I apolpgize for the obvious shortness of this chapter, but it was all I wanted in it. I hope it is good and will keep everyone satisfied until I can update again. That brings me to more bad news. Due to a big load of studies in college I have to put this story on temporary hiatus until further notice. I will return to BlackBird Song so don't give up on me. I will have a lot on my plate and I need a high GPA to get into the program I wish. I hope I won't lose anyone because of this, but if I do then I understand. Thank you all who have stuck with me. :)

I would like to thank those who have reviewed chapter 17...mrskaz453, Hiiri 25, NRIASB, The Reading Dead, Vixxie13, Katnthe box, thewalkingdestroyer, igottoomanyloves, hippielicious, and anonymous reviewer walkingdeadlover.

Thank you who has favorited and followed my story! Thanks again!

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).

AN: I had to repost this chapter due to grammatical errors I found and I changed wording in some places so it would make more sense.

Chapter 18

Previously on Blackbird Song

"He's gone."

MaryJane's face went white and Daryl tensed with vehemence as he stepped closer to her instinctively. Everyone went silent and Merle went to Beth, not caring if Maggie glared at him. He stood close to her, his large body towering protectively over her. Rick glanced at Daryl then everyone sprinted towards the prison. It felt like hours as they ran into and through the prison to get to the cell that Jeremy occupied. They all skidded to a stop, every pair of eyes wide with terror as they gazed at the ominous sight of the cell door ajar, swinging with a breeze that didn't exist.

He was gone.

The figure walked through the deserted, trashed streets, the house around it dark and abandoned. Rotting bodies littered the streets here and there, flies buzzing about invisibly in the darkness of the night. Abandoned cars sat in different directions in the road, the grass in the yards getting to be several feet high. Live corpses hobbled about, causing no real harm, not noticing the live human that slunk by, keeping to the shadows and out of the wind. All the figure wielded was a small knife, but felt no panic or fear due to the lack of proper protection. That would come. After avoiding a stray walker, the figure proceeded down the street, towards the lights in the distance. Confidence caused its chest to swell, swagger bouncing in the steps it took. Its light steps were nearly silent in the night. As the dark silhouette got closer to the lights, moving shapes could be made out, walking back and forth or unmoving. The quiet rumble of voices barely reached the shadow's ears.

The figure walked with purpose as he strode closer to the large door ahead. The dark eyes moved over the humans on the long, tall wall that protected the place within. He chuckled to himself as he got closer and no one seemed to notice. Though, someone did turn and see him, in turn he alerted his comrades beside him who all cocked their weapons and pointed them at the figure who froze in his spot and raised his hands.

"Who're you?!" Someone hissed.

"My name is Jeremy Duncan and I wish to speak to the Governor." Jeremy spoke loudly and confidently.

They men shared a glance then glared at the kid suspiciously.

"What about?" A Hispanic man asked.

Jeremy grinned. "It has to do with the thorn in ya'lls side. The ones at the prison."

Interest perked then and they opened the gate, letting the boy pass, a pleased smirk on his lips. The Hispanic man and two more escorted him inside the dark, empty town towards the place he suspected was the Governor's chambers or office. He nodded in approval at how nice and appropriate the town looked. Anyone could forget the dangers outside those barred doors. It was a rather eerie sight, but Jeremy didn't even notice. He was too eager to meet the infamous Governor of Woodbury. Once inside the building, they stopped in the hallway and one of the men knocked on the door.

"Yeah?" A voice asked from within.

"We gotta kid out here ta see ya. Says he knows somethin' about those pricks at the prison."

It grew deathly silent, then the lock clicked on the door and the wooden entrance opened to reveal an older man with greying hair, sporting a black eye patch over one of his eyes. The one eye that still existed looked intrigued, but mixed with something akin to insanity. He would've been considered handsome before the world went to shit, but he looked like a leader, one that Jeremy would be more willing to follow. The Governor's eye studied the boy, but must've saw something he liked or maybe he was just curious as to the kid's motives.

"What's yer name, son?" His thickly accented voice asked.

"Jeremy Duncan, sir." He answered, lowering his head to him in respect.

It was a good move on his part and Phillip gestured the boy inside with his head.

"Come on in…" Then he looked at his men. "…get back ta tha gate, see ya'll in tha mornin'."

They nodded and glanced warily at Jeremy before leaving, albeit hesitantly to leave the suspicious character with their beloved leader. Then again, they knew the Governor could take care of himself.

Jeremy stepped into the room that was basically an apartment with a kitchen, dining area, sitting room and bedroom. Yes, it was an improvement over the jail cells. He turned towards the Governor who gestured with his hand for him to sit at the table while he lit an oil lamp.

"I don't usually see people 'til mornin', but when I heard ya know those people at the prison I knew I couldn't wait. Whadaya know?"

The kid grinned at him and leaned forward, his voice slick and appealing. "I've been living with them for almost a month now. I can't stand any of them, especially the two rednecks, one that was part of your posse, Merle Dixon."

The Governor stiffened and grimaced at the name. "This don't have nothin' ta do with a girl, does it?"

Jeremy lowered his eyes and Phillip nodded. "I see…and what does Merle have to do with any of it?"

Jeremy grimaced. "It's his stupid brother, Daryl! He took MaryJane away from me and I want revenge!"

Phillip studied the boy, seeing the passion in his eyes, the fire of rage that sparked something maniacal in the kid. He liked that. Though, he didn't have time for lovesick puppies. He was out for bigger fish and if this kid could help him then he was going to use him.

"Whadaya know 'bout tha prison?" He asked.

Jeremy's eyes grew sparkling with delight to hear of the Governor's interest. "I know everything there is to know. After MaryJane left me I spent my time learning the prison. I know the weak spots and…I know a way inside."

The Governor's interest perked at this and he leaned forward from his once casual, nonchalant stance.

"I can get you and your men and we can strike at them from the last place expected, the inside." Jeremy planned deviously and the Governor grinned.

"Is yer basis all this jealously or do you jus' really dislike the people inside tha place?" Phillip asked skeptically.

Jeremy's thoughts flew to his group, the family who took them in, but instead of feeling fondness like he used to he felt nothing. They were expendable, they were in his way. He only wanted on thing and that was MaryJane. No one and nothing else mattered. Not Con, nor Katie, the people who loved him like a son.

"I just want MaryJane and nothing else." Jeremy said coldly.

"So…ya don't care what happens ta tha others?" Phillip asked, raising his eyebrows at the boy.

Jeremy nodded. "They could all die for all I care."

"What do I get in return? After you get yer woman?" The one-eyed man asked.

"You get the rest of them. You can kill the others, take over the prison, and get revenge on Dixon for his betrayal of you. If I have MaryJane you can have the rest. There is nothing else they have that could tempt me." Jeremy replied.

It sounded like a good deal to Phillip, who had been trying to devise a plan to weaken the people at the prison and Merle Dixon. This boy was a godsend and his terms were low, one little woman and the Governor could take the rest. Though, the deal felt kind of shady to him. He didn't last this long in this world by just taking a really deal that walked through the door. His icy eye narrowed on Jeremy and he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"How do I know that yer not trickin' me? How do I know yer not jus' a spy for them? Why should I trust you?" He inquired dubiously.

Jeremy's features hardened, his eyes growing with a loathing that surprised the Governor. That kid was sure different, he gave him that.

"I wouldn't do anything for those scum. They all worked against me, the people I thought loved me betrayed me and sided with Dixon instead of me. They thought MaryJane and Daryl were meant to be together and they fawned over it, but they never did that for me! They never thought I could love MaryJane the way that ugly redneck would! He's only hurt her and I haven't! I've devoted my life to her and that will never change!" His expression cooled. "Besides…why would I be stupid enough to trick a man with such power as yourself? I'd be signing my own death warrant and I assure you I don't plan to die any time soon. I just want what you want, sir, revenge."

Phillip considered the kid's words. He could always tell a deceiver by looking into their eyes and he saw no deceit, only true vengeful passion against the prison group. The only problem was they had more man power now due to the new group that Jeremy had been in. He could work around that. He had more firepower anyways.

"Whadaya say? Do we have an accord?" Jeremy asked, holding a hand out towards the notorious leader.

The Governor eyed his hand for a moment. What did he have to lose? The kid looked trustful and he felt no deceiving vibes from him. It was the best plan and it was the only one that sounded sensible. Of course, a lot of thought and planning would take some time, but now that he had someone from the inside, willing to take him there…he couldn't let the opportunity pass him by. He was eager to get back at the bastard Merle Dixon and the bitch Michonne, but this was his perfect chance and he needed to think it through thoroughly and carefully. His icy eyes slid up to Jeremy's hard hazel ones. He was going to make a good member of his army.

The one-eyed leader leaned forward and enclosed his hand around Jeremy's, shaking it once.

"We have an accord."

Jeremy's lips grew into a pleased grin. The Governor released his hand and already, preparations were listing out in his head. Finally, Jeremy would have his revenge against Daryl Dixon and have MaryJane all for himself. A dark cloud storm rolled over the state of Georgia, bringing with it a storm to rival that of Hurricane Katrina. A biting, cold wind blew in, chilling the entire land and the occupants shivered in their beds that night, subconsciously feeling something terrible rising.

Sherlock Holmes once said: "There's an east wind coming all the same, such a wind as new blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter, Watson, and a good many of us may wither before its blast. But it's God's own wind none the less, and a cleaner, better, stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared."

After the shock wore off the group, momentarily forgetting the bombshell of Merle and Beth's relationship, a mass search was put out for Jeremy. Daryl readied his crossbow, the animalistic desire to kill crossing through his veins like a deadly drug. He stuck with Merle, who was quiet and more somber that usual. His youngest brother definitely hadn't forgotten the desperate play by the Germ who so willingly offered the information to Rick and Maggie. Daryl wanted to smack Merle upside the he's for not being more careful, but what did he expect? It was Merle, an asshole who thought more with his dick than his own brain. That carelessness is what got them caught and the serpent sneak just so happened to be Jeremy Duncan. They scoped the Tombs, looking for the kid behind every door and in every crook and cranny he could fit inside. Nothing. It was like he vanished into thin air. It was an eerie thought considering how desolate, dark and tomb-like the prison already was. Daryl hoped that maybe he got caught by walkers and they fed on him until he died and changed. At least his job would be easy and no one would argue against him. His thoughts flew back to MaryJane who was left behind with Beth, whom she was no doubt coaching for when the heat came back down on the teen.

Beth was more mature for her years, Daryl had to give her that and Merle's drugged out mind hadn't left her age either. She was a tough little girl despite her short stage of depression that had her slitting her wrists open. It only toughened her up and after Merle took the time to train her with weapons, endurance and fighting it had strengthened her mentally. She was more willing to do harder things, but her responsibility lied with Judith and always would until the child was somewhat independent. Though, MaryJane would take her place and let Beth go on runs when needed. The tracker would feel safer about her staying behind and staying out of harm's way within the protection of the prison's walls and cells. Back to Beth, she had MaryJane's support and, to Daryl, that's all she needed.

When MaryJane defended someone for something others would eventually see the side she defended and ultimately agree with her. He knew the case was totally different than past ones, but maybe she still had it. If Beth couldn't make her family and the group understand her motives then MaryJane would. Even then, if Daryl knew her like he knew he did, then she'd let Beth handle everything on her own. The blonde was a big girl, MaryJane knew that, and it was time for her to show to the others that she was a woman, an adult and that she had the right to make her own choices and choose whomever she wanted. It just continued to baffle Daryl that the object of her sweet affections was his older, sexist, asshole, drug and alcohol abuser brother, Merle. To each his own, Daryl had decided.

If there was one thing he was certain of, the next time anyone pointed a weapon at MaryJane, they would answer to him and the consequences would be deadly.

"Oh, dear God! This is so awful!" Beth cried as she buried her face in her pillow.

MaryJane sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing Beth's tense back soothingly. It felt odd being in the position Beth was in only hours earlier.

"It's gonna be okay. Trust me it will. You know what you have to do, Beth. You have to defend and fight for what you want. You still want Merle, don't you?" She asked, earning an exasperated look from Beth.

"You know I do!" She exclaimed, her blue eyes full of uncertainty.

"And you'd fight for him, right?" MaryJane inquired, obvious that he was trying to raise Beth's confidence.

"Yeah!"

"And you don't care what the others think?" The older woman added.

Beth hesitated, she'd be lying if she said she didn't care. She wanted her daddy and Maggie to get along, but her daddy would get along with Merle much sooner than Maggie or Glenn. But even that was a long shot. Merle may've taught her how to defend herself, but his past treatment of Maggie and Glenn only dug his grave. She doubted either of them would ever accept her and Merle, but she hoped they would at least pretend to. It was her daddy whom she needed to worry about, him believing in sex after marriage and no old men and young girls. Beth's only defense to that was that the world was different, peace and love for another being, a mate, was much rarer, especially with the dwindling human population due to the plague of the undead.

Beth frowned. "I want 'em ta like Merle, but I doubt that'll ever happen. I want my family ta be happy fer me, but I know they won't be. They'll be against it and demand me leave him or throw him from the prison for brain washin' me. But if they do threaten to throw him out then I'll not hesitate to go with him."

MaryJane's face turned downward, but a soft expression cleared in her eyes. "I'd be following right behind you. Merle's my brother and I don't back out on family."

The blonde smiled gratefully at MaryJane, but it faded. "And wha' 'bout Daryl? You'd leave him? Again?"

It felt as if someone had punched MaryJane in the gut. The thought of leaving and losing him was a fiery torment like Hell in the Bible. Though, if she was forced to choose, she wouldn't abandon Merle nor Beth. She cared about them both too much. And none of the events of the past few days really brought Daryl back to her. If he truly wanted her still, he'd follow her out those gates. A part of her wished for it to be true, but Daryl was deeply committed to Rick and the group. Why would he leave the best thing in his life? The mental question stung her, nevertheless, it would be his choice and she'd have to live with either one. It was hard not to remember the time when he wouldn't have hesitated to follow wherever she led. Now things were different, loyalties were beginning to blur and the knowledge terrified her.

"If it's the will of God to part us again then that's how it'll be. If he is still meant to be mine he'd follow after me." MaryJane whispered, feeling her heart curl uncomfortably in her chest.

A thoughtful expression brightened on Beth's features. "He'd chase after ya without hesitation."

MaryJane doubted it, but it was a romantic thought. She shrugged, ignoring the stab of disappointment.

"I'm not too sure anymore. He sure acts like..." She trailed off, blushing when she realized she had just taken control of a conversation that wasn't about her and her problems with Daryl. "...anyways...this is about you and Merle. You're going to have to have strength and confidence to win them over. If not, we can only hope Merle's adoring glances will make them think otherwise about his motives behind striking up a relationship with you. They'll probably even call him a cradle robber and other sickening names, but it's up to you to defend him since no one will be willing to believe what he says."

Beth nodded, already knowing it, but somewhat glad to hear her own thoughts aloud.

"I guess I'll have to wait when they finally come back..." The blonde's eyes focused on MaryJane with a gleam of worry in her blue orbs. "...do ya think they'll find 'im?"

Her blood grew cold at her question. Since they discovered Jeremy had escaped she found herself jumping at her own shadow and getting the creepy feeling that she was being watched. She tried to not think of him or the potential harm he could do to her, but since he was back with free reign...anywhere in the prison, the freedom she felt was ripped from her grasp once again. Her gut told her that he would be back and when he was it wouldn't be good. She just didn't know how or why, but it brought her paranoia further up the scale. She was glad she wouldn't sleep alone and Beth would be there to warn her should Jeremy return. Daryl would protect her too...right?

"I don't know...if he was smart, and he is...he's probably planning something terrible to get back and Daryl and I. I'm really scared, Beth, if they don't find him then he'll have power over me because I'm frightened of him. I hope they do, but I'm more worried if they don't." MaryJane shuddered.

Beth offered her a comforting smile. "You're not gonna be alone. You've got all o' us ta protect ya. He won't be able ta get within a mile of ya."

Her words were supposed to calm the older woman, but they did little to soothe the paranoia she felt. He'd get her again. He'd catch her alone like he did before and take her, hurt her. No matter how many people she had rallied around to protect her, Jeremy could still sneak his way through them like the serpent in the Garden of Eden. It was just a matter of time when he would strike and infect the prison groups with a poison that would kill them all.

MaryJane and Beth eventually made their way into the mess hall where spilt up groups were slowly filing in after completing their searches and from the grim looks on their face they came up empty. Merle and Daryl were already there, their faces blank and emotionless, but regardless of their expressions, the sight of them made both girl's hearts jump. As if sensing them, both Dixons looked up, their blue eyes meeting those of their chosen mates. Beth itched to go to Merle whose eyes seemed to spark, the ends of his lips twitching. MaryJane flushed when Daryl's sharp eyes met hers, her stomach curling with desire. He was just so handsome, especially when his overgrown bangs fell into his eyes, giving him that dark mysterious look. To MaryJane, his expression told her that he was less than pleased to see her and that cold look made her avert her eyes towards the floor, dread pitting inside her. If she'd only held his stare like she used to, she would've seen his expression soften and his lips part with masked desire. She clenched her jaw, wanting to crawl back into her bunk and die.

Though, her own problems were pushed aside when Rick, Glenn, Maggie and Hershel entered the room. Suddenly, her anxiety for Beth rose as she let her dark eyes fall on her friend's one-legged father. Poor Beth had her work cut out for her. Rick glanced at Hershel who nodded to him. It didn't dawn on MaryJane what had travelled between them until Rick ushered the other people from the room leaving Beth, MaryJane, Maggie, Glenn and Hershel. Beth's eyes followed Merle as he left, yearning coiling in her belly. Why Rick let MaryJane stay in the room she didn't know, but she was grateful to all of them for letting her stay. She knew it was a family problem, but they involved her which told her that they might've seen her as one of them.

Maggie stepped forward, arms crossed. "Bethy, ya wanna explain wha' tha hell is goin' on between you an' Merle Dixon?"

MaryJane bit her bottom lip and glanced at Beth who straightened her back, lifted her chin high and radiated the air of confidence off of her. Pride swelled in MJ, but she didn't know how long it would last. She silently prayed that Beth would keep that confidence.

"I love him."

Maggie's mouth fell open, Glenn's eyes widened and Hershel remained emotionless. Whiskey eyes appraised the white haired father closely, trying to read his blank expression for disapproval. He wasn't letting up and it was starting to drive her mad. Why couldn't she read people anymore? Despite her inability to read the aged man, she felt her own heart stop at Beth's heart stopping bombshell. It was pretty impressive and risky at the same time, but MJ couldn't shoot her down for it. She'd been that straightforward once before too.

"Nah…ya can't, Bethy. Ya can't love 'im! Yer only eighteen! Yer too young ta know wha' love is!" Maggie exclaimed, the shock still clouding her eyes as she shook her head.

Beth's eyes narrowed at her sister. "I'm not too young, Maggie! Don't ya dare use that against me! I love Merle and I'm never gonna stop lovin' 'im." Her blue eyes turned to her emotionless father. "I know I've disappointed ya, daddy, but Merle treats me so good. He's so kind and carin' 'bout me. He wants ta protect me so fiercely that he basically breathes it! Remember when I went on my first run he saved me from walkers?"

Hershel's eyes fell to the floor and MaryJane saw the flicker of remembrance in his eyes and gratefulness caused the ends of his lips to twitch. Of course, this story was before MaryJane's time with the group, she could only imagine how Merle coming to Beth's rescue changed the teen's and her daddy's outlook on the older redneck. The former vet remained silent and Beth frowned.

Exasperation ruled Maggie as she tried to make sense of her sister's motives and hopefully, to change her mind. "How can ya love 'im, Beth? He's too old fer ya, he's a drug addict, a drunk, he tried ta kill Glenn and he—"

The fiery blonde held up her hand and cut her sister off. "Ya don't need ta remind me of wha' he did or didn't do. He was doin' his job, Maggie. He was jus' a soldier bein' controlled like a puppet by that bastard tha Governor. He was tryin' ta find Daryl because his family is everythin'! Wouldn't ya have done anythin' ta find Glenn, me or daddy? Wouldn't ya torture someone ta get information ta find us?" Beth asked, pointing at her accusingly, knowing Maggie very well would torture someone if it meant finding her family safe.

But, Maggie wasn't going to back down. Everything about what Beth was doing was wrong.

"He's old enough ta be someone's father, Beth! He's mean and cruel! He's not good fer ya! Merle Dixon is the exact opposite of wha' ya deserve!"

"Then who do I deserve, Maggie? A dead man?" Beth snapped, crossing her arms, tears welling up in her eyes.

Maggie frowned, remembering Jimmy's death. She suddenly lost her fire. The human population was dwindling and potential mates were quickly dying off. Not that they would try to repopulate, no one should have a child in the new world.

Beth softened her voice and stepped closer to her sister, putting a hand on her sister's crossed arms. "I've lost Jimmy, you've got Glenn…" Her eyes went to their father whose eyes echoed sadness. "We've lost Mama, our brother…ain't I allowed ta have happiness too?"

Tears welled up in Maggie's eyes. She couldn't deny her baby sister happiness, even if it was with Merle Dixon. The dark haired girl licked her lips and let her eyes fall to the floor, then, as she sniffed, looked back into her sister's blue eyes.

"Does it gotta be Merle Dixon?" She asked.

Despite herself, Beth chuckled at her tone and nodded. "I can't live without 'im, Maggie, he's become a part of me. I've looked past the terrible things he's done 'cause I've seen the man underneath the skin. He's jus' lost, alone, frightened and desperately wantin' ta protect 'is family."

MaryJane's lips grew into a ghost of a smile as motherly pride brightened inside her at Beth's strength and her power to stand up for what she wanted. She was proving that she was a woman and she could make her own decisions. She understood the feeling of liberation to finally have her say, to let all her secrets out and have the vigor to take a stand.

Maggie nodded and chuckled lightly at her sister. "I know…yer makin' it real hard on me, Bethy."

Beth smiled at her sister. "He's wha' I want, Maggie, I ain't never gonna want another man like I do Merle."

"Oh, God! I gag ev'ry time ta say that!" She giggled.

The blonde giggled with her and Maggie took her sister's hands. "So, yer okay with it?"

The elder sister nodded, but not without hesitance. "I can't deny ya happiness, I'd never do that ta ya. It wouldn't be fair…I ain't never gonna like it, Bethy…but if he makes ya happy…then…then I'll try an' accept it…Glenn and I both."

Glenn stepped forward, taking one of Maggie's hands and her husband nodded with masked resentment, but offered Beth a kind smile and took of her own hands creating a triangle. Beth smiled brightly at them, knowing that it would take time for them to really take to her and Merle, but she was glad they would at least try. There was just one other person from whom she needed approval. She turned towards her father who was leaned against a table, his other arm leaning against one of his crutches. Maggie and Glenn also looked back at the elder of the group and they gave Beth humble looks as they released her hands. The youngest Greene walked towards her father and stopped before him, his kind eyes following his daughter.

"Daddy? I know ya don't agree with me. I know yer disappointed in me, but I—"

Her father held up a hand and she shut her mouth, feeling dread pit in her stomach. He didn't need to say anything to her, she already felt chastised from the intensity of his gaze on her face.

"You're my baby girl, Bethy, and you'll always be my baby girl. I've come ta see Merle Dixon in a new light since he returned and began becomin' a main fixture amongst us. I've seen the love he has for his brother and MaryJane. A man who could love his family so passionately makes me realize that he's not the monster we've made him out to be. He was willing ta burn the world down ta protect tha one thing he cared most about…that's a man I can understand and admire."

Beth watched her father's face closely, hopefulness rising in her heart.

"I don' agree with what he's done before…but that's in the past—" He glanced at Maggie and Glenn, as if to remind them. "—and what's in the past needs ta stay there. Merle Dixon might not be the man I imagined for ya…but I know he's more than capable of protectin' and providin' for ya. I never thought I'd come to admire a man like him, but with my respect, I can accept that yer fallin' in love with him because of the man inside and not the one outside. Like Maggie said…if he makes ya happy, it's not my right ta deny ya that. God brought ya two tagether for a reason and I'm not gonna question His will. That being said…"

The youngest Greene's heart fell into her stomach.

"…I jus' want ya ta be careful. Even though I respect Merle, I still worry, especially with his former attachment ta tha Governor. I don' want ya ta be in more danger because of it. I know he'd protect ya as powerfully as he protects Daryl, but I don' want ya ta be used against him should worst comes ta worst."

Beth threw her arms around her aged father, hugging him tightly around the neck and burying her face in his neck. She closed her eyes tightly, smiling against him. MaryJane beamed at the ice melting scene and she was momentarily envious of the family love between the father and daughter. MaryJane missed her father very much.

"Thank you, daddy," Beth whispered in his ear.

Hershel just squeezed her and released her, cupping her cheek and smiling down at her adoringly.

"If he hurts ya he's gonna get a bullet in the ass." Maggie informed and earned an exhausted look from her father who silently chastised her for her terrible language.

Beth just rolled her eyes and hugged her sister and brother-in-law again, thanking them, her blue eyes bright like lake waters in a rock quarry. She was absolutely stunning when she smiled. After thanking her family, she turned to MaryJane and tackled her with a tight embrace. MaryJane held her back, her eyes widening with surprise at the sudden, but not unwelcome, attack.

"What's this for?" She asked in confusion.

The teen pulled back from her and beamed up. "Jus' fer bein' here. Yer presence is jus' assurin' and gives me strength."

Touched, MaryJane smiled and patted her shoulder. Beth turned back to her family then walked out the door and MaryJane followed a few steps behind.

Merle paced tensely outside the mess hall doors while Daryl was leaned against the wall, his bow draped casually on his thigh in his right hand. The eldest Dixon kept glancing at the door, pausing every few seconds when voices were raised from within. He began muttering quietly to himself, fearing everything, wondering if Hershel was gonna come out that door and blow his head off with his trusty shotgun. Daryl watched his brother, feeling the same as Merle, tense, unsure, worried and fearful, only the tracker didn't pace, he kept still and quiet. His own, hidden eyes moved towards the door, waiting for MaryJane to exit them. He had to go to her, tell her the truth of his feelings for her. If he didn't then she would think he didn't want her, her reaction to meeting his eyes earlier proved it. She was becoming fearful of him. He'd given her every reason to be afraid of him recently and it would take a lot of effort to take it back, to remind her that he was still her Daryl. The Daryl that loved her and wanted her forever.

Both Dixon's froze when the doors opened, revealing a pleased and ecstatic Beth who threw herself at Merle and kissed him. At first, Merle had wanted to push her away and demand an explanation, but she kissed him and he was lost in it. She didn't kiss him in a way that meant 'goodbye', but it was of relief and joy. He hadn't lost her then? Daryl watched with disgust at their passionate tongue battle and focused his eyes on the next person who walked through the doors and his heart did a flip when his beautiful woman exited, stopping to watch Beth and Merle with a hint of envy in her eyes. It was the envy of their kiss, their passion, Merle's utter devotion to her, something the older woman lacked as of late. MaryJane gave the couple a ghostly smile before turning towards Daryl, freezing in her tracks when she realized he was there amongst the shadows.

"Hi," She breathed.

He nodded, wanting to speak to her, his voice gone and throat dry. He saw the disappointment in her eyes when he didn't offer a verbal greeting in reply, but if she only understood that he was going through what he did as a teen when he first started realizing he wanted her more than as a tutor and friend. Beth and Merle finally broke the kiss, hugging each other and no one would ever see such an open expression of relief pass over his features ever again. He didn't look like Merle and it was very heartwarming to see him just melt in Beth's arms. It was very sweet and romantic.

"I guess 'Congrats' are in order." MaryJane half joked, earning a grin from Merle from over Beth's shoulder.

"Ya got that fuckin' right!" He exclaimed, hugging Beth tighter against him.

The hug was broke off when Hershel, Maggie and Glenn exited the mess hall, their eyes falling on Beth and Merle instantly. Merle's expression stayed soft as he eyed all three of them, surprising both Glenn and Maggie. Hershel hobbled a few steps forward.

"If ya don' mind, Bethy, I'd like ta borrow Merle for a little while."

Beth bit her lip, but nodded, feeling a deep lecture in Merle's future and said man already felt it. The one-handed Dixon gave Beth one last look before following Hershel away. Maggie hugged her sister once again before following after her father and the eldest Dixon. Daryl, MaryJane and Beth all watched them until they left their sight and awkward silence fused between them. MaryJane finally broke it, feigning that she needed to check on Judith and Beth followed her, giving Daryl an apologetic look. The tracker stayed planted at the wall, saddened by MaryJane's sudden departure and desire to get out of his presence. It put a hurt to his ego, but he knew it was time to make it right and he would, the next time he could get her alone.

The sun was almost gone completely down by the time MaryJane fed Judith and put her to bed. After that, followed silently by an internally excited Beth to volunteer for night watch. Rick was at first against the idea, but after relentless assuring and pleading from MaryJane, Rick couldn't deny her. She'd been through a lot already and he felt guilty for trying to deny her something. Why she wanted night watch…he had an idea, but he kept it to himself. He was sure Daryl would fix whatever funk had come between him and MaryJane. At least he hoped so before something else happened to her.

MaryJane sat in the watch tower, her eyes scanning over the fence rows where walkers stumbled about. They actually were more active at night and to get to watch them from a safe distance was interesting. It reminded her that people went out to bars, partied, ate out, went to the movies and seemed livelier than during the work day. She supposed it made sense, their bodies were still used to being more active at night due to excitement to get away from the hardships of life. Beth sat beside her, brushing her hair before putting it back up into a pony tail. She just reeked of joy and MaryJane's envy was growing by the minute. Someone was going to sleep good after watch.

"I'm surprised your family was as calm about it as they were. I figured Maggie would've blew the prison up." MaryJane said, tossing Beth a teasing grin.

"Me too, though, Maggie's always been the stronger of the two o' us and she's never had a problem voicin' her opinion. I figured she would've fought me harder, but I'm not second guessin' my luck." Beth said, letting it out with a breath of relief.

MJ nodded. "I wouldn't either, you're asking for trouble if you second guess luck."

The teenage blonde frowned over at her friend, hearing the ancient hurt that seemed to live in every other sentence she spoke. She opened her mouth to speak when the door opened. They both jerked towards it, hearts stopping and brandishing their knives against the threat. Beth only sighed when it was only Daryl, but MaryJane felt the opposite. She wanted to jump his bones and run away from him at the same time.

"What's up?" Beth asked cheerfully.

Daryl's eyes met MaryJane's causing her heart to skip a beat. God, he was so good looking!

"I was wonderin' if I could talk ta MaryJane alone." He said gravelly, his gaze never leaving the older woman's.

Without hesitation Beth replied in kind. "Yeah, sure, no prob,"

MaryJane wanted to scold her friend for leaving her alone with him, but she was a big girl and could handle Daryl. She'd handled him in more ways than one before, she could do it again…minus the dirtiness. The blonde skipped from the room, winking at MaryJane who looked like she swallowed a frog. Beth knew she would be okay. Hopefully by the morning they would be back together. Maybe that was stupid, childish hope, but it hadn't given up on her in the present. She left the tower in a hurry and closed the door behind her. When it slammed shut the tension in the room rose, bringing the temperature up. MaryJane felt her nerves alight, the fire sparking deep within her belly as Daryl drew closer, setting his bow on the desk. She stood and walked away from him, crossing her arms.

"What do you want?" She asked, rather sharply.

"I wanna talk." He replied, his voice gravelly.

She never failed to shiver every time he spoke. That voice just gave her chills all over.

"About what?"

"'Bout wha' 'appened."

"Oh, you mean the way you so cruelly yelled at me for cheating on you when I really didn't?" She hissed.

At first, she told herself that she would easily forgive him, but at the moment, she felt nothing but irritation. She should've been falling at his feet for actually coming to talk to her. Here, she was snapping at him like a snake striking an enemy. She had the right to do this, right? Then why did she feel so shitty afterward? Daryl didn't lower his eyes, but dark shame flickered across his face.

"Yeah," Was his quiet response.

Slightly taken aback, she lowered her eyes, flushing at her own mortification in her behavior.

"I know I hurt ya, I know I treated ya like shit an' ya took it even though ya knew ya didn' deserve it. I wanna, but I can't take none o' that shit back. I was wrong. I admit that an' I'm…I'm sorry fer e'erythin', fer not listenin' ta ya, fer not bein' there and protectin' ya like I promised I would. If I could take tha past week back I would. I'd erase it all and rewrite it. I tried givin' ya up, but I couldn't. I can't never give ya up. So…I'm 'ere askin' fer ya forgiveness an' I'll understand if ya won', but jus' know that I ain' never gonna let ya get hurt again, I ain' never gonna do wha' I did befer again."

His explanation was short, sweet and to the point. Very Dixon-like. Regardless, she was touched by his words, the emotions of giddiness were evoked and her anger at him dissipated in the wind. She couldn't be mad at him, she'd already understood his reasoning behind his reaction. It would be impossible to hold it against him.

"Daryl—"

MaryJane couldn't finish her sentence for gunshots rang out, echoing in the darkness. MaryJane gasped and Daryl's eyes shot towards the grimy windows where little flashes of light followed the gunshots. With serpent-like reflexes, Daryl lunged towards MaryJane, crouching down as he did and grabbed her, shoving her away from the window, underneath the desk. He reached up and doused the light, blanketing the room in darkness. MaryJane gasped in the darkness, her heart pounding in her chest as she curled her body into itself. Daryl's breaths came out heavily due to being startled and yelling voices were heard close by outside, the voice sounding similar to Rick's. Daryl flipped his head towards MaryJane and placed a hand on her knee.

"Stay 'ere," He whispered, his accent lacing the words thickly.

Panic shot adrenaline through her body, her eyes widening. Her arm shot out and grabbed Daryl's hand.

"No, don't go!" She begged.

Daryl pulled his hand back. "I gotta. They need me. Stay 'ere and stay safe, 'kay?"

MaryJane's eyes darted between him and the door. "But—"

"Promise me." He breathed, gaining her full attention on him, her fight leaving her at the pleading melting expression in his blue eyes.

Damn.

She just nodded, her voice gone. Daryl squeezed her knee and jumped up, running for the door. MaryJane felt tears well up in her eyes as the door slammed behind him. Gunshots rang outside and something terrible told MaryJane that this wasn't just a random attack. All whole list of scenarios ran through her head. Was it Jeremy? Did he somehow gather weapons and decide to attack the prison? Was it not involved with Jeremy? Was it the Governor? Was this another dreaded attack by that crazy man?

A sudden idea popped into her head.

Did Jeremy go to the Governor and now, as allies, they were attacking the prison?

MaryJane didn't have the chance to ponder the question when out of nowhere, the glass from above the desk shattered, a loud booming sound shouting into the room, the sound deafening MaryJane. Her hair flew forward, the desk and her body flying in the same direction with the sheer power of the explosion. She didn't have time to scream, yell, pray, nothing. It went by so fast, she didn't even feel her head smack against a side of the strewn desk, knocking her out instantly. Blood began to drip down from her hairline, her unconscious face pressed into the floor, her arms lying haphazardly around her. Shattered glass, wood and concrete littered the floor. In the corner, an orange light grew amongst the scattered papers. The flame began to grow, spreading quickly with the food that was provided to it. Soon, it began to crawl across the room, grey smoke rising in the tower and filtered out the shattered windows into the open air. The orange, red and yellow color of the fire began to stain the room, MaryJane's body taking on the same hue as the flame drew ever closer to her unconscious form.

Minutes earlier, Daryl joined the others in firing back at the people who lined the fence in trucks. The tracker was unworried about his woman inside the tower. She was safe and protected within the concrete wall. Nothing could hurt her. All of a sudden, the tower exploded, the glass shattered. Daryl and the others turned away, throwing their arms over their heads to protect themselves from the debris or lack thereof that flew. Daryl recovered quickly and froze in his steps when smoke began to slither from the broken windows. Everything inside him went numb, the blood leaving his face. He let out a cry of anguish and lunged for the tower, only to be stopped by more gun fire, a restraining arm and bullets that missed him by mere inches. The world seemed to turn on itself and darkness of horror fell over him.

"NOOO! MaryJane!"

Oh dear, please don't hate me. Was the Governor and the conversation between the Greene's believable? If not, give me suggestions and I'll fix them, but it might take me some time. As I said before, this is where I'm forced to leave it for a short hiatus due to college. Please forgive and bear with me. I'm taking Biology, a Bio Lab, Algebra and German this semester so my time will be taken up with all of that unfortunately. :( Please do not forget about me and this story, but as I said, there won't be an update for a good month, until I have my first more than a weekend break.

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