Hello all. Again, another chapter I had to split up. No worries though. A reviewer struck me with an idea that will be used in this chapter. So, I want to thank that lovely person right here. Thank you, darling! :) This chapter is mostly a filler, but it's needed for the chapters ahead. I hope the conversation between MaryJane and Beth is realistic. I was shocked at the amount of attention the last chapter got. I am still recovering, but I am so honored for the reviews, favorites, and follows for myself and my story! I am agog! Thank you ALL! :) Now, onward!

I would like to thank those who have reviewed chapter 11...mrskaz453, The Reading Dead, katefabray, hippielicious, missy7293, electrogirl88, Athlete Girl, thewalkingdestroyer, igottoomanyloves, ifrickinlovenarwhals, Vixxie13 and an anonymous reviewer, Daisy.

Thank you who has favorited and followed my story!

Please Enjoy and Review!

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 13

Unknown to Merle, young Beth had been standing outside his cell and she heard only three little words that came from between Merle's lips to an unconscious MaryJane. He said words he never said to her and she realized then that he never would. He didn't love her. Without waiting to hear what he said next, she ran from his cell, feeling her heart break in two.

In the darkness from a floor down and several cells away, the dark figure of Daryl Dixon kicked the covers from his body and placed his feet on the floor, stuffing his face in his hands. He was so fucking tired, but he couldn't fucking sleep! He knew the reason why the serenity of sleep was evading him, he just didn't want to admit. Being the stubborn mule he always was, he denied everything, pushing it aside and thinking he could deal with it. How wrong was he?

He didn't miss her. He didn't feel alone without her. He didn't miss the warmth of her body or the sound of her soft breathing. He didn't miss the gentle humming of her favorite song in the darkness as she tried to go to sleep. He didn't miss the way his soul felt whole when she was lying in his arms. He didn't miss shit.

At least he tried to convince himself of that. He was convinced that the reason he was unable to sleep or think correctly was because of the storm that raged outside. He tried to tell himself that the bed felt terribly cold was because of the cool air that came with the wind. He tried to convince himself that he felt empty because he missed dinner. He even tried to convince himself that he didn't need to convince himself of all those things. So, why was he trying convincing himself? Shit, in the end he ended up giving himself a headache, a pounding one too. The thunder and rattling rain on the roof didn't help relax him.

He lifted his face and placed a hand on his right shoulder, suddenly aware of how tense his muscles were. He sighed heavily in the empty room. If she were there she would've asked him what's wrong. Then he would've shrugged and then she would gently chastise him for shrugging.

Fuck.

He quickly shook the thought away, not wanting to think of her in any way. Just the image of her made the sick feeling from before return. She'd kissed another man. Fuck.

The pounding in his head grew harder and he began pressing at the spots she used to press on that seemed to help lessen the pain. Even though his fingers pressed against the right spots it didn't seem to help him. It angered him since she always managed to numb the pain in his skull. What. The. Fuck? He lowered his hands from his face and placed a hand back on his muscles, pondering the tenseness.

His body being unable to relax was a reason he couldn't sleep. He'd been tense since the encounter hours earlier and no matter what he did he couldn't relax his body. Usually, he could shake things off, but the situation involved the only woman he'd ever want to spend the rest of his life with. Her betrayal, it being her made it a whole new ball game for Daryl. When it came to her he was sensitive. She was a weak spot in his armor, the one thing that could wound him fatally or kill him. Now, a metaphorical arrow had pierced that weak spot and nearly brought him to his knees in the pain. He was bleeding out, bleeding anger and hurt. She, the most important thing to him, had given him the biggest blow anyone could ever bestow upon him. He felt weak and from that it made him tense to try and make up for that wounded area in his armor.

Though, his subconscious knew that it wasn't anger that kept him tense, but guilt and remorse. He pushed the feelings away, feeling that he was totally justified in his actions towards her. Yet, when his mind shot him pictures of the broken expression on her face his chest clenched painfully and he almost starting rethinking his actions...almost. He thought he was completely in the right...but that still didn't stop him from trying to stop the feelings of longing. That was sir thing else that kept him up, longing. He refused to admit it, but his body had quickly gotten used to her presence beside him in his bed. Now, after being separated for so long and to have her suddenly ripped away was a shock to his system. But, no, he wasn't going to admit that or allow the idea to cross his mind.

However, amongst his brooding self-pity he wondered what was going to happen next. What was going to happen tomorrow or the next day? If he knew her like he thought he did then she would try to avoid him. That's what she did in high school. They avoided each other until one of them broke...or something else did. He needed the space, he decided, maybe it would be best because he certainly wasn't wanting to be near her, not for a while. In reaction, his body contradicted his mental decision by giving him a kick to the stomach. Daryl shook the dreaded feeling away and made up his mind me when a Dixon made up his mind then his mind was made up. Nothing could change that. So he thought at least.

It would give him some time to cool down and maybe once he had a clearer head he could rethink things, but he didn't care to. Though, all he could think about was that punk, the Germ, who had to ruin it all. Daryl's mind quickly snapped at a sudden thought. If the Germ hadn't told Daryl what she'd done then would she have ever told him? That was a question he couldn't answer. His mind, full of anger and resentment said no, but his body and heart believed that she would have. Yet, he couldn't be for sure and he would never know now. He didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

His hands fell into his lap and he gazed at the floor, his mind going different places as he tried to ignore his pounding head. Was this his body's way of punishing him for his actions? If he were the superstitious type he'd believe so. Then again, maybe it wasn't all superstitious rot, what if the big man upstairs was giving him a sign? Daryl turned his exhausted gaze towards the window, finding sucks my ironic how the horrible events of the day happened on a rainy day.

If that ain' cliché shit then I don' know wha' fuckin' is!

He surprised himself as he began talking to the storming sky outside his window. He stood and walked towards it.

"Wha' 'ave I done? Why 'ave ya fersaken me?"

He only asked the last question because people he used to know always asked that and pointed up at the sky with a raised fist of frustration. A part of him was trying to amuse himself by using that widely used line, but another side wanted an answer.

"I jus' got 'er back...now yer gonna take 'er away from me again?" Daryl asked the dark sky, receiving no voice or angels singing in answer.

He felt stupid, but keeping his thoughts silent was almost too much. He'd talked to Him before, before she came back into his life. He brought her back to him, like he wanted and now he wasn't so sure that's what he wanted anymore. He needed to vent and he might as well vent to the man in the clouds. Who was he gonna tell?

"I thought I knew 'er. I thought we'd promise each other ta wait. I know I fuckin' did. I waited. She didn'. Why? Why'd she do it? Give me a reason why..."

Thunder just rumbled in the distance and Daryl almost scowled at the sky as if he were expecting an answer.

"Wha' do I do now? Fergive 'er? Take 'er back?"

Would you really let her go? A voice asked him in his head.

"Fuck no!" Daryl snarled.

What else is there to do then forgive her and take her back? It asked.

Daryl had no response and the voice sounded pleased at that.

You've already established that letting her go is not an option. You cannot avoid her forever and it is going to be hard to start doing it. Are you sure you justified in your actions towards her?

"Yeah," He nodded confidently.

Did you get her side of the story? It asked testily.

Daryl glared at the rain. "No,"

You know well that there are always two sides to every story and yet you took the word of a man you despise and trust over the woman you love? Sounds rather backwards to me.

Once again, Daryl was speechless, but his stubbornness made him deny it. This voice was trying to tell him something but it was trying to make him think he was in the wrong. He was not in the wrong! She was!

You keep blaming her, but perhaps the blame does not rest on her.

"Stop fuckin' talkin' in riddles!" Daryl snapped.

The voice ignored his tone. Perhaps you dig deeper and learn her side before you send out blame. She would never betray you intentionally, you know this.

The tracker lowered his head, unable to deny the truth of the voice's words.

"So, her sayin' that she didn' kiss another man?" He asked skeptically.

No, she's already admitted that, but how are you to know that she knew what she we doing?

"Wha'?" Daryl scoffed with furrowed brows.

Find out her side of things and it will all make sense. Before something worse happens.

The voice faded out and vanished, but Daryl wasn't done asking questions. It never responded to him again. How the fuck would she not know she was kissing another man? He turned away from the window in disgust, but it vanished when a feeling of sudden exhaustion take him, like some had shot him with a tranquilizer. He barely made it to the bed when he stumbled, almost unable to keep his eyes open.

Find out her side of things and it will all make sense. Before something worse happens.

Daryl barely had time to think about those sentences for he blacked out, sleep taking him.

Beth collapsed into her bed, sobbing like a child. She buried her face into her pillow, the water staining the material of the case. Her cries were muffled, but all she felt was the pain in her chest. She couldn't describe the agony that felt as if her heart had been punched out and her gut had been stabbed in to, the knife twisted around by an invisible hand. The pain was almost like the one she felt when her mother died.

Only, it wasn't the pain of loss, but the agony of betrayal, jealously and heart ache. After everything she had given to Merle Dixon, her life, her heart, her body...hell, she gave him her virginity, for God's sake! And this whole time he'd been in love with MJ?! Beth wasn't surprised! MaryJane was beautiful with those forget-me-not whiskey brown eyes and natural beauty with her dark hair. She was smart, smarter than Beth could ever be! MaryJane knew Merle better than she did and that scared Beth. She was jealous of the older woman she'd come to consider as her friend. The blonde was envious of her age, her brilliance and beauty that seemed to draw both Merle and Daryl in. She despised her for having the chance to know Merle like Beth might never. MJ practically knew him like a wife would know her husband.

Beth could easily see how Merle would love her. She was everything Beth could never be and it only brought the young woman down further into the hole she found herself curled in. Merle had never told Beth he loved her, never even hinted at it. Sure, she knew the oldest Dixon cared for her, he made it very clear to her in the past, but caring for and loving someone were two totally different things. If there was one thing in life Beth wanted it was to be loved by the man she loved. It sucked that said man happened to be Merle Dixon...who was in love with another woman...his brother's woman at that!

God! The throb in her chest made her chest ache, fueling the tears that slid down her cheeks like a waterfall in a tropical forest. What would Daryl say if he knew? He'd most likely do something bad to his older brother. She cringed at the idea of Merle getting hurt and it only strengthened the hot poking in her chest. Daryl would probably go off the deep end and a clash of titans would ensue. Beth saw the obvious hold MaryJane had over Daryl, it was obvious he loved her...but to have his own brother in love with her...dear God it would drive him fucking mad!

Though, the question Beth asked herself was if MaryJane loved Merle in return. Yes, she loved him...as a brother and Beth believed her. Sure, they flirted like two people in heat, but that was Merle's nature and MJ has known him for years!

So...they joke around...

Beth trailed off in that thought. They joked around, yes, very much so and sometimes Beth found herself slightly resentful towards the older woman. She made it seem so easy to talk to Merle and with confidence Beth would stride up and try to talk, but it wouldn't be the same. It just didn't feel like it should've. She didn't feel like how she thought she would when talking to him and MaryJane always looked so at ease with him.

God, how she envied her! That's probably another reason why he loved her...because she knew him and accepted him for what and who he was. But, Beth did that! She fucking loved Merle for who he was, not caring about what he's done in the past! Why can't her acceptance be as good as MaryJane's?! Why does Merle always seem to try and get her acceptance instead of Beth's? At that unanswered question Beth sobbed harder into the pillow, her fingers curling into the soft fluff to keep it close against her face. Why couldn't he love her the way he loved MaryJane? Was she really that insignificant when MaryJane was around that it changed Merle's opinion of her?

Her thoughts flashed back to the time he took her on the desk in the watch tower one night during his watch. She had touched him once and he seemed to melt and his lips had been down on hers in an instant. That night and the nights in the future, it seemed to be the same, she touched him and his control was lost. Now she was really beginning to question if it was really her, Beth Greene, he had been fucking instead of MaryJane Jenkins. The thought made her heart fall into her stomach. He would be using her, she'd be nothing but a toy to make up for the real thing! What if, when his eyes closed, as he pounded into her it had been MJ's face he conjured up in his mind instead of looking into her own blue eyes? She shook her head and sobbed harder, not wanting it to be true. At that moment she felt used, violated and disgusted. The idea of Merle using her, wooing and seducing her just made her skin crawl.

She loved him...but it seemed that his heart didn't belong to her. It was cruel to her that both the Dixon boys seemed to have lost their heart to the same woman.

She laid a weak punch to the pillow and let out a muffled scream into the earthly cloud at her face. It wasn't fair! Yet, no matter how much she wanted to hate MaryJane she couldn't. The older woman had been nothing but kind to her, making her feel that she was worth something and an important piece to the group. She took Beth under her wing and reminded her that life still had joys. MaryJane made her feel that she had a chance with Merle and that he might eventually come to love her like Daryl loved MJ.

No, not now, not ever. I can't be her, I won't be. If he thinks he can have MJ through me then he's got another thing comin'. I won't be a fuckin' toy!

Lifting her head, she sat up, wiping her eyes and scrunching her face with determination. Merle would make this up to her. She'd get an explanation from him whether he liked it or not! He'd tell her the whole goddamned truth and if it came out that he really did love MJ then...well, she hadn't thought that far ahead. Regardless, she would find out and he wasn't going to try and sweet talk her like he was so talented at. No, she was putting down the iron fist until we got what she wanted. And what she wanted was all of Merle or nothing at all. First, she would talk with MaryJane once she was feeling better.

The young blonde frowned at the floor, remembering the catatonic state her friend had come in with. It was like she'd been petrified by something. What it was she didn't know, but she had an inkling that it had something to do with a little Germ and a redneck named Daryl. Jesus! No matter how much Beth wanted to scorn the woman she couldn't! She wanted to so bad, but it wasn't in her nature to hate, only to forgive like her daddy taught her.

Beth prayed to God to give her strength because she had a feeling that the next day or two were going to be long and hard.

MaryJane was wide awake before the sun rose and she remained in Merle's arms, envious of his sleep. She was relaxed, but her mind wouldn't stop going or thinking. All she heard was Daryl's cold words and felt the loss when he walked away. It made the pain inside her fresh and raw. She stared at Merle's smooth face as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Sobs rose up in her chest and she bit down on her bottom lip to hold back the cry that threatened to erupt from her chest.

The entirety of her ached, ached for Daryl. When she had fallen asleep she told herself that what happened was just a dream and that she'd wake up to Daryl next to her, sleeping like a baby, but when she opened her eyes her hopes and prayers were dashed away. Instead of Daryl, Merle laid there and, no offense to the brother of her lover, it wasn't the same. Daryl was her rock, her reason for living and to continue living. Now that he walked away, like he was saying goodbye...it felt permanent.

She knew Daryl, but all of a sudden she felt she didn't know one single thing about him. He wasn't the Daryl she loved yesterday. It was another version of him, the one that feared loss and being alone. And it was all her fault. Everything...and she had the pitting fear that it would never be the same again. Daryl would never want her again. If she'd only told him sooner...things would've been very different. Of course, she held off like a coward, trusting that Jeremy would honor his promise. When he did that she saw another side of her friend and it was a desperate side of him. The modern world had changed him and she learned firsthand of the consequences of the past. Now, because of one, stupid little kiss...it was all over.

A whimper escaped her lips which caused Merle to stir next to her, his good arm still draped over her waist. As much as she adored Merle, she couldn't ever repay him for what he did for her. He saved her life and he went farther than anyone else ever would have. She was eternally grateful and she decided from that moment forward that she owed him a life debt. MaryJane gazed at his roughly handsome face and wondered what Merle would do to Daryl when he saw him. Probably punch his light out. A few tears streamed down the side of her nose due to her reclined position. She didn't want Daryl to get hurt, not any more than she hurt him at least. Her brown eyes closed, the comfort of Merle's body seeming to only make her stiffen. Beth probably hated her now, since she was practically naked in bed with the man she loved.

Poor girl. I just keep hurting those I care about. I am a real piece of work.

"Penny fer yer thoughts?"

She jumped, her eyes snapping open and she was barely able to make out the older man's face through the haze of her tears. She blinked and her vision began to clear only to see the disdain in his icy blue eyes.

"Aw naw, not those fuckin' tears again!" He groaned.

MaryJane sniffed, apologizing in a weak voice. Merle frowned at her, discouraged to see her former state returned. He'd hoped a good night sleep might've helped, but it was a temporary escape from the anguish. She awoke only to remember that his little asshole brother kicked her to the curb, seeming to be careless of what it would do to her. If Daryl really loved her, Merle thought, he would've come after her and demanded an explanation. But his brother was so thick headed and senseless to women's feelings that all he knew was to lash out and walk away. MaryJane knew that about him well though. He also knew that she knew Daryl would come back to her...he always did.

"It's gonna be all okay, MJ. I's gonna talk ta him and get this shit all straightened out." Merle promised again, like he was talking to a child.

Not minding, only encouraged, MaryJane nodded. Merle tilted his head further into the pillow when she flinched at the use of 'MJ'.

"Whydaya flinch when I calls ya 'MJ'?" He asked curiously.

MaryJane hesitated but knew she didn't have to hide anything from Merle. He wouldn't judge her.

"Daryl called me that when he told me he didn't want to hear my excuses and to shut up...he's never called me that, Merle, never...he always hated it when people called me that. It just goes to show how much I hurt him and how much he despises me." She looked into Merle's eyes as fresh tears began to fog up her vision. "I'm so stupid... I jus—I can't Merle! I can't!" She exclaimed as she grew hysterical.

Merle furrowed his light colored brows as she started shaking her head in denial with sobs escaping her throat.

"Whadaya mean ya 'can't'?"

"I can't live without him!" She yelled desperately. "I can't lose him again! I love him and I need him more than I need anything else! Without him my world is dead! I might as well throw myself to the walkers at the gate because if he leaves me then that's what I'll end up being! I can't live without my heart and I can't live without my soul! He's taken them and I can't take them back! I ca—" She broke off, her voice seeming to cut off in her throat.

Merle laid there, just letting her yell at him, expose her most inner feelings to him and he caught a glimpse of the beautiful person she was on the inside and he felt his love for her grow. He loved her because she could love his brother without hesitation or reservations. He loved her because she would always accept both of them no matter what was said or done. He loved her as he should love a sister, his own, un-biological sister. He adored her like he had held her infant form in his arms like he did Daryl's. While his heart didn't belong to her, a part of his soul did. It was a part that he thought didn't exist. He thought he was soulless and without a heart. She had been the first to open them up and make him realize they were there and he used them more often than he realized.

The sobbing woman before him had shown him that he wasn't some asshole, drunk, racist drug addict. She found the man beneath like she did with Daryl and she coaxed him from the darkness into the light of day. In the past he'd seen the light and realized that it was warm. That was before the world went to hell and she vanished. Even though he would refuse it, her disappearance didn't only destroy Daryl, it hurt Merle as well. She'd become a permeant fixture in his life, one he'd come to consider his kin and when she was gone...all the hard work had been destroyed, that good man fell back into the darkness and vanished without a trace.

But, when Beth Greene came into his life he felt the man within pounding on the doors of the darkness. She had been an unknowing guiding light for him. Every time she spoke or smile at him, he felt that man MaryJane told him about draw closer to the light at the end of the tunnel. Beth had become was MaryJane was and when Merle finally admitted to himself that he cared about Beth, he realized that MaryJane's work hadn't been in vain. She knew he would eventually slip, but she'd also known that he would come back in time as well.

Merle's voice was soft, but stern. "MJ...if yer thinkin' that my little brotha's not gonna love ya or care 'bout ya after this then her fuckin' wrong. If ya were ta leave 'im he wouldn't stop 'til he tracked ya down. It'd take more than a fuckin' herd o' those Geeks ta keep 'im from findin' ya and bringin' ya back." He inhaled deeply through his nose. "As I said...he ain't gonna be able ta live without ya fer long. He'll come crawlin' back. He needs ya more than ya can imagine. I know...I've seen 'im when he's without ya...he'd rather die than lose ya again."

His words were encouraging which uplifted her. She believed him, but when Daryl's voice returned to her she felt the joy disintegrate. It was at that moment she questioned whether it not Merle was right. All she had was hope and faith and despite everyone's hatred for them...she was one of the few who still possessed them. When had either let her down in the past?

Merle had already pulled his pants and tank top back on while MaryJane turned her back, giving him privacy he told her he didn't need. For her it felt wrong to lay there and what him dress like the morning after a passionate roll around. She grimaced at the idea. It was Merle for goodness sake's, the idea of kissing him in places other than the cheek was just cringe worthy. She'd never been attracted to him, sure he was handsome and charming, but he wasn't the first Dixon to charm her. Merle was like the big brother she never had, a really kick ass brother.

As she stared at the wall she knew that things would be different between them. He saved her life and in a way that went beyond the boundary of brother saving sister. It showed her that Merle really cared about her like he cared about Daryl. She never really thought something would happen to confirm Merle's caring abilities to her. How wrong she was...it was just unfortunate that it had to happen in the way it did. She bit her lip when her heart twisted painfully at the brief glance at the memories.

Suddenly, she didn't feel like getting up from the bed. Despite her stomach rumbling, she had no want to get from the bunk that Merle claimed. She knew he would be out there most likely and she didn't think she could face him, not when the others were clueless to their...violent argument. Nope, staying in Merle's bunk sounded just fine to MaryJane. In fact, it would probably be safer for her lest she try to throw herself to the walkers from the watch tower. She didn't know if she'd really do it, but she kept her options open.

"Get outta tha bed, MJ." Merle ordered from the middle of the room, arms crossed.

MaryJane shook her head and turned towards him. "No,"

His eyebrows shot up at her denial in amusement and worry. He rested his weight on his right leg as they looked at each other. Finally, Merle rolled his eyes.

"Why tha fuck not?" He asked.

MaryJane glanced at the door. "He's out there...I don't know if I can look at him without..."

Merle nodded knowingly as she trailed off. A reasonable fear, but she wasn't doing it alone.

"So wha' if he's out there? Ya ain' goin' alone, MaryJane. Ya got me an' I ain' gonna abandon ya like my little pussy ass brother did."

MJ shot Merle a sharp look when he called Daryl those names. She hated it when people called him names or when his brother belittled his name with derogatory ones like that. It only made Merle smirk. She would always care for his stupid ass little brother even if he cursed her to hell and shoved her away like he so violently did the other day. That woman never ceased to amaze him.

"I know..." She affirmed, but her other fears were left unspoken as she moved her eyes back to Merle's blue ones.

The older man sighed. "We'd gotta fuckin' responsibility ta tha group. We can't jus' fuckin' lay 'round an' mope. We's got jobs and tha group needs us. Ya gotta put aside wha's happened 'til I talk some fuckin' sense inta my brotha. If anyone asks ya gotta tell 'em tha truth. They ain' gonna blame ya none and neither will Daryl. Come on, now, MJ, there's a lot more at work than you an' my little brotha, a'ight?"

She nodded, grateful for Merle reminding her of her priorities and helping her get her mind straight. It was comical to her that in the past, she had reminded him of his own priorities and it made him lay off on so many drugs at a time. Though, he was a tough nut to crack and it took many times to get it through to him, but she knew he wouldn't ever stop the drugs or the drinking unless the supplies stopped. Now, it happened and he was drug free. It made sense for him to be so logical and more level headed.

He was right, though, like he seemed to be lately, and she knew that there was a chance that she could avoid Daryl. The prison was big and he didn't come to Judith's cell. So...she could hole up in there with Beth and maybe tiptoe around the prison should the need arise. If she were to be honest, as much as she wanted to see Daryl, she knew all she'd do was burst into tears. She doubted she could get a full word out at him, even if it was to forgive him.

Maybe Carol would let her pass on hanging up the laundry for a few days, if she explained the situation that is—wait a minute! What the hell was she thinking?! She didn't have to tiptoe around the prison and she sure as hell didn't need to avoid Daryl! She was a grown woman, not fifteen! This wasn't high school, this was real life, and this was survival! Merle was so right! There were other things more important than her piddly ass problems! She could stand up and look Daryl in the eye and walk away! She could do it!

Merle watched as she had an inner debate, her eyes fixated on the sheets. He had no worry, just confidence that she would work it out and see it the adult way like she always did. He wasn't about to let he slide into an angsty teenager mode where she let desperation rule her as she wallowed in self-pity. It amused him to think that she never had that mode. He knew her when she was a teenager and she was more mature than he was. It was a rather strange shock to his system the first time she smarted back at him. He thought he would lash out at her like he did Daryl, no, he was dumbstruck. A short, petite woman like her had the balls to smart back to him. He liked it and he liked her. He thought that might've been the day he began to soften. All because of her.

His thoughts were broken when her head suddenly snapped up, her whiskey colored eyes staring right at him with determination.

"You're right...you're right." She murmured.

Merle grinned at her, kneeling down to her level, placing his good hand on the mattress for balance. He stared into her brown eyes for any sign of deceit but found none. He'd begun to think for a moment that all her marbles had scattered in her brain, but he saw the spark that was MaryJane Jenkins in her eyes. He patted her head and ruffled her hair affectionately.

"Of course I'm right, I'm always right." He teased cheekily earning a soft grin from her.

He stood and kicked the bunk gently. "Up an' at 'em."

A soft chuckle followed and she sat up, and started pushing the covers away before she froze and looked up at him as he stood over her watching her. She flushed quickly when she remembered that she was nearly naked beneath the sheets. It was embarrassing for him to have stripped her down on his own, but it was one thing for him to watch her while she's awake and aware.

"Wha'?" He teased. "It ain't nothin' I ain't seen befer."

"Don't remind me." She joked back, but once he had his chuckle she gave him a sweet look, so sweet it was sickening and Merle grimaced. "Turn around, pretty please."

Dear fuckin' God. Puke! Those faces girls made just made his stomach curl with disgust. They reminded him of rabbits, unicorns, and all that other stupid shit.

"If turnin' round will get that nasty look from yer face then ya got a fuckin' deal." He grumbled, turning around to face his back to her.

"Thanks, Merle...and if you turn around that face is all you'll see." She warned sarcastically as she climbed from the bed.

Merle made a gagging sound. "Consider me warned, Strawberry Shortcake."

Smirking at his nickname, she grabbed her semi-dry clothes and began pulling them on. Each layer she put on felt like she was reapplying the pain she came in with last night. The chill of the still damp sections made her shiver in remembrance of Daryl's harsh, cold words. It was a reminder of what her future would be like. Cold and alone. Quickly shaking the negative thoughts away, she sat down on the bed to slip her boots on. She glanced up at Merle's back as she slipped her right foot inside the correct shoe.

"You can turn around now. It's safe." She assured.

He did so and she finished covering her feet. Finally she stood and stopped before a man she considered to be her friend and her brother. They may not be blood, but she felt they were as close as they could get to being blood related. Not in blood, but in bond. Maybe if she and Daryl remained apart then that bond wouldn't fade, maybe she'd still be able to keep Merle and his friendship instead of losing him too. She cringed at the thought and tilted her head back to gaze into his icy blue eyes.

"It's all gonna be okay." He assured in his light, deeply accented voice.

She nodded, praying that he was right. Whether he was or not, she was determined to get through the day with or without Daryl.

Breakfast was another small affair, the occupants quieter than normal, some seeming to be holding back grunts or moans of pain. Since most of her group was older, they complained about joint pain when it got cold. She knew Con really had joint problems and she feared that it might affect his ability to fight and run. MaryJane was hopeful that the medical cream she had brought back on a run helped soothe the pain when it came. It always helped an achy knee for her.

MaryJane sat close to Merle and surreptitiously glanced around the table to find that Daryl and Beth were missing from the table. She knew why Daryl was, but she wondered if what happened last night took a harder roll on the young girl. Merle said she'd been there when she walked in all soaking wet and that she'd helped Merle unclothe her.

He had to get in the bunk with her to get her body heat up and no doubt Beth had to stand there and watch that. Merle was almost naked. The poor girl. It must've been hard to watch the man she loved crawl into bed, nearly naked with a woman in the same situation. Guilt tore through her like a bullet from a gun. Not only had she hurt Daryl yesterday, but she'd hurt Beth too, the young girl she'd grown very fond of. She suddenly lost her appetite and set the spoon back into her half empty bowl of oatmeal.

She jumped when Merle nudged her, gesturing for her to eat all of her food. MaryJane shook her and he only turned his face into a scathing one that practically ordered her lest she face the consequences. Knowing better than to test Merle, she picked her spoon back up and began shoveling the food into her mouth despite how sick each swallow it made her stomach.

"God bless, when it rains my joints get all stiff and creaky. Can't hardly sleep at night." Con groaned as she rubbed his knee from under the table.

Rick gave him a sympathetic gaze, feeling the ache in his bones as well. Katie began worrying over her husband and Rick took the time to scan the table. Daryl was missing, but MaryJane was there with Merle. Beth was missing too. Odd. She always had breakfast before going to tend I Judith. He shrugged it off, thinking that maybe his baby needed her feeding or diaper changed.

His kind blue-green eyes landed on MaryJane who seems to be forcing the food down her throat. His brows furrowed. She was pale with dark circles under her eyes. Always when he saw her she wore a smile, had a healthy blush and secretly held Daryl's hand under the table. Now, the tracker was absent and she looked like hell. The leader of the group wasn't stupid, but he was curious. Did something happen between her and Daryl? It would make sense for his absence, but things were going so well for them. What could've happened?

He watched as Merle leaned his head closer to her and she looked up at him tiredly and with the ghost of a grin. The elder Dixon nudged her arm encouragingly. She leaned her head against his arm for a few seconds before finishing her oatmeal. Unsure of how to take that moment, Rick was concerned and despite his need to make sure the inner workings of his group remained stable, he trusted Daryl enough to handle what was going on. Besides, a part of him felt it wasn't his business.

MaryJane stood from her seat with her bowl in hand and placed it on the tray line for Beverly to clean later. MaryJane grabbed an apple for the road as Merle followed after her. Before Rick knew it they were gone just as silently as they came in.

"Wha're ya gonna do ta avoid Daryl?" Merle asked before MaryJane could fully walk away.

She stopped and turned her head, her hands cupping the apple in uncertainty.

"I don't know...I guess not come from Judith's cell until I have to. He needs his space...and so do I." She informed.

Merle shook his head. His asshole little brother didn't deserve space to think, he deserved a kick in the ass. Then again, that's why they lasted to long, was by giving each other space and Merle was well aware of that. He meant what he said when Daryl'd come crawling back. She'd have to wait...Merle would have to wait too. Even if he didn't like it he couldn't shake her logic.

Though...Merle Dixon hated waiting.

Once she was finally free of Merle, knowing the moment they separated he was headed straight for Daryl. At the moment, she didn't really care. She had a delicate situation on her hands, one that involved her brother and the young girl who loved him a lot. She caused Beth pain no doubt so she would fix it and take her hatred and spiteful words. MaryJane already took Daryl's, why not Beth's?

Tossing the apple in between both her hands as she stepped into the cell to see Beth standing over a sleeping Judith's crib, watching her forlornly. MaryJane bit her lip, unsure of how to really approach it.

"Beth?" No response. She stepped closer. "You weren't at breakfast so I brought you an apple. I can't have you weak on me."

Beth kept her back to her and MaryJane frowned, but set the apple on the desk top. She inhaled deeply and decided that if Beth didn't want to talk MaryJane would.

"Look, I'm sorry for last night...I needed someone and Merle was who I needed...I know you're probably pissed at me and I understand why."

That broke Beth from her silence. She turned slowly to face MaryJane and the older woman's heart fell into her stomach at the sight of her wet face and hurt expression. MaryJane hurried towards her, wrapping her in her arms.

"Oh, Beth, I'm so sorry! I'm sorry!" She apologized, Beth's arms remaining tense at her sides.

MaryJane pulled back after a few seconds and saw the fire in the young girl's eyes.

"I love him." She breathed through her tears.

A dark haired head nodded. "I know, honey, I know you do and he loves you too."

Beth shook her head, taking a step back from MaryJane, staring at her unblinking. "No, he don't. He ain't ever gonna love me."

Confused, she furrowed her brows, her by Beth's subtle retreat. "What? Yes, he does. Why would you say something like that?"

"Because he's in love with you." Beth hissed as a tear slipped from her eyes.

Gob smacked, MaryJane stared wide eyed at her. Merle in love with her? There was no way! He was like her older brother! The thought of being with him in a way other than that was just sickening. He never made an advances other than flirting and making perverse jokes at her. That we just Merle though, he always treated her like that, ever since the beginning, but it wasn't as whole-hearted as it used to be. Now, he wouldn't touch her sexually even if she stripped naked for him and begged him to take her. He'd be too busy laughing his butt off and tell her to put her clothes back on. MaryJane felt like a cod fish with her open mouth of astonishment and closed it quickly, shaking her head quickly at Beth.

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no. Merle's not in love with me, Beth. He's like my brother. If he's in love with anyone it's you. He knows how I feel about him and he'd never hurt Daryl like that." MaryJane assured, but Beth was far from convinced.

"No...I heard him say it." Beth argued, her body shaking from the hurt that antagonized her entire body.

"Say what?" MaryJane asked carefully, feeling something akin to dead out in her stomach.

"He said that he loved you. That he needed you in his life." She whispered, her voice ready to crack with the sob that was building in her throat.

Astonished, MaryJane knew she'd been right. Beth was hurting because Merle seemed to be more caring towards her. The situation made her uncomfortable and in her jumbled mind of emotions she heard only what she wanted and without waiting for more she ran off. She couldn't blame Beth. MaryJane had been her age once and she knew that even at eighteen that emotions were hard to understand and control. At least when it concerned one of the Dixon brothers. It wall her fault Beth was hurting, but she was determined to right a wrong and make her young friend understand.

She gazed softly and sympathetically at her friend. "Beth...he loves me, yes, but as a big brother loves his little sister...like he loves Daryl. He needs me in his life not because you aren't enough, but for reassurance that he won't lose Daryl like he has many times before. With me he knows that Daryl won't ever be far away from me and in turn him. He needs me because I'm a security cloak to him. He doesn't need me the way he needs you, Beth. You are the very air he breathes!"

Beth wanted to believe her, but after hearing those three words from his mouth towards her and not herself...it hurt.

"If he loves me then why can't he tell me himself? Why can he tell you?" She asked feverishly, the agony turning to anger.

Having seen the same thing many times before MaryJane kept calm. "Because he knows me, he knows I won't judge him and that I love him back."

"I won't judge him! I love him!" Beth snapped a little hysterically.

MaryJane had to make her understand

"I know...but he doesn't know that. He's never opened his heart to anyone and I don't fully know what's inside him. Only you can know and find out. I can't and I won't. The only reason he guards his heart so closely is because he's afraid, he's protective of it. He knows what's left of his heart is precious and he's trying to keep it alive! I may have helped him build a shield to protect it, but only you can make sure it stays strong! Not me, not Daryl, you, Beth!" The blonde stared watery eyed at her, her features softer and MaryJane knew she struck a good nerve in her.

She took a step closer to Beth and whispered quietly. "If you tell him you love him then it will only reaffirm him and he'll find the courage and strength to allow himself to say it to you. I've known him for nearly seven years now and it's the first time he said he loved me. With you...I don't think it'll take that long as soon as you tell him how you feel."

Beth wrapped arm around herself and sniffed, her bottom lip quivering, making her look ten times more pitiful an innocent.

"He's my first...my first at nearly everythin'...I don't wanna lose him, MJ. I can't lose him." She sobbed, making MaryJane's heart clench.

MaryJane grabbed her arms gently, in a motherly fashion. "I know, sweetie, I know. And you won't. He won't let you. I know what happened would hurt you, but you have to understand that it was only to keep me safe and to keep Daryl's heart safe."

Beth nodded and blinked, he eyes clearing slightly. They stood there in silence for a few, long minutes as the teen tried to pull herself together. MaryJane didn't stray from her place, holding her arms comfortingly, giving her the time at needed. Her thoughtfulness is she Beth loved about her. Before she felt resentment, but it had faded into guilt, thinking that MaryJane would want Merle after everything she's told her. No, she knew her better than that. She belonged to Daryl and nothing was going to sway that.

She sniffed and wiped her eyes. "I-I'm sorry for bein' a bitch. It's just that Merle's my first real relationship and I don't wanna lose it for anythin', even by sayin' those three little words. I'm afraid he'll pull away from me and try ta gently let me down and tell me he doesn't feel the same way."

MaryJane scoffed, earning a confused glance from the teen. "He'd kill anyone that tried to take you away from him so I doubt he'll pull away from you."

Beth nodded, knowing it was true, but it was hard since her brain and heart were in conflict with each other.

"You don't need to worry, Beth. The day he stood wanting you is the day when he draws his last breath." MaryJane grinned then. "But since that probably won't happen for a long time I feel you don't have much to worry about."

The blonde giggled weakly, sniffing as MaryJane pulled her in for a hug. Beth clung to her, taking in the offered comfort. She suddenly felt silly for doubting MaryJane. She squeezed the older woman tighter which only made MJ smile wider. A few seconds passed before they released each other. MaryJane smoothed out Beth's bangs on her face in a motherly fashion before tapping under her chin in a way to tell her to stay positive. Daryl used to do that to her in school when she felt down or worried. He'd always tell her that the floor wasn't going to help solve her problems. Only looking up would.

Her chest contracted painfully at the memory. Her own tears welled up and she sniffed, feeling the familiar lump rise on her throat. She cleared her throat and handed Beth the apple, not wanting to cry anymore. Beth took the fruit gratefully but noticed her friend's sudden drop in mood. With having been kicked out by Merle she didn't know exactly what happened. She needed to know because she cared for MaryJane and the thought of someone hurting her made her deep Southern temper rise. Thoughtfully, she grabbed MaryJane's hand in hers, making her look over at her blue eyes.

"What happened ta shock ya inta your state last night? Was it Jeremy? Daryl?"

Beth had an idea, but she waited for confirmation by the main source. MJ stiffened and looked away, almost ready to burst into tears. Beth hated to ask, but she had to know what caused last night's episode.

"You don't have ta tell me—"

MaryJane cut her off and sniffed, determination in her eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, I do, Beth. You deserve to know what's happened."

MaryJane glanced at Judith to see she was fast asleep and wouldn't stir for a while. It would take every minute for MaryJane to explain fully. With a deep breath she began to tell her story. An hour later MaryJane finished, unable to keep the tears from streaming down her face as she recounted every details she could from the afternoon before.

"And then...I just remember waking up with Merle." She concluded.

Her brown eyes flickered over to Beth, the girl was stiff in her seat, but giving her a compassionate look.

"I'm really sorry that happened, MJ-uh...MaryJane..." Beth corrected, remembering what she said about Daryl and his use of it. "...I can't believe he acted like that, not even givin' ya room to explain yourself. As much as that sounds like him, I can't believe he did it to you."

MaryJane sniffed. "I hurt him that much."

Beth scoffed harshly. "It wasn't your fault! Jeremy practically forced himself on you! Not to mention you were depressed! How is that your fault? I jus—Gah! I knew there was more than one reason I despised that kid...no offense."

The blonde bit her lip, fearing her friend's protective wrath. She was shocked with surprise when MaryJane only stiffened.

"None taken...I can't believe he did that to me...I thought I could trust Jeremy, I thought he was my friend and would understand, but I guess I was wrong. I just...he betrayed me, Beth. I've never seen him look like that...when he kissed me yesterday and the way he spoke...it terrified me. He wasn't Jeremy, he was someone else. It wasn't the boy I've grown fond of." MaryJane spilled, Beth nodding in understanding.

"I'm sorry, I really am...what're you gonna do now?" The teen asked curiously.

The older woman in front of her let out a raspy sigh of uncertainty. "I don't know...I think it would be best to give Daryl his space, a few days to cool down. After that I'll try talking to him and see if I can try and plead my case."

"I guess that's all you can do..." Beth frowned, having a sudden thought come to her. "...you know the group's gonna suspect somethin' if you aren't around Daryl. I'm sure someone took notice of Daryl's absence this morning. Ya might need to tell them what's goin' on."

MaryJane bit her lip uncertainty. "You're right, but I don't want a big fuss started on this. I don't want to bring any heat down in Jeremy any more than what he has with Daryl and Merle. Besides, I don't think Daryl would appreciate the gossip that would go around. I'll tell a select few, but by no means will I tell Rick, Con, and Katie. They'll be the ones to freak out when it comes to law and order."

Beth had to give her that one. "You're right, but I think it would be a good idea to tell Carol. She's soft on Daryl and maybe she'll help plead your case to him. She's fond of him for what he did for Carol's daughter."

MaryJane nodded, having been told that story by Carol herself. It was a sad story, but it made pride swell in her chest at Daryl's relentlessness. He was so selfless and that was something that she loved and worried about him.

"Maybe she can...I hope she can...I just hope she'll understand my side." MaryJane sighed.

Beth reached over and placed a comforting hand on MJ's own. "If Merle and I both understand then Carol will."

A shaky breath was released from in between MaryJane's lips. "Dear God, I hope so."

Daryl's eyes snapped open, letting out his breaths through his mouth. His blue eyes gazed at the bottom of the top bunk blankly. After a few moments of waking up he threw his legs over the side of the bed and wiped the sleep from his eyes with the back of his hand. His muscles were stiff and his knuckles ached dully. He placed is face in his hands, rubbing his temples in attempt to quell the overture ache in his skull. Second headache with only a few hours separating them. What the fuck? He didn't consider that maybe this was his body's withdrawal pains from lack of MaryJane's presence. His sleep had been little to none the night before and the voice in his head haunted him.

He didn't give a care about what it said and what it wanted him to do. It wasn't because he wanted to punish her, he just couldn't be around her. Just the thought of her made his blood boil. He didn't hate her, but he didn't like her at the time. He loved her and waited for her and that as how she thanked him? By kissing another man? Daryl never thought of doing that while he'd traveled with his group, no matter how close he got to another woman. It was always her, even if he was soft towards Carol. He cared about her, but he loved MaryJane.

Stop.

Just the mention of her name caused his body to stiffen, at least his mind stiffened. He couldn't deny that part of him, his soul yearned for her, making it difficult to think. He wouldn't say he missed her, no, because he didn't. He wouldn't yearn for her, because he didn't!

His head lifted from his hands, his eyes glancing the short distance over towards his shirt, where her picture rest safely in the pocket. He averted his eyes quickly, not wanting to remember anything. He stood from the bunk and pulled on a fresh shirt, his jacket and vest. Ignoring the upturned picture he walked towards the door. He froze in the door frame, his body halting him on instinct. The tracker closed his eyes, trying to will the panic of loss away. He didn't need the damned picture with him at all times! He didn't want it!

Daryl's jaw clenched a few times as he pulled a black picture in his vision, breathing deeply to calm himself. Finally, he opened his eyes, finding a little strength to walk away. He left his cell, trying to ignore the lifeline panic that ripped at his chest.

Breakfast was long over when he arrived in the mess hall. He snatched up and apple, glad that it was empty. He didn't feel like explaining his absence earlier. He didn't feel like explaining anything to anybody because it wasn't any of their damned business. He wasted no time in taking a hunk of the apple and chewing it. It took only minutes for him to finish it off before he threw the core into a trash can by the door.

To his displeasure he had to do a round of the prison again even if he did it only yesterday. He would've preferred to have been outside, but he wasn't about to get questioned for his change in job for the day. He "cowboyed" up and hoped he wouldn't cross paths with HER.

An hour later, Daryl finished his rounds, relieved to see the prison clear and secure. He strode down the dim hall, the outdoors calling his name. All of a sudden, a hand grabbed him from behind and swung him around. He had no time to react when he felt his attacker lay a hard punch across his face. Daryl fell back against the wall, stunned. The same hand wrapped around his shirt and slammed his hard again the wall, his bow falling to the floor. He flashed his eyes towards his attacker and his eyes narrowed.

"Wha' tha fuck, Merle!"

Well, another semi-cliff hanger. I have to leave my readers wanting more, yeah? Thoughts? Ideas? Theories? Let me know! 10,000+ words in this chapter! Whew! I'm not even upset!

Reviews are my muse! Oh, and I've been contemplating making a facebook page for my fanfiction so I can post updates and the fanart I make for my stories. Yes? No? What do you think?

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!