Hello all...(Sheepishly glances around Daryl) I apologize for the LONG wait for this chapter. I have been in Florida and with the upcoming holiday and preparations for another year of college I've had to put this on the back burner. I am so, so sorry it took me so long and I've been kicking myself every day it wasn't up. But, now I can relax and let out a breath of relief! (Exhales heavily)

I would like to thank those who have reviewed chapter 10...mrskaz453, thewalkingdestroyer, igottoomanyloves, ifrickinlovenarwhals, and my newest reviewer...Vixxie13.

Thank you who has favorited and followed my story!

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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).

AN: I have a poll on my profile that asks what franchise story I should write. Everyone's input would be lovely!

Chapter 11

A few days later, after MaryJane's informative and bonding conversation with Beth, the two women felt closer to each other than before. Daryl and Merle would catch them giggling in the corner of Judith's cell, their faces flushing with laughter. The two brothers would share a confused glance before walking away. Being close to two of a kind they began to about contemplate what the hell they're women were childishly giggling about. Merle had a suspicion since the two seemed closer to each other since the day he stopped in on them and told them they were angels from above.

Maybe he was being paranoid, like Daryl, but his gut instincts told him he was right. He then proceeded to accuse Daryl of telling her about Beth's and his relationship. The younger brother, being more level headed defended himself and MaryJane.

"I ain' said shit 'bout ya an' Beth, Merle!" He snapped, hair falling into his eyes.

Icy blue eyes narrowed on him, but he kept still and silent, fuming to himself. Daryl didn't back down and stepped closer to his brother, almost getting in his face.

"I ain' never gonna betray ya. We's brothas, Merle, I ain' gonna say nothin' 'til ya tell me ta. I ain' pullin' yer goddamned leg either! I made a fuckin' promise ta ya an' I plan on keepin' it." The dark haired man added a little softer.

Merle appraised his brother carefully, searching for an excuse to punch him, though, he found no fault in Daryl's eyes. Merle could tell a liar from a truth speaker and Daryl rarely lied to him. Besides, his little brother had no reason to lie to him. What did it matter to Merle if MJ knew? To him it didn't. He trusted her more than he trusted himself. What he was worried about was Beth and her reaction to someone else knowing. She always got her panties in a knot and feather ruffled from just little things. So, now if MJ knew and he told her…she would most likely panic and he'd have to deal with her hysterics. Despite his dread for the inevitable moment to come, he was looking forward towards comforting and assuring her.

Whelp, somewhere fuckin' hell's probably fuckin' froze over. Never thought I'd live ta see tha damned day when I wanna comfort a fuckin' girl that ain' MJ. Yea, somewhere, some asshole is rollin' in their goddamned graves.

Merle focused his eyes on his brother once again. "Fine, I fuckin' believe ya."

Daryl eyed his brother suspiciously, feeling his own curiosity on Merle's outlook. So what if MaryJane knew?

"Would ya mind if I told 'er?" Daryl asked, shouldering up his bow.

His older brother shook his head. "Nah, nah…I think it's 'bout time she knows too. If anybody's gonna understand it'll be MJ."

The younger Dixon nodded, knowing what he would need to do. He turned to walk away, but a sudden thought made him freeze in mid-step. Merle's eyes squinted at his brother's sudden halt and Daryl turned back to face him.

"What's yer take on Germy?"

Merle's brows furrowed. "Whadaya mean?"

Daryl steeled his eyes on his brother's. "I don' like tha way he looks at MaryJane."

His elder brother nodded, understanding that. "So…yer thinkin' he's got tha hots fer her."

The tracker tensed at Merle's poor choice of words, his jaw ticking. "Yeah,"

At that moment Merle was conflicted. It wasn't many times that Merle found himself in a situation like this and he was internally fighting with himself. Should he tell Daryl? The one-handed man quickly considered the outcome, something he didn't usually do. If he tells Daryl, he'll run off with his panties in a twist, scream betrayal at MaryJane then put an arrow through the kid's skull. While the latter part sounded pleasant, Merle knew it wouldn't be right. If he didn't tell his brother he'd have to leave it up to MJ. Why she hadn't told his brother yet was beyond him. He'd need to ask her the next time he saw her. So, he was stuck with what was right and what was wrong.

He sighed internally. If he didn't tell Daryl he'd be breaking the one rule he lived by. Blood before bond. It would make him look like a pretty huge fucking hypocrite if he kept his mouth shut. Though, he made a promise to MJ and when it came to his surrogate little sister, he knew what he had to do.

"'ave ya been spyin' on 'em? Is that why I've seen her alone wit' 'im?" He asked.

Daryl nodded and Merle wanted to smack him upside the head. What the hell is the asshole thinkin'? The younger Dixon saw the stiffening of the elder and he narrowed his eyes.

"Befer ya tear inta me I gotta know yer opinion o' tha kid." He defended.

Merle glanced away at the ground before looking back at his brother. "I think we've gotta fuckin' rattlesnake in our little rabbit hole."

With a nod, Daryl agreed. "Any ideas?"

Merle pursed his lips then just smirked mischievously. "I think its time ta give 'im tha Dixon welcome."

A lean figure strolled down the empty hallway, his eyes glazed over and his mind in another universe. He'd gotten used to emptying and organizing his thoughts by walking up and down the prison walkways. When no one was in the cell block he was able to creep about, letting himself relax and prepare for the oncoming onslaught. What a good word…onslaught…

All of a sudden, a hand reached out from an empty, dark cell and drug the man into the darkness. He made no sound, just his body jumping as he allowed himself to be yanked around like a rag doll. Seconds later his back was shoved against the cold wall. On instinct he held up his hands to show his attacker that he was unarmed, but from the way he felt there was only one hand on him he knew who it was.

He opened his eyes to find his captor towering over him, one hand around his neck, his blade pointed threateningly towards him. For a moment the boy was terrified. The man before him was dangerous, a force to be reckoned with, but that fear vanished when he remembered the dirt he had on the older man. Yet, for the time being, he'd let Daryl's ugly older brother think he had the upper hand.

"W-What do want?" Jeremy asked, widening his eyes.

Merle grinned evilly down at the boy, seeing the pure fear in his eyes. The kid cowered away from him and the military man loved it.

"I'd jus' thought I'd officially welcome ya ta our humble abode." He greeted in a mock, sickly sweet voice.

Jeremy chuckled nervously and swallowed deeply. "Um…t-thanks,"

"Don' fuckin' mention it…oh, and by the way, Pretty Boy, ya try fuckin' wit' my brotha's woman...yer gonna be sent on a long fuckin' adventure ta find yer balls and dick. We clear?"

The boy's weak nod was all Merle needed. "Y-Yeah,"

Merle winked at him, giving him a threatening smirk. "Good boy,"

He released the hold on Jeremy's throat and effortlessly shoved him hard against the stone wall. Merle watched as he cringed away from him, his hand at his throat. The broad shouldered redneck strolled smoothly from the cell with a swagger that made it look like he just scored the hottest girl at the bar. Once the man was gone Jeremy straightened up, popping his neck and grinning in a very Merle way at the open door.

"Consider 'im warned."

Daryl looked up from sharpening his knife to see a satisfied Merle strutting towards him like a fucking peacock in heat.

"Ya didn' rough 'im up too much did ya? Ya don' need no trouble, 'specially from MaryJane's group."

Oh, ye of little fuckin' faith! "It's all good little brotha."

Daryl gazed at his puff chested brother, his gut instinct making him feel the opposite of the relief he expected to feel. Somehow, he could feel a storm was beginning to brew, a storm that could do so much damage it will be impossible to pick up all the pieces again.

MaryJane sat with Beth and Judith, watching as Judith teethed on her old bunny doll's ear. She sat in Beth's lap, bouncing the infant on her knee.

"So, how's it been with Merle?"

Beth smiled. "Good, he's been real gentle lately, understandin' my feelins' better than before."

Delighted, MaryJane smiled brightly. "That's wonderful! Have you told him that I know?"

MJ frowned when Beth shook her head. "Nah…I don' know how ta tell him."

Empathetic to her situation, MaryJane placed a hand on Beth's. "If he cares about you like I feel he does, he'll understand."

For some reason MaryJane didn't think she could take her own advice.

"I know…I don' know why he'd get upset since it's only you." Beth assured MaryJane and herself.

"Why's Merle gonna get upset?"

The two women jumped and zipped their heads towards the owner. Beth's blue eyes widened and MaryJane bit her lip, flushing deep red. She glanced up at the older man who crossed his arms, staring impatiently at them.

"I'm fuckin' waitin'."

MaryJane stood, going to his side and placing a gentle hand on his bare arm. "Well, you see—"

"I told MJ 'bout us." Beth said, cutting MaryJane off.

Merle's eyes, which were once on MaryJane, shot to Beth who winced. MaryJane opened her mouth to defend Beth, but her voice left her as Merle's laughter filled the cell. The two women shared a confused glance as Merle placed a hand on his stomach, his face curled as if he'd just been told the funniest thing in the world. Despite their confusion, the women waited until the older man calmed down, wiping the imaginary tears from his icy eyes. He let out deep breaths as his laughter died down.

"Oh, fuckin' Christ! I-I thought ya'll was gonna tell me some bad news!"

Another glance was shared and Beth stood, balancing an oblivious Judith on her hip.

"You're not angry?" She asked hopeful.

Merle shook his head. "Oh, fuck no! I coulda cared fuckin' less if ya told 'er or not!"

"So…you're not mad?" MaryJane managed carefully.

Daryl's older brother scoffed. "Pssh, fuck no! If there's anyone here I'd fuckin' trust it's you."

MaryJane let out a breath of relief she hadn't realized she'd been holding. There's one crisis averted. Can we go for another?

"I didn't know if you were okay with me knowing." MJ said.

The older man shrugged carelessly. "I woulda told ya sooner, but there's been other things ta worry 'bout."

MaryJane knew that look that spread darkly across Merle's face. What the hell has he done? She wanted to question him, but realized quickly that it might be something he didn't want Beth to hear so she pretended like she didn't notice his expression.

"I understand and I just want you to know that I won't say a word to anybody until you're ready to let this out."

Merle shot her an appreciative grin. "I knew I could fuckin' count on ya."

"Always," MJ smiled.

Daryl let out a sigh as his woman laid down beside him, her face align with his, making it easier for him to look into her brown eyes. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her body against his, her warmth instantly mixing with his own. MaryJane placed her hands on his chest, rubbing his bare skin, her fingers grazing against the sparsely placed hairs. Daryl stared at her face, her features illuminated by the yellow glow of the candle.

"Can I tell you something?" She asked sheepishly, making his brows furrow in the slightest.

"Yea,"

MaryJane kept her eyes on his as she spoke, wanting to capture his reaction. "I know about Merle and Beth."

Like she suspected he tensed, his dark eyes narrowing, the corner of his lips turning downward and something akin to disgust curl on his features. As quickly as she caught them he pulled his face into one of indifference.

"Who let tha cat outta tha bag? Beth?"

MaryJane's lips twitched into a grin. "Well, I can't say it wasn't for lack of trying to keep it contained on her part. I eventually conned her into telling me."

He let out a snort. "Ya was always good at connin' people."

She gave him a Merle-like smirk. "Yep, that's me, Godmother MaryJane!"

Daryl rolled his eyes, barely showing his amusement at her terrible joke.

"But in all seriousness…she's happy, Daryl and Merle's happy too. I've never seen him look so happy! Just the mention of her makes him soften. I swear I never thought I'd see Merle Dixon go soft for anybody or anything except you!"

The hunter scowled. "She's too young fer 'im."

MaryJane sighed and held up a hand to gesture in the air. "You know me, age makes no difference to me. My grandparents and parents were ten plus years apart."

"But Merle's old 'nough ta be 'er father." Daryl retorted sharply.

She narrowed her eyes at him, seeing that his hackles were up. "In this time and day why does age matter?"

Daryl sighed heavily, knowing she had a point, but everyone in the group was still clinging to the old world rules of dating someone around the same age.

"It ain't how it works and no one's gonna accept it."

MaryJane scoffed. "Come on, Daryl! In the Victorian Age girls younger than Beth were marrying men around Merle's age!"

"But Merle ain't marryin' Beth." Daryl shot back, silencing MaryJane.

She bit her bottom lip, realizing that Daryl was right. Daryl sighed again as her eyes dropped from his sadly.

"I don' like seein' ya all down like that, but ya know it's true…Merle ain' tha marryin' type. He ain' even tha type that Beth deserves." He added softer, his eyes watching her features.

She nodded. "I know that, the marriage part at least…but who's to say that she doesn't deserve him? She might never find another boy her age, a boy she likes and will like her in return. The odds of—"

She broke herself off, feeling her face heat up with anger. She didn't like being wrong, especially when it came to the happiness of people she cared about. Her jaw clenched painfully and her fingers twitched on Daryl's muscular chest. Dark blue eyes appraised her gently, watching as the stress lines made their appearance and the wrinkles of time contort on her pretty face. Despite the toll age has taken on her Daryl saw the young girl she once was. She was still beautiful and she was still his MaryJane. If anything, the lines made her more beautiful, it showed the maturity that came with time. She was still the same girl, the one that captured his attention so long ago.

"I don' like what they's doin', but ya support 'em…ya believe in my asshole o' a brotha 'nough ta think that he'll do 'er right. I know ya only give yer confidence in people who deserve it…so I think I can support 'em…fer you."

MaryJane's brown eyes widened and shot up to him, her lips parting in shock. She blinked a few times and turned her ear towards his face, putting a finger under her earlobe.

"I'm sorry, but did I hear you say that you support them?" She asked.

Daryl slapped her hand away gently, earning a stunned giggle from her. She ran her brown eyes over his face in astonishment. Daryl Dixon never failed to surprise her. He was always unpredictable and that's one of the things MaryJane loved about him. Daryl felt his heart skip a beat as her lips grew into a wide grin. She threw her arms around him tightly, burying her face in his neck. He inhaled her sweet scent greedily, that wave of contentment washing over him. In her arms he felt at home.

"Thank you, thank you! This will mean so much to them! It means so much to me!" She cheered against his neck.

Daryl grabbed her arms and pushed her back from him. She frowned slightly and looked into his serious blue eyes.

"I ain' doin' it fer 'em. I'm doin' it fer you. I know that Maggie, her daddy and tha others ain' gonna take it well…I ain' gonna 'ave ya standin' in front o' Merle defendin' 'im without me. If someone's ta get shot over Merle's decision then it'll be me takin' tha shot an' not you. I ain' gonna let nothin' 'appen ta ya. If anyone should try somethin' I'm gonna jump in front of ya…even if yer standin' in defense o' my brotha."

MaryJane stared into his eyes with a soft, loving expression, a look that Daryl knew was meant for only him. She blinked, swallowing at the intensity of his words and how the protectiveness for her dripped from his voice. It was endearing and assuring. It only reassured her that Daryl would do anything for her and it reminded her of something Merle told her a long time ago, before she went off to college.

"I ain't gonna see my little brotha 'urt by yer leavin, MJ."

She nodded, lowering her eyes to the ground, feeling like a chastised little girl. Moments later, she heard a deep sigh and that made her look up at him curiously. His once hard eyes were softer, the ice in them melted.

"In sayin' that…I jus' want ya ta know that when Daryl Dixon falls in love with ya…he'll love ya fer tha rest o' 'is life."

MaryJane had taken those words and stored them in a special place in her mind. They were inspiring words that helped her through times of loneliness without Daryl. She pulled from the memory and looked into his deep eyes, the intense protectiveness still embedded in his expression.

"I love you, Daryl,"

His expression went blank, his body jolting to a freeze. His hands were froze around her arms, his eyes just staring at hers like she'd just told him one of the darkest things in the world. MaryJane stared back, her eyes darting in between his, wondering if she was missing a reaction. She opened her mouth to inquire after his health, but his mouth crashing on hers silenced her. She squeaked quietly in surprise as his lips assaulted hers, but her stunned muscles relaxed, her eyes closing as euphoria sparked. Daryl closed his eyes hard, almost pained and kissed her desperately with relief. MaryJane inhaled sharply through her nose as his hand came up to cup her neck, his other hand snaking through her wavy hair.

She kissed him back, moaning against his mouth as his tongue met hers. The hand on her neck slid down to her hip. His calloused fingers gripped onto her side and pushed her back into the mattress, his body rolling on top of hers slowly and carefully. MaryJane moaned as his lower body lowered in between her legs, the rough material of his jeans brushing the sensitive skin of her inner thighs. Her hands slid around to his back, feeling the taut muscles that stretched underneath the skin. Her fingertips ghosted over the scars that tainted his tan skin, his muscles seeming to shudder as she moved.

Daryl broke his mouth from hers, watching through hooded eyes as she gulped back air, her neck exposed to him temptingly. Once she regained breath she lowered her head, their eyes locking. The blood rushed in their veins, their bodies humming at the close contact, both their intimate places aching for relief. Daryl stared into her eyes, seeming to silently ask for permission. MaryJane had spent the last few days mentally working herself out. After hours of endless debate she realized that she was being silly.

She wanted Daryl, she loved Daryl and she would want no one else for as long as she lived. Hadn't she made him suffer enough by waiting? He was being so good by waiting and it had been maybe two weeks since she'd arrived. Why make him wait anymore? She wanted to feel the friction that sparked shamelessly between them. She wanted to feel his skin on hers. Why deprive herself of the only man who wanted her like she wanted him? Had it been because of her guilt over Jeremy? She knew it was and what better way to assure Daryl that it was him she would always want? She knew sex wasn't the only assurance he'd need, but it was a big part. Besides, she loved him. It wasn't like being intimately with him was a chore. He made her feel like she was the most beautiful thing in the world.

So, why did the rest matter?

MaryJane nodded to Daryl, knowing that after she gave the word, there would be no going back or stopping. She didn't want to stop. He was hers and she wanted him again. She lifted her head from the pillow and pressed her lips to his. Daryl's hooded eyes closed and he leaned his body down, pressing her back into the mattress. Minutes later her nightwear made a soft thud as they hit the concrete floor. Soon after, Daryl's jeans and boxers followed. The dimly lit cell was filled with moans and grunts of desire. Sweat laced their bare skin, hips rocking desperately against the other. Skin slapped against skin, the metal of the bunk frame creaking with the movements of the bodies on the bed. MaryJane cried Daryl's name, fueling him further into the fog of desire.

A few hours later, Daryl's body fell on top of MaryJane's, spent and gasping for breath. His bangs stuck to his forehead, his face resting in the crook of her neck. Daryl groaned her name as he let out a satisfied sigh against her. A hand rested in the messy, sweaty mass of her dark hair and the other lay along her ribs, his hand pressed palm down on the mattress. His hips were cocooned in between hers, one of her legs that was curled around his body.

The lovers took deep breaths to regain the oxygen lost in their passionate expression. MaryJane kept her arms tight around Daryl's back, soaking in the warmth of his lean body, her once burning core calm and sated. The lava within her had cooled, leaving her feeling complete and satisfied. Her heart slowly calmed its race in her chest, leaving her content and happy. She beamed in Daryl's arms, some of the youthful joy return to her body and mind. She felt like a teenager once again, locked in her first lover's embrace like she was the only important thing in the world.

Daryl reveled in the comfort she offered, his loins relaxed and aching with the heavy release he spilled into MaryJane's tight body. The past few hours had been heaven for him. He felt like he'd been thrust back into the past when he first had her, taking her virginity with him. It was like the first time, so warm and...beautiful. He was lost in her just as he always had been. His heart grew as she felt her fingers weakly, but lovingly trace the scars on his back like they were something delicate and beautiful.

Now, after those months of hoping he had her again. He finally knew what it felt like to be whole again. She completed him and he thanked whatever higher being returned her to him. At that moment, he knew that should she vanish for a second time he would break, fall, and burn. He buried his face in her sweaty neck, his facial hair tickling her sensitive skin, replaying the past hours in his head. He had her twice, the first time he almost came like a teen boy with his first girl, but he managed to hold on for her. The second time was better, less desperate and more about pleasure and giving her everything he was. His heart sung when she cried his name in ecstasy, her voice caressing his name so lovingly that it made his stomach curl. He watched her flushed, passion etched face as he made love to her, memorizing her face that showed him he was driving her off the edge. He wouldn't forget that.

The candle flickered in the room as their breaths returned to normal, their thoughts too full of each other to voice anything to each other. Though, MaryJane's thoughts went towards a different end of the spectrum. Jeremy popped into her head, their shared kiss and her sealed lips to Daryl making her feel sick. He deserved to know. He wouldn't be too mad would he?

"Daryl?"

She mentally kicked herself. She couldn't tell him now! That was the stupidest thing you can do is tell him now, right after sex! Think MaryJane! It could ruin this moment!

If there was one thing MaryJane didn't want to mess up, it was tonight.

"Hmm?" Daryl hummed, never moving his face from her neck.

She opened her mouth "...Nothing...I love you."

Daryl lifted his head, seeming to have ignored her hesitation. His dark blue eyes bore deeply into hers. She saw his own hesitation. It was hard for him to say those three words to anyone. She knew he loved her because he had whispered it to her after their first time when they were teenagers. He thought she'd been asleep. She cupped his face, spreading a few strands of his bangs from his forehead so she could look better into his eyes.

"I don't expect you to say it back. I know that you care for me and that's all that matters to me."

Daryl's jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed, fighting an internal fight and MaryJane had no idea how hard it was for him.

"I do more than jus' care fer ya, MaryJane. I need ya..."

She smiled adoringly at him, watching as he fought, averting his eyes from hers in frustration. She leaned up and kissed the side of his lips, just over his beauty mark.

"I know...I know. You don't have to try and assure me of your feelings, Daryl. I know that if someone were to hurt me that you'd make them hurt too. I know that you'd protect me from anything and anyone. I've seen you do it with my own eyes...no, you don't need to tell me this. I already know."

Fuck.

She always tried to make shit easier for him. There were times when she had to force his feelings from him, but it was never on how he felt for her. Sometimes it worried him, but it was at times like at that very moment when he was assured that she knew what he felt for her. He was relieved that he didn't have to tell her fifty-million times, but he felt at times that he deprived her of what a real man could give her. A real man would tell her he loved her every day. A real man wouldn't hide his feelings from her like she was going to slap him for every wrong feeling he felt. A real man wouldn't do to her what Daryl did to her. He didn't deserve her. She was so good and he had so selfishly scooped her up and wanted to keep her goodness for himself.

She deserved someone else beside his ugly, redneck ass...but fuck him, he couldn't let her go. Not when he knew that she loved him and wanted him deeper than just someone to fuck and relieve stress. Call him a selfish fuck, but he refused to give her up and have another man steal her in and take the goodness that he so coveted and craved in his youth. Jeremy popped into his head, but he shoved the kid away quickly, remembering the way MaryJane cried his name as he brought her to her climax in his bed. His lips curled into a proud smirk, his male pride puffing in his chest. She was his and that kid had nothing on Daryl. His name would be the only once she called in the throws of passion.

"Daryl?"

The tracker broke from his thoughts, focusing back on the woman he loved, yes, loved, in his arms.

"Yer beautiful, MaryJane,"

She flushed under his intense gaze. Daryl lowered his lips to hers, caressing them softly. Seconds later he broke the kiss, resting his forehead on hers.

"Ain't gonna be no one but you." He whispered, gazing into his eyes.

Her heart leapt with joy, making her smile at him. He placed his hand on her hip and pulled her up and around, rolling them onto their sides. She wrapped her arms under his and around his back, her fingers smoothing against the demon tattoos on his back. Daryl buried his face in her hair, exhaling deeply. MaryJane laced her legs with his, burying herself in the warmth he offered. Sleep claimed them, the candle left to burn throughout the night.

A shadow appeared at their curtain, the dark shape casted by the glow of the candle. It stood there for a few moments before it left, slinking back into the darkness whence it came.

MaryJane woke the next morning, her body humming delightfully. She gazed over at her sleeping partner, his face turned towards hers. MaryJane studied his face. He looked so peaceful and without a care. The stress lines were gone and it reminded her of a younger Daryl, but she liked the older version of him. He was got sexier with age and she was glad she was the one who could dab into him like other girls could only dream of. She turned her head to glance over at the candle which was burned down to its base, the flame blue as it tried to hang on for dear life.

The sun peeked through the window, showing that it was morning. She knew the others were up and they needed to join them no matter how inviting a day in bed with Daryl sounded. They were both needed with things more important than themselves. Having that knowledge, she turned back to Daryl. He was grumpy in the mornings so she thought of the most delicate way to wake him. Carefully, she angled her face level to his and began to place slow and delicate butterfly kisses on his face starting with his forehead and making her way down his nose and across his cheeks. She felt him stir, his arms moving. She smiled as she kissed his face, her heartwarming at the sound of his sleepy moans. Finally his eyes cracked open as her lips touched his. She leaned her face away, beaming rather brightly at him.

"Good morning, love,"

Daryl moaned and blinked. "Mornin'...damn..." He leaned his head forward and claimed her lips softly, neither caring about morning breath. "...best wakeup call in a long time."

MaryJane smiled happily and gestured with her head to the door. He groaned and let his head fall and hit the pillow.

"After last night I ain't wantin' ta leave tha bed." He said deeply.

MaryJane grinned mischievously. "Me either...but if you get up I'll make it worth your while tonight."

Daryl's eyes snapped over to hers, wide awake and inquisitive. "Yea?"

"Yeah," She hummed.

Daryl hissed. "Damn, don't go inta no details cause ya might not make it outta tha bed now."

He pressed the line of his body against hers and when she felt something poke her abdomen she blushed.

"Whoops!" She flushed.

Daryl growled, hugging her against him. "Don' be sorry fer turnin' me on."

Having no comeback for that she just nodded dumbly. "Okay."

Though, she felt bad that he would have to go through the day with that little problem so she slid her hand underneath the sheets, between their bodies. Daryl jumped, but made no move to stop her.

"I think I owe you this at least. We can't have you distracted all day."

Daryl's hands grasped her tightly, burying his face in her hair as he felt pleasure shoot up his spine.

They exited the cell fifteen minutes later, dressed and fulfilled. As she had pulled her clothes on MaryJane admitted that she was a little sore. Daryl responded that she was using muscles she hasn't used in a while. That made her throw a sock at him for his cheekiness. For Daryl, her soreness was assuring to him that she had been faithful to him. Breakfast was over when they walked in, but Katie, Bev, Maggie and Carol were busy cleaning and folding laundry. Beth was bouncing Judith on her lap, making the infant giggle in delight.

All five women looked up at their entrance. Daryl greeted them with a nod and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the table. MaryJane was surprised that he hasn't released her hand before they entered the room. She knew Katie would notice that. Daryl stopped near the exit towards the door to get outside, pulling her to a stop with him. He turned to face her, his fingers still laced with hers.

"I'll see ya at lunch."

MaryJane nodded. "See you then."

She expected him to release her hand and walk away, but she got a shock to the core when he quickly released her hand and cupped her cheek, pressing his lips against hers. Her lips wrapped around his upper lip, his facial hair grazing her pink lips. She closed her eyes, her body sparking dangerously at the contact. Daryl pulled back seconds later, ending the kiss too soon for both their liking. He gazed into her eyes for a few seconds before dropping his hand, grazing the back of his with hers before walking away.

Her lips burned, wanting to feel his on hers again. She turned back towards the other women who were shell-shocked and excited.

Maggie was the first to voice her thoughts. "Oh...my...God..."

MaryJane blushed deeply, walking towards them and playing with the ends of her elbow length sleeved cobalt blue shirt. She couldn't use her hair to hide her red face since she pulled her hair into a pony tail. A shower was in order. Her brown eyes flickered to Beth who was beaming up at her, seeming to know exactly what transpired between them to make Daryl do that. Dear God! She was never going to hear the end of it from Katie and Beverly!

"Well now, MJ, is there somethin' you'd like ta tell us?" Katie asked teasingly, giving her a grin to match.

MaryJane crossed her arms. "Why say anything when you already know?"

Bev burst into laughter, Maggie and Carol following suit, abandoning their work to give her a good look-over.

"You're beaming, MaryJane!" Carol smiled, pleased.

Her face felt so hot she thought it was about to pop right off her head. Why she was always so modest about sex was beyond her. She was last the age to blush at every mention of sex, but for some reason it caused that reaction from her.

"I always knew Daryl could please a lady, but Carol's right. He musta done somethin' right!" Maggie added, her beautiful eyes lit up with amusement.

A possessive streak curled MaryJane's belly at Maggie's harmless words, but she was a beautiful woman and she had no doubt Daryl would've noticed too. Shaking the thought away she just smiled back at Maggie.

"Come on, MJ! Give us some details!" Katie begged, standing and grabbing her arms affectionately.

MaryJane bit her lip. How could she say it without giving too much of her private sex life anyway?

"Let's just say his stamina is very, very good."

Katie pursed her lips, but took the little detail and strolled back to her seat.

"Aw, that's it?" Bev complained.

MaryJane sighed. "I guess I can say that he give Elvis a run for his money when it comes to rocking his hips."

A loud echo of 'Ooo's' broke out of the women, Carol flushed at the information and Maggie looked at little disgusted. MaryJane shrugged.

"You asked and I delivered."

"Maybe I should've covered my ears for that one. Now I won't be able to look at him right!" Maggie groaned, pressing her finger to her forehead repeatedly. "Is there a way I can delete the past minute?"

"Nope, sorry, sweetie, you're stuck with it for the rest of your life." Katie teased making Maggie shudder.

MaryJane felt a little bad at Maggie's discomfort, but seeing her reaction was well worth it. At least now they had something to go on and wouldn't bug her...for the next few hours at least. Her brown eyes flickered to Beth whose face was red.

Maybe both the Dixons could give Elvis a run for his money?

The thought of Merle doing that made her cringe like Maggie.

Oh, dear God! Ugh! Delete! Delete! Delete!

Beth gave her an embarrassed smile as they shared a glance. Daryl's woman's outlook on life had grown considerably brighter, seeing a new dawn on the horizon. She had no doubts or fears.

After a few more minutes of digging at MaryJane Beth pulled her away, Judith reaching for the older woman. The two strolled down the hall towards Judith's cell. Beth smiled over at the short woman who was cooing sweetly at the baby. Carol was right. She was beaming and glowing. There was a permanent blush on her cheeks unlike her pale complexion before. The blonde's heart just swelled. MaryJane was finally, truly happy again. Though, something was nagging at Beth. She knew it wasn't any of her business, but she needed to ask, for Daryl's sake.

"MJ?"

"Yeah?" MaryJane cooed, sitting down in her usual chair with Judith babbling in her lap.

Beth sat down in her chair uncomfortably, biting her bottom lip nervously and when she didn't say anything else MaryJane looked over at her expectantly.

"Everything okay, Beth?"

The blonde nodded. "Yeah…I know it's none of my business, but I was wonderin' if ya told Daryl 'bout yer kiss with Jeremy."

The younger girl's fears were confirmed when MaryJane's face fell, shame dulling her brown eyes.

"No, I haven't'…but I'm going to…today…" She shook her head. "…tonight."

Beth nodded, still uncertain and MJ saw it.

"I know I should've already done it, but…I…I guess it hasn't really mattered to me. I don't know how many times I have to tell Daryl that he's the one. No matter my past without him, I couldn't move on from him and the way he made me feel. But he has a right to know."

MaryJane faked a smile for the infant who began to grumble at her sad face. Beth studied MaryJane with something akin to pity. It wouldn't be easy for her or Daryl, but MaryJane did have a point. Why should it matter now? It was over and it wasn't ever repeated. Then again, Beth also had to think from Daryl's perspective. Beth always had the feeling, from his character, that when he fell in love with someone it would be forever.

MaryJane, after setting Judith down for her nap, went to partake in hanging the laundry. She carried the basket under her arm, glancing up at the cloudy, grey sky that was starting to grow darker with every minute that passed. She could practically smell the rain that was coming. Her brown eyes eyed the black cloud that was coming their way and was glad Carol decided to hang the wet clothes inside for the night. The wind blew out gusts here and there, almost causing her to lose a shirt or towel at times. It was easier to ignore the walkers that seemed a little more uneasy than usual.

Maybe they can sense the storm too.

Her lean fingers unclipped one of Rick's shirts when all of a sudden a large gust of wind slammed against her, causing the material to slip from her fingers.

"Crap!" She hissed, pushing the annoying lose strands of hair from her mouth.

She hurried after the flying white shirt. Her short legs strained to keep up with the runaway clothing article, but she slid to a stop when a lean hand shot out to grab it, almost missing it. Lose hair brushed against her face as she caught her panicked breath. Hazel eyes locked with hers and she smiled.

"Oh! Thanks, Jeremey! I don't know what I would've done if it'd gotten away! I owe you!" She thanked, taking the shirt from his grip.

He grinned, his eyes darting up to the sky. "It's fine…looks like we've gotta storm coming our way."

MJ followed his line of vision. "Yeah, looks like it. Good thing too, the garden could use it."

Jeremy nodded, barely hearing her words as he turned his dark gaze back to her. MaryJane felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise as his stare burned into her face. A sudden dose of anxiety shot through her heart as she met his eyes which seemed vacant. Swallowing she forced a smile, feeling suddenly very uncomfortable in his presence.

"Well, I gotta get this stuff in before it lets out a down pour."

Jeremy didn't respond and MaryJane didn't wait. With a slightly faster kick in her step, she walked back to the basket and placed the shirt in the basket, glad for the rock that Carol used to weigh things down. She quickly grabbed the other shirt on the line and threw it in the basket. She went to turn around, but she jumped when a form was standing right behind her. Her heart leapt into her throat as she found Jeremy standing there, staring down at her in a way that terrified her.

"I'm sorry, MJ…I just can't help it."

"C-Can't help what, Jeremy?" She asked, swallowing back the sudden fear that chilled her bones.

His head leaned down towards her, his eyes glazed over with an emotion that made her blood run cold.

"Wanting you."

MaryJane had no room to reply as his mouth came down viciously and roughly on hers. She gasped, her mind and body quickly rejecting him like poison. She placed her hands on his chest and began to shove. She broke the kiss momentarily, wanting to try and reason with him or scream, but he was having none of it. She barely had time to breathe before he forced his lips back on hers. Her whole body ran deathly cold as she struggled against his steel-like arms. Water pricked at the corner of her eyes as his tongue forcefully pushed through her teeth. In her mind she begged for help, begged for Daryl or Merle to come save her.

Daryl, where are you?! I need you!

Daryl and Glenn tiptoed through the Tombs, checking the patched places where walkers had been known to crawl their way through. Seeing that they were undisturbed they headed back up to the main floor.

"You're in a good mood today." Glenn commented.

"Wha' gave ya that impression?" Daryl asked, keeping his crossbow pointed in front of him.

The Korean shrugged. "No reason…you just look…happy is all."

Daryl had always liked Glenn. He was a smart kid with the makings of a good leader. He wasn't one to judge too quickly, at least not all the time.

"I am," Daryl finally agreed.

Glenn smiled over at him. "Good, I'm really glad you are."

Daryl nodded in thanks as they finally reached the mess hall where Carol was finishing up folding laundry. Glenn left to find Maggie who was in the watch tower.

"Ya seen MaryJane, Carol?" Daryl inquired, his bow draped over his left shoulder.

Carol smiled at him. "Yeah, she's outside gettin' the last of the laundry before it rains."

He nodded to her and left and Carol eyed him in her wake. There was a youthful spring in his step, his face wasn't hard like a stone and his eyes were strangely softer than before. Her heart swelled drastically. Finally, things were looking up for him. Or so Carol thought.

Daryl closed the door, a gust of wind blowing his hair from his face. It wasn't a chilly wind, but a jacket would be needed. He hoped MaryJane was wearing one. Dark blue eyes appraised the darkening sky grimly. He guessed, with a dirty grin, that a night in would be in order. He strolled with a lighter step and swagger as he headed to the clothes line. His thoughts flashed to the night before, the way her face looked beneath his. His black heart squeezed, his loins tightening at the idea of a repeat session.

When he looked up at the clothes lines those images popped like a bubble. When it registered what he saw his vision went red, a metallic taste forming in his mouth. His body grew stiff with a rage he'd never felt before. He dropped his bow, his hands curling into deadly, iron fists. His blue eyes darkened to black, his face drawing up the blankest expression that would turn Medusa to stone. He broke into a full run, like a bull charging for the kill. And kill he would.

Well, I must say that things have picked up, yeah? This is only the beginning and others will be bitten by the snake that is Jeremy "The Germ" Duncan.

During my trip my father and I finally watched Superman: Man of Steel and at first I was skeptical because I am NOT a big Superman fan. Though, my opinion has been changed in the tiniest. I have discovered a love for Michael Shannon aka General Zod. So, upon discovering this beautiful man and brilliant actor the plot bunnies decided to pay me a visit and start making babies. So...a General Zod/Oc fanfiction is in planning and I am very tempted to post it on here. Thoughts? Any other General Zod lovers out there?

REMINDER: Please take the poll on my profile concerning the franchise of story I should write next. A new Walking Dead is in the lead and I have a good one in mind. Planning has already begun, but another might rise before it! If you can take a few moments to pop on over and just click away. :)

More to come soon. Please review! I love feedback!

Happy Writing!