well.
I would like to thank those who have reviewed chapter 8...mrskaz453, The Reading Dead, thewalkingdestroyer, igottoomanyloves, and a lovely anonymous reviewer daisymae.
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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).
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Chapter 10
Three days passed since MaryJane and Merle's conversation, a conversation that had gone from his secret woman, to his missing hand, and to nothing of great importance. MaryJane didn't think of it as a setback, but as a time to look fondly back on when she needed to escape from the harshness of reality. She'd been able to spend more time with Jeremy and that surprised her since Daryl seemed on hell bent on despising the poor boy. She didn't press her luck, but there were times when she grew uncomfortable in his presence, when he said something lowly to her or tried to put his hand on hers. They were friends, yes, but friends that talked without real physical contact. There were friendships out there like that, right?
It had been three long days for Daryl, who felt time went slower when he was away from MaryJane. He kept a quiet and vigilant eye when he could on Jeremy and MaryJane and unfortunately he wasn't any further than what he was. Sure, there were moments when he thought he had something, but it ended with no new leads. Maybe he really was made and the kid was minding his manners since Daryl was watching. In all truthfulness, Jeremy was abiding his time, he was only primping MaryJane for the big moment when it would make or break them. It wouldn't be long now, just a little longer.
Every night, MaryJane and Daryl always found themselves in steamy situations in his bunk, against the wall and on his desk. They were heated with moans and passionate touches that never went beyond innocent gestures towards each other. They never removed an article of clothing unless it was a jacket or vest, but there was a mutual agreement that it would seem too soon. Emily's advice haunted MaryJane and she wanted to make sure nothing happened to push Daryl away. God knew she needed him more than anything else.
In the darkness, MaryJane moaned as Daryl's mouth devoured her neck, pushing her head high against the pillow to allow him full access. Her dark hair was splayed out across the pillow, her hands clutching to his flannel shirt covered back. His lean body pressed intimately against hers, his hips in between her jean clad legs, his arousal brushing against her lower body, sparking the heat from within her, the blood boiling in her veins as his hands clutched to her desperately. Daryl breathed heavily in her ear, sounding almost like feral growls, his facial hair rubbing against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
With hooded eyes MaryJane soaked in his touch, a desire to feel his naked skin against hers making her forget Emily's advice. Her shaky hands slipped from around his back to the loose front of his shirt. Daryl didn't notice as he thrust his hips against hers causing a quiet cry to escape her parted lips. His ears soaked in the sound of music and rocked his hips again making her hips arch up towards his. Daryl released a deep, gravelly grunt as her hips rocked against his.
Her hands and fingers felt like lead as they began to shakily undo the buttons. Daryl didn't realize what had happened until he felt cold air brush against the bare skin of his chest. He lifted his head from his neck to glance down at himself to see she had unbuttoned his shirt all the way down. She splayed her hands against his chest, his heart jump starting as her warm fingers made contact with his hot skin. He felt his arm muscles weaken at her touch. MaryJane gazed longingly at his chest, remembering the last time she'd felt his bare skin.
Daryl clenched his jaw as his body remembered what it felt like to have her touch him. His control was slipping by the seconds, but he tried to focus and keep his head. He closed his eyes and reveled in her touch, letting his blood scorch in his veins. The heat in his belly grew ever hot with every movement of her fingers against his chest. It felt like mere seconds when her fingers crawled over his collar bone and up to cup his neck. He pried his heavy eyelids open to gaze into her fiery whiskey gaze, eyes he could get lost in.
MaryJane brought his head down to hers, bringing his mouth on hers. Daryl met her with eager willingness, assaulting her lips possessively. His rough hands left her body, lifting up his torso and pulled the shirt from his shoulders, throwing it across the room. Their lips parted in the slightest, brown clashing with blue as a silent understanding moved between them. Dark blue eyes fell to her lips before pressing his gently against hers, their kissing turning deep and passionate quickly. Daryl pressed his chest gently against hers, feeling her palms press into his skin delicately.
The tracker's experienced hands slid down her sides, causing her to shudder underneath him. A shiver ran through her, causing her molten blood to rush. All of a sudden she felt cold air against her stomach and Daryl's hands exploring her skin. She didn't mind, her body arching into his calloused touch. Though, when his hands went higher her body did what it shouldn't have. It stiffened. MaryJane broke the kiss, feeling her heart start to race in panic. Daryl tensed above her, sensing her discomfort and removed his hands from under her shirt. His dark blue eyes gazed down at her with hooded worry and disappointment.
"Wha's wrong?" He whispered gravelly.
MaryJane didn't respond, but she swallowed and sat up, making Daryl sit up as well. MaryJane looked beautifully ruffled with flushed cheeks, swollen lips, and wild hair. Her whiskey colored eyes were wide, her limbs slightly shaking as she ran a hand through her hair. Daryl stared at her, confused, hurt, and worried. Even thought she was extremely shaken she looked beautiful.
"Wha's wrong, babe?" He asked deeply.
MaryJane swallowed again and met his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Daryl…I-I'm sorry…" She whispered stuttered, water welling up in her eyes.
Daryl saw the tears that threatened to flow over and he began to fidget uncomfortably, resting his hands on his thighs as he sat on his knees.
"Whadaya apologizin' fer?" He asked confusedly.
MaryJane sniffed and wiped at her eyes fiercely, knowing Daryl was terrified of her tears. She didn't like crying in front of him anyways. She dropped her hands and averted her eyes from his, Emily's voice taunting her.
She let in a shaky breath. "Well, Emily t-told me and others about the time when her husband, James came back from the war. Apparently, nothing was the same between them since he had seen things that scarred him mentally, physically, and emotionally. He was more withdrawn and for Emily it was like he was a different man. She said it was like living with a stranger and they had to relearn each other. They didn't jump into anything in fear of ruining the relationship completely. They took things slow and that is what saved them. They fell back in love with each other and they were stronger than before."
Daryl listened and despite her long explanation he figured out what she was trying to say to him.
"So…ya wanna take things slow." He guessed.
MaryJane nodded sheepishly. "Yeah…I think it would be best."
Daryl bristled at the idea, his body still hard from their interrupted make-out session. His Dixon anger rose and his overly defensive shields rose. MaryJane saw how he bottled up at her words. She saw what not many people could see, his personal fear. He averted his eyes from hers, not masking the hurt that pitted in his gut. Did that mean that she didn't want him anymore? Had she changed so much that she no longer found him attractive in the intimate fashion? Did she finally see what he had been telling her all those years ago? That he was a no good redneck loser with no future.
MaryJane felt her own panic spike at his dark reaction of withdrawal from her. She rocked up and onto her knees, closing the gap between them, cupping his face and pulling it so that his face was align with hers. His dark blue eyes refused to meet hers, even as she titled her head in attempt to reach his eyes.
"Daryl, look at me please."
His eyes locked with hers and MaryJane felt her heart clench painfully at the expression in his eyes that exposed every emotion he was feeling. He was a man who rarely expressed his emotions to anyone and he sometimes refused to show her, but there were times like this where he allowed himself to let his walls fall.
"Daryl, don't do this to me. I'm only looking out for you and me…for us. If we rush anything then who's to say it won't only drive us apart and being apart from you would kill me. I can't risk anything, Daryl, I can't lose you…not when I've just found you again." She explained in a desperate whisper.
The tracker just stared at her with a soft expression. His jaw clenched and unclenched. He could understand where she was coming from and he couldn't blame her for thinking in such a way. Though, he hadn't had any thoughts of her scaring him away. He would always want her and he made it a point to tell her…in his own ways. It wasn't easy for him to voice them, but there were times he was able to.
"Why didn' ya tell me befer now?"
MaryJane bit her bottom lip before answering. "Well…I thought it would seem foolish. I figured you'd think it stupid."
Daryl scoffed, but she wasn't completely off. Maybe it was a woman thing that made them over think things. Though, her uncertainty sparked suspicion in him. Why was she thinking those things and taking advice like that? The Germ popped into his head, making that green monster raise its ugly head in him. Like a deadly snake, Daryl snapped grabbing her upper arms in annoyed frustration, startling her from her ruffled state. She stared wide eyed into his and he knew that he had her full attention.
"If ya think that anythin'll change between us because o' our fuckin' separation then yer damned wrong, MaryJane! I fuckin' don' care 'bout nothin' else but you an' me, a'ight? Nothin' ain't gonna happen ta make me not want ya! I've told ya this same shit befer!" Daryl replied firmly, shaking her slightly at times.
MaryJane stared at him, stunned for what felt like hours to Daryl. He wondered if he scared her senseless. She blinked all suddenly broke from his grip and threw her arms around his neck, pressing the line of her body against his. She swallowed back the grateful tears as her hands gripped his bare skin tightly, burying her face in his neck, her hands gripping his long hair desperately. It was Daryl's turn to be stunned at her sudden movement. Yet, once he realized what happened he relaxed, the corners of his lips twitching. Seconds later MaryJane pulled away, smiling warmly and relieved at him. Daryl looked back in confusion.
"Oh, thank you for that, Daryl…I'm really relieved that you don't see me differently or…want me any less…" She trailed off and Daryl stiffened at how her warm expression dropped. "…but I think we really do need to take things slow…just in case."
Daryl growled and swayed away from her. She panicked and grabbed his upper arms to stop him.
"Please! Daryl, please for me. Please, bear with me and give me time. You may be confident in yourself, but I'm not."
If she'd only known how that sounded to Daryl. It sounded like she wasn't sure she wanted him or not and that hurt.
"I know how ta fix this easily…" MaryJane met his eyes curiously. "…do ya want me?"
MaryJane hesitated and she made to speak, but he cut her off.
"Jus' answer me. Do ya want me?"
"You know I do!" She snapped in frustration.
"Then why ya actin' like ya ain't sure?!" She retorted sharply.
The woman before him hesitated and it finally dawned on her what Daryl was seeing through it all. Quickly, she tried to assure him.
"Oh, Daryl! I'm not uncertain about anything! It's you! It's always been you and it will only be you! I just don't want to do anything to screw this up!" She yelled, wrapping her arms around herself.
For a woman who always had high self-esteem she looked completely low, like her esteem had dropped. It was obvious to Daryl that her confidence had all but vanished since they were separated and the apocalypse didn't help any of them. Then again, Daryl had to admit that she wasn't as perky as she once was. She was more weathered and world weary, brought down by the struggle of surviving the attacks of the walking dead and fellow, malicious survivors.
"Babe…ya can't let wha's happened ta make ya unsure of things. I'm sure of us and if ya ain't sure of us then there ain't an' us. If ya ain't ready now…I understand and if ya need time then you'll 'ave it.…" MaryJane smiled at him gratefully, but it faded when he continued. "…but if ya ain't sure now and ya want time…then how do ya know you'll be ready?"
MaryJane hadn't thought about that and she knew he was right. She also had to take into account that the Dixons were impatient men, but she knew Daryl would understand better than Merle.
"Just give me a few days to work myself out, okay?" She asked, cupping his neck in between her hands.
"Then wha'?" Daryl asked quickly.
Daryl's woman smiled at him. "I don't know…but I don't think whatever happens can be planned. We should just let what happens happen, but I promise you that I won't be long."
The dark haired man just sighed, but nodded, his hands reaching out to cup her hips. "A'ight. A few days…but it ain't gonna be easy on me."
MaryJane nodded, but she couldn't fully understand the primal need that was running rampant in the youngest Dixon's blood. When a Dixon needed release then he wouldn't be fulfilled until he had it. Back in his youth he could just follow Merle to the bars where they both picked up women. So, Daryl always had his tension released the same day it happened. He'd done it a few times after becoming friends with MaryJane because he knew he couldn't have her in that way.
Though, MaryJane did know how Daryl was and when he said it wasn't going to be easy on him she knew with what he meant. She knew she would be causing him discomfort, but she really needed to work her problems out on her own. She just prayed that God would give her the strength to figure it out.
Hours later MaryJane put a new string of laundry out on the wires and headed back inside. She greeted Katie, Bev, Emily, and Carol before heading towards Judith's cell. Daryl was doing rounds with Michonne and Glenn and MaryJane was glad for the short separation. She could actually think. When he was around her thoughts were jumbled and it took great concentration to get them straightened out. And to figure out her issues she needed a clear head, but she wouldn't leave his bed, knowing it would only cause him to panic.
As she strolled, taking her time, she began to list her issues that drove this temporary rift between her and Daryl. Number one was that she didn't think she was beautiful with the stress lines she acquired over the years. Two, she hadn't slept with anyone since the last time she and Daryl were together. Three, how did she know Daryl would still find her attractive. While trying to survive, she had gain a few scars, one across her collar bone, one her leg, and one on her back. Some were from falls and accidents that nearly cost her, her life while running from walkers. Four…she wasn't sure of herself. She was mentally fragile, but she didn't used to be that way. She used to be strong willed and sarcastic. Now, she wasn't and she wondered if Daryl still wanted her in her fragile state. MaryJane was more prone to breakdowns and crying fests, unlike in the past. Daryl didn't like crying women and she didn't want to do anything to ruin them.
Sure, he said that he would want her no matter what, but how could she be sure? Once he saw the person she had changed in to she wasn't sure he'd want her. Nothing had happened to really cause a breakdown, but with every new day came the new opportunity for one to occur. So, could anyone blame her for asking for time? Maybe there would be people out there who would call her overly dramatic or childish, but this was life, this is what happened at times. Was she justified? She thought so. However, she needed and wanted a second opinion. Since she was headed to see Beth she'd ask the blonde, hopeful the young girl could give her insight. If she struck out she'd ask Katie and Carol.
Deep in thought, MaryJane made a turn down the hallway when she came upon strange, but familiar noises. She froze in mid-step and listened, breaking from her thoughts. Blood rushed to her cheeks when she heard moaning. Unsure of what to do she tiptoed towards the sound. After peeking in a few cells, she moved on to another. When she peeked in the third her eyes bugged from her head. There, were Merle and Beth lips locked, her jean clad legs wrapped around his waist, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Merle's left hand supported her weight as her back was pressed against the wall. His blade clad arm was pushed hard against the wall, keeping them balanced.
The whiskey eyed woman stared on in wide eyed shock. They didn't seem to notice her presence and for that she was thankful. As their lips broke apart his mouth went to assault her neck, causing Beth to moan aloud, her eyes closed and mouth open in pleasure. It all came crumbling down on MaryJane as she stared.
She had been right…holy crap! She'd been right!
Shaking her head she shot past the cell entrance, throwing herself against the wall solid wall in between the cells, chest heaving and heart racing. She gasped the cell's bars tightly, her knuckles white from her grip. For some reason, she felt nothing. She thought she'd feel something when she figured out the mystery or Merle's woman, but now that she had her answer she had no feeling whatsoever. Her mind moved in and out of reality as she tried to wrap her mind around what she'd just seen and what she was still hearing.
Her mind began to spin, her vision going with it.
I have to get out. I have to…
She pushed herself from the wall and as quietly as she could, she made a mad dash back the way she came.
Merle and Beth hadn't noticed MaryJane nor had they noticed the figure that came only seconds after MaryJane ran. Hazel eyes watched them, a dirty, evil grin spreading across his face.
Oh, this is too good! Another nail in their coffins. He thought sickly.
So, little Beth wasn't as pure as she made herself out to be. She wasn't the little girl her daddy loved and adored. If he and the others knew…
Oh, this is delicious!
The man slinked away, smirking in the way only he saw and knew. Now, he had something on the redneck's older asshole of a brother.
This is just too perfect!
He laughed silently, slipping down into the darkness of the Tombs.
MaryJane took a different way through the prison, making sure to take a different route instead of through the mess hall. She didn't want to alert Katie and Carol. Finally, she found the exit and shoved through it, the sun light blinding her. She didn't stop to let her eyes adjust. She just took off across the yard, towards the laundry lines. The dark haired woman slid to a stop a few feet away from the lines, nearly tripping over her own feet.
If there was one thing that remained the same after the apocalypse it would be her clumsiness.
She slowly slid to the ground, bending her knees and resting her elbows there. She placed her head in her hands as she took deep breaths to calm her racing heart.
Easy, deep breaths, breathe, MaryJane, breathe!
After a few minutes of self-coaching she managed to pull herself together. She kept her mind blank before jumping into her thoughts on what she just witnessed. Take it one step at a time. So, she just saw Merle and Beth making out. Passionately. How did she feel about it? Hell, she had no idea. On one side she had been accepting of the idea and she wanted Merle happy, but it was weird to see a 40 year old man making out with an eighteen year old girl.
Okay, MJ, let's not be a hypocrite! She chastised.
She reminded herself of Merle and Daryl's past, how they were both lost souls, men who didn't seem to live for anything except each other. Neither had known the real affection of a woman. Sure, they'd slept with women, but they had no idea what a real woman would be like. Okay, so Beth was eighteen. Big whoop. She was a few years ahead in maturity and obviously she had something Merle liked and vice versa. Beth was a lovely girl with a good head and Merle was…Merle. They were two different people, yet they came together somehow.
Doesn't the same apply for you and Daryl? A voice asked.
She nodded, her hands gripping her hair as she thought. It was true, the four of them were the same. No one disputed her and Daryl's relationship, well, maybe at first, but everyone had grown to accept it. Her parents, her friends, Merle…everyone. Why couldn't the same happen for Beth and Merle?
Because no one would understand.
That was true also. At first, understanding was hard, accepting was hard, but Merle and Beth's situation was totally different. He was old enough to be a regular teenager's father. Though, her grandparents had been the same way. MaryJane could accept it easily.
Do I accept it?
She sat for a few moments, her mind silent. In the end, she knew her answer.
Yes, I do.
If anyone deserved a partner now it was Merle. He'd been through so much in his life, raising Merle, being ensnared by the Governor, and now by the group that held him at arm's length. He deserved happiness and the love of a woman even if she is as young as Beth. Besides, it was their decision in the end and no one would be able to stop them. Merle was fighter and when he had something he wanted then he would fight to keep and protect it. It was like how he fought for Daryl and his safety. She wouldn't condemn Merle for wanting Beth, not now, not ever. He was a deserving man despite his rough qualities. Apparently, Beth was accepting of them or she wouldn't be with him.
As she picked every detail apart another question popped into her head.
Does Daryl know?
Now, that was a question indeed. Suddenly, MaryJane's mind went back to when Daryl had scowled at Beth and Merle at the dinner table, seeming to show his dislike for something either of them did. Random images slid past her vision. Daryl's scowls and growls at Beth were happening for a reason. Was it because Daryl knew about Beth and Merle? If he did then why hasn't everyone else heard about it? Instantly, a light bulb went off in her head.
Blood before bond.
Dixon blood ran deeper than anything MaryJane ever knew or saw. Dixon stuck together through thick and thin, no matter what was happening. Daryl may leave Merle, but he'd eventually return for his brother. It was as Merle had said to her once before. Blood before bond. It all made sense, Daryl was keeping silent because he felt obligated to protect his older brother from getting shot or thrown out. The Dixon loyalty was an incredible thing when one thought deeply about it and MaryJane had never ceased to be amazed by it. Though, if Daryl was so close to Rick wouldn't his loyalty to the cop make him at least hint at it? No. Blood before bond. So, that brought in a whole new slew of questions for MaryJane.
How long has he known? How long has their relationship been going on? Why hasn't he told me about it?
Well, those didn't matter since MaryJane would get to the bottom of it eventually. If she was still the determined girl she once was then, by God, she'd get the answers she was looking for. Her determination for answers to mysteries and other things in life had made her friends dub her the nickname of "Sherlock". MaryJane thought it was ridiculous since she didn't solve crimes or have amazing deductive skills that would astound the regular mind. No, she was just relentless. Now that she had her solid answer to the relationship between Merle and Beth, she just had to find a way to breach the subject to either of them without spooking them. However, she had a moral decision to make before confronting them.
Will I tell the others about their relationship?
She considered both options, but one thought stuck out to her. Merle trusted her and he trusted his secrets with her. To tell the others would destroy the trust she built up for years. He would probably scorn her and do anything in his power to push Daryl away from her. If she rated on him then she could be sure her life would end. Not physically, but she might as well end up dead. Also, if Daryl kept his mouth shut then she might as well too. So, no, she wouldn't tell anyone. At least, not until they wanted or asked her to. Therefore, she would start with confronting them and assuring them of her discretion. She wanted their trust and for them to fully understand her motives for searching and figuring it out.
MaryJane would start with Beth.
With a heavy sigh, MaryJane pushed herself from the ground, brushing her hand off on the other. She turned towards the prison and took deep breaths to gain her confidence before striding towards the entrance with purpose.
MaryJane was a near wreck as she walked down the hall towards Judith's cell. She hoped Beth was there at all for MaryJane to confront. If she wasn't…the older woman had an idea where she would be. A flash of Beth up against the wall with Merle made her flush. Shaking the thought from her head she lifted her head high, hoping to seem normal when she saw the teenage girl. She pulled her wrung hands apart and placed her palms on the side of her dark washed jeans.
As she got closer to the cell her ears perked, her head lifting in alert when she heard Judith's cries. Forgetting everything, she took off towards her cell, panic causing her heart to jump start. She nearly slid on the floor as she quickly turned into the cell, making her have to grab the entrance bars to stop her. Wide eyed and ruffled she lunged into the cell only to let out a sigh of relief when she saw the baby sobbing in Beth's arms. The blonde tried quieting the baby with shushes and soothing words, but Judith just sobbed.
MaryJane remembered the impending danger just outside the walls and realized that if there were any walkers loose in the prison they would end up hearing Judith's cries and would stumble towards the sound.
"Oh, dear. Is she being fussy again?" MaryJane asked, hurrying towards the girl and baby.
Beth let out a breath of relief upon seeing the older woman there. "Yeah, she's already had her bottle and I burped her, but she can't seem to quiet down."
Whiskey eyes glimmered at Beth and she held out her hands for Judith.
"May I?" MaryJane inquired.
Beth nodded, responding eagerly. "Sure."
The blonde handed the baby over to the bronze-brunette and MaryJane took her with ease. She set her torso against her shoulder and began patting her back. Judith's tiny arms wrapped tightly around MaryJane's neck, burying her tiny face into her neck. Beth watched as MaryJane began to rock the baby while patting at the same time. MaryJane shushed her a few times before she began to quietly sing her favorite song.
"I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line"
MaryJane's voice faded a few seconds after Judith went silent, cooing gently against MaryJane's shoulder. MaryJane kept humming the tune, only patting her back once every two seconds. She still swayed.
"That's really pretty. I've heard it before."
MaryJane sent Beth a grin and started walking towards the crib.
"It's "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash. It's my favorite song. Has been since I was real young." MaryJane explained.
Beth nodded, making a sound of familiar realization. "Oh, yeah! Johnny Cash was a legend. I always loved "Ring of Fire"."
The dark haired beauty smiled fondly at the blonde. "Me too. Have you heard some of his songs from his last albums?"
"Yeah! Some of those songs are real creepy." Beth nodded.
MaryJane felt her own chill in her spine at the remembrance of some of the songs.
"I know. It's ironic how someone can write about death when they're nearing it themselves."
Their conversation was cut short when a familiar head popped into the cell entrance. MaryJane smiled at his entrance then gently placed Judith in her crib. MaryJane glanced quickly at Beth to see the young girl beaming at Merle. Merle sent her a wink and a smirk just before Daryl's woman looked away.
"Well, I think I've fallen on my fuckin' head and gone straight up ta those pearly gates." Merle commented deeply, crossing his arms and leaning against the cell door frame.
MaryJane shook her head at his absurd sentence and chuckled. "Why's that, Merle?"
"'Cause I see two damn good-lookin' angels befer me."
MaryJane's eyebrows rose as she burst into laughter. Beth joined her after a few seconds, her cheeks bright red. MaryJane tried to act normal around them so she acted the way she thought she did.
"Smooth talker. You just want Judith all for yourself." MJ accused jokingly, pointing an accusing finger at him.
Merle held up his remaining hand in mock defeat with a smirk. "Ya got me. The little ass kicker jus' lights up when she sees me."
"You and Daryl both." Beth added.
MaryJane's lips smiled fondly, remembering the first time she'd seen Judith set eyes on Daryl. Her eyes just lit up and she began to babble until he took her. It was such a heartwarming sight and it gave MaryJane images of Daryl holding their child, their baby clinging to its father. She almost swooned at the images, but she quickly burst that bubble before she could get too far into her fantasy world.
Merle pretended to straighten an invisible tie on his neck like James Bond would.
No lady of any age can resist the Dixon charm."
MaryJane let out an unlady-like bark of laughter. "I think ya got us there!"
The elder Dixon winked at her. "Well, I'll see ya'll two later, Officer Friendly and Conman wanna do another inspection o' tha Tombs befer dinner."
The tracker's woman rolled her eyes at the nickname she gave for Con. It was rather clever and suiting for someone like Merle.
"Get outta here!" MaryJane mock shouted, grinning at him.
He bowed dramatically, like a gentleman from an old movie, earning a chuckle from the girls. "Yer wish is my command, Yer Honor."
Merle grinned at MaryJane's scoff and eye roll of amusement. The older Dixon didn't notice how MaryJane saw that he sent Beth a longing glance before leaving. There was a sparkle in Beth's blue eyes upon the older man. MaryJane gazed over in the crib, watching Judith for a moment before glancing at Beth with an amused chuckle.
"He's a character isn't he?"
"Yeah." Beth mused, her thoughts seemingly somewhere else.
MaryJane grinned surreptitiously at the younger woman before speaking. "You know..." She began. "...when I first met Merle I thought he was the biggest asshole and pig to ever grace the planet. He got a little better once he got to know me and me him...but now...he's different, softer, gentler, and not as eager to start a fight."
She glanced at Beth to see her gazing at the floor thoughtfully.
"I thought perhaps the rising of the dead changed him." MaryJane continued. "...but I don't think he would've changed the way he has from that...no...I think it's something else. He's changed in a way only a woman can change a man."
"Ya think?" Beth asked, her big blue eyes shooting over to MaryJane with hope.
"Oh, most definitely!" The older woman assured. "...You wouldn't happen to know a woman here who is responsible do you?"
Beth flushed and MaryJane smirked.
"No," The blonde murmured quickly.
MaryJane feigned surprise. "Really? Because I've seen the way he acts around you and looks at you when he thinks no one else is looking. I've seen the way you look at him too."
MaryJane hadn't wanted to say all she did, but her mouth got away with her in her excitement. She closed her mouth quickly when Beth stiffened, her defensive walls going up.
"So what?" She defended, feigning innocence.
She was in too deep now. She had to continue.
"Do you have feelings for Merle, Beth?" She asked, deciding to cut to the chase.
Beth's blue eyes shot towards her with accusation, her lean muscles stiff. "What if I say 'yes'? Are you gonna tell my daddy and Maggie and tha others?"
MaryJane frowned, hurt by her quick judgment of her. "No, I wouldn't...Merle's like a brother to me and I care for him and his feelings. And if it's really you who had made this change in him then I want to know..." Then she smiled and added. "...and to thank you."
"Thank me? Why?" Beth replied in brow furrowed confusion.
Her familiar, warm smile returned. "Because Merle has someone to really fight for. He fights for Daryl yes, but Merle would fight for a woman he cares about. He has someone who can listen to him like no other can… someone who can care about him like no other has."
The brown eyed woman watched as Beth relaxed at her warm words, but she stiffened once again, shooting her careful and dark glances.
"What if I don't answer your question?"
MaryJane chuckled. "Oh, you already have, Beth. Just the way you guys look at each other is enough for me to know."
Astonished, Beth stared at MJ. "Ya aren't...disgusted by it? Ya don't think it's wrong 'cause of our age gap?"
The blonde's companion shook her head to her surprise. "No, I don't. Love comes in all shapes and sizes and it comes when the couple is most unpractical. Age doesn't define how a person can care for another. You can't help who you want...besides, Daryl and I aren't the most conventional couple."
Beth scoffed. "But you guys are perfect together."
"I wouldn't say that." MaryJane replied deeply, casting a glance to the floor.
"Yeah, ya are." Beth defended, turning her body towards MJ's. "Ya even each other out. He's the brawn, you're the brains. Ya'll both takes turns bein' the logical and illogical ones. Ya like bein' open while Daryl doesn't and ya bring him out a help him open up and express his feelin's more freely. I can tell you guys have known each other for a long time. You guys act like ya'lls been together forever instead of bein' separated. You guys are best friends and everybody came see that. You guys are just...so cute. I want what you guys have."
Touched, MaryJane leaned over and placed her hand on Beth's comfortingly. The gesture reminded Beth of her own mother.
"And with Merle you will. It may take more time that it did for Daryl and I, but it will come and there will be times when you want to give up, but just take it from me...it's all worth it in the end."
Beth gazed softly at her friend, ecstatic to hear that MaryJane was so accepting. And hearing her talk to fondly of the brothers made Beth realize how deeply MaryJane's feelings went.
"Ya really are in love with him, aren't ya?"
MaryJane nodded feverishly, her whiskey eyes lighting up when her thoughts turned to Daryl. "Yeah, I am. Do you love Merle?"
In all honesty, MaryJane wasn't expecting an answer, but when she got one she was surprised. It was strange to have Beth going from overly defensive to so easily giving out information as confessions. It reminded MaryJane of how much Beth trusted her.
"Yeah, I think I do."
Pleased, MaryJane squeezed her hand. "Good. He needs and deserves it."
Then all at once, fearful Beth returned, making her fidget skittishly in her seat.
"Ya aren't gonna tell anyone are ya? 'Bout Merle and I?"
The dark haired woman shook her head, keeping her eyes locked on Beth. Even though her parents would yell at her for doing what she was going to do, she would do it. Merle was family and she protected her family in any way possible, morals be damned.
"No, I won't breathe a word until you are ready to tell everyone..." MaryJane frowned. "...you and I both know it might not go over well."
"I know..." Beth nodded. "I'm jus' tryin' ta build the courage."
"Just know that when it comes down to it, I'll stand by your side supporting the two of you." MaryJane assured, her voice and eyes full of promise and confidence, giving Beth hope and strength that she hadn't realized she needed.
Beth smiled gratefully at her, placing her hand on top of hers. "Thanks, MJ...I really appreciate it."
The older woman smiled fondly, giving her hand a gentle, loving squeeze that locked her promise in.
"You're welcome."
Another chapter done, another to write. In character again? So, what do you think of Beth's admission? Also, what about the person who catch Beth and Merle? What do you think will happen next for Daryl, MaryJane, Beth and Merle? Will the snake in the pit strike?
Thank you to those who wished me a happy birthday. It was fantastic! I have to catch up on sleep because one of my friends has introduced me to American Horror Story. So addicting and chilling! If anyone has debated whether to watch it I fully recommend it. Though, there is some mature content. Fantastic show!
Once again, I am eager to write more of this story and speaking of writing, I have a poll up on my profile concerning what story to write after Blackbird Song is completed. So, please pop on over to my profile and take the poll. I would enjoy hearing what you would like me to write amongst my choices. I have many ideas concerning them all, but your opinion would be great!
More to come soon. Please review! I love feedback!
Happy Writing!