I'm a day late perhaps, but this was a long chapter and extra time needed to be taken, but here it is! A long chapter consisting of 10,000+ words which is more my speed for a chapter as some of my past readers have learned. While, I wanted more in this chapter, I decided that it was best to cut it off and save the action for the next one. I'm looking forward to writing the next one and I have already begun! Also, I have a job interview Saturday for a summer job at the local amusement park, so my writing will be limited that day. Though, I hope to have this story completed before the park opens then I'll be focusing on my next Walking Dead installment which is pretty unique and with some creative help from one of my best friend's I think it will be enjoyable, but that's for you all to decide. ;-)

I would like to thank those who reviewed Chapter 20... Athlete Girl, DarylDixon'sLover, igottoomanyloves, thewalkingdestroyer,Katnthe box, and an anonymous reviewer named Anon.

Please read and enjoy! And thank you to those who have reviewed, favorited and followed my stories and myself. I am very appreciative to have your time and interest.

AN: I would like to shout out a big thank you to Athlete Girl who reviewed on a considerable amount of my chapters after I posted chapter 20. You are such a darling! Thank you!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead or the characters. They belong to their respectful owners. I only own my OCs. I am just taking literary liberties with them.

Chapter 21

Daryl didn't know how long he slept, but he was abruptly awakened in a protective panic when he felt pressure on his arm. His first thought and instinct made him believe it was a walker. His eyes snapped open, his body jerking up with reflexes that could rival a cobra's strike, his hand grabbing the spare knife on his hip and lifting it into the air, his startled eyes widening, ready to defend the woman beside him.

"Whoa! Easy, Daryl! It's jus' me!"

Blinking, Daryl shot his eyes towards the owner of the voice and felt relief weaken him to the point where he audibly sighed. Carol stood, disconcerted, clutching a in her hand, a second one sitting beside her on the desk, steam rolling from the tops. She was backed up against the desk, not having expected his reaction to be so violent. The tracker swallowed, lowering the knife.

"Sorry," He mumbled, his voice gravelly from sleep.

"You nearly gave me a heart attack." She breathed, placing her hand over her racing heart.

Regretful, he gave her a sad look before motion beside him had him focusing his attention on the woman that lay next to him. MaryJane's eyes fluttered open, revealing tired brown eyes. Daryl leaned forward, placing a hand on the side of her head, smoothing her dark hair down. Carol watched the gentle motions, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Time ta eat, darlin'." He whispered.

MaryJane inhaled deeply, lifting her head, blinking the sleep away as her haze filled eyes glanced around the room. When her eyes found Carol she smiled then, with Daryl's help, she sat up, using the pillow to block her back from the hard surface of the cell wall. The redneck slipped from the bed despite his lover's grumble and sat on the stool next to her.

"Since ya'll missed breakfast and lunch, Hershel thought it was best to wake ya'll up to get some food in your systems. It's just warm stew with a few squirrel chunks, but MaryJane needs the food to get better faster." Carol explained, handing him one of the bowels.

He nodded, MaryJane listening to Carol intently and nodded moments later in agreement. The sooner she could talk the sooner she could get the answers to the questions she had. She was going nuts not knowing what happened after she blacked out. Daryl wasn't saying anything, but she wasn't ever really conscious to even try and question him. She wanted to try and test her voice, but knew that if Daryl even heard a slight word he'd strike down her attempts instantly. He was acting a little like how Hershel did with her, but it only made her heart swell at his motions to help her. It only affirmed her hopes that he was or had forgiven her or seen the truth.

The small woman took the bowel from Daryl, giving him admonishing look when he held a spoonful of the stew out to her like she was a child. Carol chuckled at the look and Daryl just shook his head.

"She may be weak, Daryl, but she's not an invalid. She can still feed herself."

MaryJane's eye lit up with amusement, giving Carol a thankful look. Daryl glanced between the two of the women and scoffed.

"Women stick tagether…go figure." He grumbled, sending a discreet wink to MaryJane who grinned back.

It was obvious that the long rest did both of them good. MaryJane looked better, her skin was looking livelier with blush, her body not as shaky as before. Carol knew that MaryJane was a tough girl, but to see her bounce back with attitude so quickly was just amazing. She knew that the younger woman would be normal if she could talk and spat back at Daryl herself. It would be as if nothing ever happened to her…but that wasn't the case. She still needed time, but she could feel that in the days to come they would practically have to tie MaryJane down to the bed to make sure she got enough rest. She cuts on her face had scabbed over completely, looking pretty normal and healthy. Yeah, she would be just fine and with Daryl by her side she knew that it wouldn't be long at all. They'd be back together before the week was out.

Daryl and Carol both watched MaryJane as she sipped the stew and chewed on the chunks of squirrel meat, making sure she ate it all. Though, halfway through the bowel she glanced up at them, scrunching her nose at their attentive looks. She gave them a look that asked: 'Do you mind? I'm not a zoo animal to be gawked at.' Carol could practically hear her voice saying it. Daryl took the hint too and turned his eyes to Carol then to the door before swallowing down his stew. MaryJane froze when he stood, throwing his angel winged vest on, her whiskey colored eyes widening, panic leaping into her throat.

"I better get on out there ta help with watch." He sighed as he began to pull his knife belt on.

"You don't have to. Rick's already reassigned watches." Carol informed quickly.

Joy swelled in her body. She needed to remember to thank Rick later.

"Wha'?" Daryl asked, confused.

Carol gestured to MaryJane. "Your place is here with her. Rick, Con and Hershel both don't want you to leave her just in case she has a panic attack. The others have taken your spot until MaryJane's back on her feet and well again."

Taken aback, Daryl stared at his silver haired friend, something in him twisting at the information. Did everyone care about him enough to do that? Did he really mean that much to them? Did they care about MaryJane enough to take his shifts for him? Somehow, he felt guilty for adding the extra load on his group, God knows they already had enough on them. It wasn't right. He should be out there, pulling his weight. What if one of the fences was compromised and he wasn't there? All kinds of various scenarios began to whirl around in his head and he opened his mouth to protest, but Carol cut him off.

"No 'if', 'ands' or 'buts'. It's been decided and don't worry about anything, Daryl. We've got bigger numbers with Con's group so it's not gonna be any problem to have you sit out for this week..." She lowered her voice, glancing at MaryJane, her words only meant for him to hear. "…and it would kill her to see you walk away again."

With that, she walked around him to take MaryJane's empty bowel and grabbed up his before saying a goodbye to them and leaving the cell. Daryl stood where he'd stopped, astonished, not knowing what he was supposed to do. He swallowed, knowing that Carol was right. MJ needed him and if he were to abandon her now who knows what she might think. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply. He promised he wasn't going to leave her again. Dropping his knife belt and shrugging off his vest, he sat back down on the bunk, MaryJane's on him intently. Remorse ate at her insides, seeing that she was holding him back from his responsibilities, keeping him locked away with her. No doubt, he felt restless and useless and it was her fault. Tears welled up in her eyes. It seemed recently that she was always messing up and causing him problems, holding him back.

A lump formed in her throat as a sob rose from her chest. She sniffed quietly, but not quiet enough for Daryl turned back around to face her, his face freezing as he saw tears slowly slip from her eyes. The panic inside startled him as he crawled back into the bunk and cupped her face.

"Shh, why ya cryin', darlin'? Oh, no, no tears. Come on, don't cry." He begged as he wrapped his arms around her awkwardly, patting her back.

Tears streamed down her face, a painful sob breaking from her mouth, the motion causing her throat to contract with pain. She wanted to suck the water back in and not cry, but they wouldn't stop, they came down like a torrent, her hands clutching onto his back desperately. Daryl held her, his mind quickly trying to figure out what upset her. Was his leaving what caused it? Was Carol right? Would his absence cause breakdowns like this? Suddenly, a powerful, gut punching emotion consumed him, causing physical pain and his hands only clutched to her as he realized what he was feeling.

Relief. He was needed. She needed him. She still needed him. His MaryJane still wanted him in her life and with her. She was dependent on him and wanting him to be the one to take care of her. She wanted what they had in the past back. She still wanted him.

He heaved a heavy breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, his hot breath blowing into her hair, a few of the stands flying at the force of the gust. The release of breath was agonizing, causing his chest to catch as he tried finding relief to the power of his feelings. He didn't cry, just silently rejoiced, his heart nearly exploding from his chest. He wanted to cry, he felt the urge catch in his throat. Daryl held himself together for MaryJane, not wanting to upset her any more than she already was. He didn't know how long he held her, but when her cries finally subsided, his shirt was soaking wet, the skin of his chest feeling chilled from the coolness in the prison air. MaryJane sniffled, her throat feeling raw from the sobs she couldn't contain despite the soreness from the smoke. Daryl lifted her face with his hand, her eyes pink from the tears, her cheeks flushed pink. God, she looked beautiful.

"Ya a'ight?" He whispered.

Swallowing, she nodded meekly, her gaze burning in apology at him. She knew crying made him uncomfortable, but there were days when he had no choice but to endure them. Inhaling deeply, she slowly began to calm her racing heart, wanting to try and calm herself down. She didn't like to cry and especially not in front of Daryl. She had little choice since everything started to tumble down on her. Jeremy assaulting her, Daryl wanting to kill him, and Con and Katie being at odds because of what her supposed friend did. While, she'd been shouldering that pain, when she woke to find Daryl there with her it felt as if God has answered her prayers and taken pity on her. He stayed, just like he promised. Now, she hoped he wouldn't leave again, like he almost did. She knew she was being selfish and she hated that she wanted to be. But what guarantee did she have that when he walked out the door that he wouldn't come back? They still hadn't talked about their argument not too long ago that started the mess they were in. If he stayed then maybe she'd get the chance to talk to him and clear it up.

"Ya ain' gotta apologize fer cryin'. Ya kinda earned tha right, darlin'." He replied, smoothing her hair back from her face.

She nodded again. Daryl leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers, exhaling deeply. Her body trembled at the intimate gesture, a small smile twitching at the ends of her lips. She closed her eyes, loving the way his skin felt warm against hers. She'd missed it so much.

"I know ya've got alotta questions fer me…" Their eyes locked and he saw the confirmation there. "…and I'll answer 'em, but only after ya better, I promise. I ain' gonna 'cause ya no more stress, m'kay?"

And how long would she have to wait? How much longer before she could talk again? She needed to speak and soon. Who knows if she'd even get the chance? Every minute that passed was a minute lost, one she'd never get back. She might lose the chance she had to talk about it. Wiping her eyes, she sniffed, swallowing to soothe the burn in her throat. She didn't have a choice but to wait and, God forbid should something happen to make it impossible, wait she would. He probably wouldn't answer her anyways, no, she was certain he wouldn't. He was a Dixon and they were as stubborn as mules. She just had to cling to hope that no more road bumps decided to rear themselves up and hinder what little normalcy she had.

For the next three days, MaryJane endured silence, holding back the urge to ask questions and wonder what happened with the explosion that nearly killed her. Hershel checked in on her every day, listening to her lungs to hear if they were starting to clear any more than the day before. To her relief and delight, they were getting better and better with each new day. She managed to speak a little on the fourth day, her voice still raspy, but it wasn't as painful to speak. And as promised, Daryl stayed with her, only leaving the bunk when Hershel, Beth and Merle or people from her group came to visit. As the days passed, MaryJane found her strength returning to her, strength she didn't know she had lost. The scratches on her faces were still there, but less noticeable. The bruises faded to yellow, the places where they rose no longer ached every time she moved. However, there were small patches of light scars on her arms from where she gotten burnt, but with time they wouldn't even be noticeable. Even though, her strength was returning, Hershel still wouldn't allow her to walk about the prison until the week mark. She began to feel like Daryl: restless, helpless and useless. It was obvious to her he was itching to get back to his duties and not to get away from her, but because he needed to help the group despite the extra manpower from Con's group.

And when the seventh day finally dawned, MaryJane was already wanting to get up early to help Beth with feeding Judith. Her heart yearned and ached to see the infant, to hold her again. Beth had been stuck doing it alone again, but she wasn't complaining, but she was vocal about wanting her back and how Judith seems antsier since MaryJane stopped coming. Hearing that gave the older woman more incentive to listen to Daryl and obey Hershel's medical orders. She was long awake before Daryl, her eyes catching the sunrise from one of the windows outside the cell. The sooner the sun rose, the sooner she could be free of the cell, but suddenly, she didn't want it to rise. As soon as it did, her little rendezvous with Daryl would be over. And what then? He promised he'd never leave her again, but how did she know it also counted for when she was well? Glancing at said man, she studied his sleeping features. He always looked so young when he slept, his features void of any stress or wearisomeness. Carefully, so as to not wake him, she pushed some of his bangs away from his face, smiling as more of his handsome face came into view. Her heart felt like someone was squeezing it, her gut curling. It was always that reaction when she saw him. He never stopped being extremely attractive to her and she didn't know a time when he would.

Though, the feelings began to turn into aches as she stared at him. How could one little kiss have gotten them this far? And led them to this moment? Was this part of God's plan for her? For them? If it was then she just hoped His plan didn't involve her losing Daryl. What was the purpose of this whole episode then? To teach them a lesson? To torture them some more? Or was this a sick way of bringing them closer? So far, all the good it did was tear them apart! Suddenly, a gentle voice flowed into the room, making her think someone was inside the cell. It sounded so soft and free, the voice was male, but somehow, hearing a disembodied voice was quickly decided not to be strange when it began to speak, the feeling in the cell making her feel safe, like nothing would harm her.

Have faith. He will not abandon you. Not again.

"Who? Daryl or God?" She asked in a nearly silent whisper.

Both. Everything happens for a reason and the outcome has still yet to be seen, but do not fear for the bad, pray for the good, MaryJane. He will reward those who keep faith in Him.

"What was the purpose of this?"

That is yet to be seen, child, but do not despair or let cruel thoughts consumed you. Have faith in Daryl, he will not leave again.

"I just—I just need to know what to do." She begged.

Talk and keep hope. You have been keeping hope for a long time, child. Do not give up on it now. It will save you again.

The voice vanished just as soon as it came, swiftly. The feeling of safety vanished too, leaving her wondering if she just had a glimpse of what heaven felt like. Though, a new feeling of security enveloped her when Daryl's arms tightened around her body, pulling her closer to him. She curled against him, thinking about what the voice said. It was all a little cryptic to her, almost repeating itself. The three things she did take away from it was, have faith, keep hope, and trust that Daryl will keep his promise. She wanted to, but she was still very fearful of what his reactions would be when they started to talk about the events of that afternoon and the events that followed. She didn't know how he'd take the idea of being nearly naked in bed with his brother. Closing her eyes, she silently prayed that he would understand, or that Merle could make him understand. She was aware that he knew that she went to Merle after they exploded, but she didn't think he knew the full truth and she began to wonder if that was a good thing.

Please let Daryl understand. Please let this not end like it did last time. I beg of you! I don't think I could handle watching him walk away again! Please!

"MaryJane?" A voice asked gravelly, filled with sleep.

She opened her eyes, finding Daryl opening his, blinking a few times and using a hand to wipe the sleep from his eyes. He grunted as he started to wake up, inhaling deeply as he started to feel consciousness rule the darkness of sleep. She smiled weakly at him, watching his eyes focus and after a few moments, he sighed heavily and relaxed beside her, turning on his side to face her. When their gazes locked, the electricity shot between them, making her scoot towards him, his arms enveloping her tightly, bringing her body flush against his. Their lips met with a fervor that was equal to that of a raging fire. The sounds of desperate mouths meeting echoed in the cell, the couple inhaling sharply through their noses. MaryJane kissed him back with every ounce of vehemence she had, her mouth opening as his tongue began to probe at her teeth. Their kiss turned extremely intense within seconds, the temperature in the cell rising as their hearts began to race in their chests from the amount of emotions that were being emitted and internalized. Daryl's hand slid down to her hip, his hand traveling under the material of her shirt to feel her warm, bare skin. When his fingers touched it, desire flared, making him kiss her harder, his body aching to see and feel more of her again.

MaryJane moaned as his hand slid across her bare skin, goose flesh rising along her body at the feel of his callouses on her. Her hands came to rest on his chest, her fingers clutching the material of his flannel cut off, wanting to pull it open and feel his chest. Inhaling sharply, she gasped against his mouth when she felt him press a leg between hers, parting her thighs. Her insides grew molten, her core burning with need as his thigh brushed against her crotch. Breaking the kiss for air, she leaned into him as his hand began to venture higher up her side. She closed her eyes and moaned, leaning her head back. Daryl watched her, the passion coursing through him like a torrential river making his blood grow hot. She was so beautiful and when she responded so intensely to his touch, it made him want to do more to see what other noises she'd make. And goddammit, he wanted it, wanted her at that moment. He wanted to flip them over and proceed to ravish her, make her writhe and moan his name. Eager to do just that, Daryl crashed his mouth on hers, ready to roll her over so he could climb over her, but seconds later she broke the kiss again, breathing heavily.

"Daryl…" She gasped.

He buried his face in her neck, kissing her pulse point, his tongue slicking the skin possessively. MaryJane nearly forgot what she wanted to say as he growled against her, the sound vibrating through her entire body. She gasped in the unusual sensation and arched against him, his hand under her shirt clutching at her waist. His teeth began to scrape at her neck, shivers running down her spine, causing her to feel her arousal between her legs. As much as she didn't want to stop this, she had to.

"Daryl, we can't do this." She breathed, her voice still held a little rasp, but not nearly as weak.

He stilled against her, his lips leaving her neck and for a moment she felt fear. Daryl lifted his head to look at her, his eyes nearly unreadable, but she could see the twinkle of hurt and quickly he replaced it with anger.

"Why not?" He hissed.

Without saying a word, she slid down the bed and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her cheek into his chest, hugging him tightly. She felt he was stiff, his arms not even twitching to go around her. It was her turn to feel hurt.

"Because we gotta talk about what happened." Lifting her head, she looked into his cold eyes. "I want to sleep with you, you know I do, but I can't give myself fully to you if we don't talk about what happened. I want to get that put in the past and not have it hanging over our heads the entire time…" Feeling tears sting at her eyes, she lowered them from him, not wanting him to see. "I'm sorry. I love you and I want to fix this before we do this again."

She waited for his response, his racing heart pounding against her ear. This would be the defining moment, if he agreed or disagreed. If he didn't then she didn't know what she'd do. If felt like hours as she waited silently for him to reply to what she said and as it grew longer she began to fear the worst. What if—?

"A'ight, I think we can do that. Why's it always that yer right?" He asked, the anger gone in his voice, leaving just a little irritation, but understanding.

A tear fell from her eyes as she smiled, rejoicing internally.

Have faith. He will not abandon you. Not again.

Wiping her eyes quickly, she lifted her head, smiling thankfully at him. "Thank you, this means so much to me."

With that she pressed her lips against his, framing his face with her hands. One crisis was averted, but there were still a lot more to face. She just hoped she could keep faith and hope like the voice asked her to. God knew that in the new day and age that those were hardly felt and few and far between, but she would do as it asked, knowing that if she did those things then it might really work out in her favor. She just had to cling to hope for it was the only thing stronger than fear or anger.

An hour after the sun rose, Hershel came in and did one last check up and checked her wounds on her arms and face. Daryl had moved from the bed to lean against the desk while she sat on the edge of the bunk, across from Hershel who took the stool. She spoke to him a little and he seemed pleased to hear that the rasp was quickly starting to fade. Within another day it would be completely gone. When he took the bandages off her arm she got to see the extent of them. They weren't bad, but they left and obvious burn scar on her inner wrist and the outer part of her arm, the scars still red from healing. She winced at them, wondering if Daryl was disgusted by what he saw. She wasn't fond of them and she wished they could go away permanently, but knew that was pointless complaining. She'd have to try and live with them. As Hershel inspected them, she glanced at Daryl to try and spot his reaction to them. He looked indifferent, but there was a deep furrow in his brows that told her he wasn't pleased and she wondered if he wasn't pleased that she was scarred in a more visible place or that he was feeling guilt. Lowering her eyes, she felt it might've been more on the guilt side of the spectrum. He had told her to stay in the tower when the attack happened and no doubt he felt guilt for being the one to put her in that situation. Somehow, that made more sense than her self-conscious behavior. He didn't care about scars. He had his fair share of them so it was just pure childish fear on her part.

"You're good ta go, MaryJane." Hershel said after a few minutes of silence.

Her heart leapt in relief. "Thank God!"

"I know you're prolly gettin' cabin fever bein' stuck in here." He grinned, sending an amused one to Daryl. "Well, now your sentence is over. You can return to your duties with my approval. I can tell ya that Beth's been missin' ya and so has Judith, not ta mention Carol and Katie."

"I'll make a point to tackle them when I see them." She joked.

The vet smiled. "Let's hold off the tacklin' fer next week, okay?"

Glancing at Daryl, MaryJane nodded, still smiling. "Okay."

"If ya start to feel funny jus' have someone come get me, alright? I don't want ya ta have a relapse and there's plenty of people ta talk to, includin' me, should ya feel the need." He assured, placing his hand over her scarred one.

Touched, she nodded. "Thank you,"

Shooting a glance at Daryl, Hershel smiled. "Well, I gotta go check in on Charlie. He's nearly walkin' on his own now."

"That's wonderful!" MaryJane beamed.

"Indeed, I wondered for a while if he'd have a bump ankle from it not healin' right, but he's doin' jus' fine." The white bearded man said as he stood, without his crutch which surprised the younger woman on the bunk.

"I'm so relieved to hear that, Hershel! Give him my best, will ya?" She asked, her whiskey eyes twinkling with excitement.

Daryl felt a twinge in his chest at the sight of the excitement in her eyes.

"I will. Ya'll have a good day." He nodded politely then left the room, surprisingly walking almost normally.

Sighing, MaryJane looked over at Daryl who was staring intently at her. Swallowing, she stood and crossed the short length towards him, stopping when the tips of her feet nearly touched his, giving him a little space.

"Do you need to go or…?" She asked, hoping that they could talk, but if Daryl needed to go then she'd let him.

He stared at her, unnerving her a little, but he shook his head. "Nah, I ain't leavin' 'til we get the air cleared."

Nodding, she gave him a relieved expression. "Good,"

"Ya wanna start?" He asked.

Taking in a deep breath, MaryJane sat on the edge of the bunk again, trying to find the confidence to begin.

"Okay, firstly, no matter what I say you have to promise not to get angry." She began.

Daryl clenched his jaw. "Ya know I can't promise that."

Biting her bottom lip, she tried again. "Well, can you promise me that you won't surge from the cell in a rage?"

Considering, Daryl sat for a few seconds before agreeing, his eyes never leaving her. "I can do that."

Letting out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, she smiled. "Okay, good. I can live with that for now."

Daryl waited with great patience as she thought of the best place to begin. When she finally started, he couldn't help but tense up. It was his first reaction when remembering that day.

"I meant what I said Daryl, the kiss I had with Jeremy meant nothing. After the world went to hell I was alone for so long and I was missing you so much that I felt myself spiral into depression. When Con's group found me I considered asking them to leave me be, to let me die, but something made me go with them. I found Jeremy who suffered tragic loss with his mother and girlfriend and I felt for him. I'd lost you and I could relate to him by losing the people we loved."

She could see Daryl was more than displeased with the talk and mention of Jeremy, but he didn't say a word, just stared at her, listening. She could see he wanted to curse the kid and murder him in various different ways, but she was in control of this situation.

"I admit I grew fond of him because he was always so nice and wanting to help. I considered him my friend because I could tell him anything and he wouldn't judge…like how we were in our youth. Actually, that's what I thought of every time we'd sit together and talk. I'd think of you—not a moment went by that I didn't think of you, Daryl. I told them all about you, who you were and why it was you I was looking and yearning for. They—Jeremy knew I was in love with you and for a while he seemed to get that my heart belonged to someone else."

Daryl felt his possessive instinct rear up as her face grew sad. He could feel she was about to tell him something he wouldn't like.

"Apparently, while I was thinking of him as a friend, he thought my crying on his shoulder and voicing of my emotions to him made me think more of him then as a friend. I think now he didn't get it when I said that I was in love with you and that it had always been you—" Daryl's heart lurched at her declaration. "—I noticed he started to treat me differently. He'd always been protective, but it started to grow to the point where he was a little controlling, wanting to know where I was going and what I was doing and trying to get me out of going on a run when we needed to. And when I did go, he'd always go and never leave my side. Of course, I didn't want to think ill of him because he was my friend and confidant, so I didn't think much of it."

There was a 'but' coming on, Daryl thought to himself silently.

"While we were travelling, looking for a safe place to hunker down for a while, I started to have emotional breakdowns because of the stress of being on the run and not having you there to assure me that it would be alright…and then nightmares. I always dreamed that you had died or had been bitten and changed. Sometimes I would dream that because we lost contact that you wouldn't want me anymore. Anyways, one night, Jeremy woke me from a nightmare and I realize now that I was still delusional from my panic and emotionally unstable. When I looked up at him I swore I saw you in his place…" MaryJane trailed off, her eyes staring at the floor as she explained, her mind taking her back to that day.

Daryl watched, his throat feeling tight as he listened. Every instinct inside him told him to jump from the cell and go but an arrow through the little prick's skull, but he promised her he'd stay put. He felt an inkling of something in his gut as she began to start again, tears filling her eyes.

"…I swear it was you. The face I looked into was yours, the eyes I stared deeply into were yours, not Jeremy's. It was you. I remember whispering something to you and before I knew it you—Jeremy was kissing me. It was just a peck on the lips, nothing extreme and I thought that I'd finally found you, that you had come for me like you promised. When your head lifted and I looked into your eyes I realized they weren't yours, the face wasn't yours and the lips that had kissed mine weren't yours. I was horrified when I saw that it was Jeremy. I jumped up and away from him, demanding an explanation and he just started babbling away like he hasn't expected me to react as I did. So, I told him how I felt about him and said that what happened should never happen again and he agreed. I stayed away from him for a short time, kinda uncomfortable being around him. Then, I realized that it was a mistake and that I couldn't hold it against him so I forgave him. I thought things had gone back to normal between us despite his little attempts to try and deepen the relationship."

MaryJane looked up at saw the fury in Daryl's expression and something dark rested in his blue eyes. Jealously.

"It wasn't anything big, just trying to hold my hand or putting an arm around my shoulder, little piddly actions. I wouldn't have any of it and when he held off on his attempts it was like it was before the kiss happened. At this point in time, I think he was satisfied with wearing me down until I gave in to him."

Daryl seethed. The prick had a lot of nerve to think something like that.

She inhaled deeply. "We wandered for a months, looking for a safe place from the walkers and we did, then Charlie got hurt and we just hunkered down knowing he wasn't fit to travel without a car we didn't have. I stayed true to you, through those winter months when it got cold enough for me to stop feeling my toes. Jeremy would've held me to keep me warm, but I wasn't about to lead him on or give him false hope. I didn't even want him getting a hint that I might be giving in 'cause I wasn't. He's a kid and I kinda felt sort of motherly towards him for some time. Anyways, it was any normal day on a run with Con, Slim and Jeremy that we ran into a small herd of walkers, enough of them to realize that we were outmanned. That's when Merle came to the rescue, him, Rick, Carl and Michonne."

MaryJane looked into Daryl's eyes, a fearful gleam in her brown ones. "I was nearly bitten by a walker. I stumbled and lost my footing and it caused me to fall and with the walker on me. I thought I was going to die and resigned to it, hoping that at least your life would be spared at the cost of mine, but the next thing I knew I was up fighting again and I didn't second guess my luck and returned to fighting. When the dust settled I saw Merle and I thought I'd just seen a ghost, but no, it really was him. After talking Rick and Con introduced themselves and invited us here. I asked Merle about you...if you were still alive and he had a very Merle remark." She giggled and Daryl could only imagine what that was, taking the credit for him still being alive, he supposed.

"When he said you were alive...I thought I would faint from relief and run around Georgia from the adrenaline rush. My heart just jumped with joy and that yearning that haunted me for so long returned and I knew that I had to see you, to know that you were really alive. If felt like ages as we picked up the rest of my group and headed back here. I swore I could've run and still had been able to take on a herd of walkers on my own! I longed to see you, to hold you, to kiss you...I wanted what we had before the world started to decay and when I finally found you I held back because I didn't want to lose you again. And as I look back on it I realized that Jeremy must've been heartbroken and extremely pissed at our reunion and that's what started his need for revenge. He wanted to tear us apart and he had the perfect leverage for it. He knew the kiss would just crawl all over you. The reaction you gave him is what he wanted. You turned on me and he had hoped that I would go to him for comfort, but when I didn't he had to re-plan so he went after Beth and Merle to get back at Merle for coming into the picture at all. Then, when he realized that you weren't willing to talk to me, he made his move, thinking that I was so far in my grief that I'd take him without a moment's hesitation. He was wrong...and look where it got him. Nearly killed by you and now awaiting his sentence..." Biting her bottom lip she gestured with her hand that she was done. "...that brings me to fill circle on my part. I just wished that it hadn't have happened. I'm so sorry, Daryl. If I had only told you sooner then—"

"Ya planned on tellin' me tha day it happened, right?" He asked, cutting her off.

She nodded weakly. "Yes,"

He sat in considering silence. "I can't be mad at ya fer not tellin' me when ya didn't even get a chance."

She sniffed, swallowing back the tears that started to blur her vision. "I'm so sorry—"

"Don't apologize ta me. I'm tha one that's been the asshole, judgin' 'fore I got all tha facts and that's my fault. I'm tha one who's sorry, MaryJane. I said some mean things...I thought I meant 'em, but now that I've had tha time ta think and now hear yer side there's no way I can justify my anger. If it's aimed at anyone now it's the Germ. It jus'..." He trailed off and looked away, clenching his jaw tightly.

He was having trouble voicing his feelings. It wasn't anything new to MaryJane, but he'd gotten considerably better over the years, but now she could see that with bottling it all up since the world went to shit, he didn't want to talk about what he was feeling. He never cared much for his as long as someone he cared about was happy. Even though, he may've seemed like a total, selfish redneck, she knew a lot better than that. Underneath he was still human with feelings and emotions, ones he didn't want the rest of the world knowing he had. And now, it must've been hard for him since the subject was far from comfortable, but necessary. MaryJane stared at him, softening her eyes and putting on an encouraging smile. She wanted to touch him, but she withheld the desire. He needed to work it out for himself, like she let him do before despite her need to help him.

"It's okay, Daryl, you can tell me this." She reassured, keeping her tone gentle.

She suddenly felt like she was back in high school, sitting across from a younger, disgruntled teenage Daryl who looked more than ready to jump up and leave. The memory was a rather odd one to be fond of, but she couldn't explain why it stuck so long with her. His hands clenched around the ends of the desk, his knuckles growing white under the pressure of his grip. She swallowed, quickly feeling the anger radiating off him like heat, his muscles twitching under is skin. His face looked nearly unemotional, but MaryJane could easily see the angry ticks in his expression and the way his eyes flashed with rage.

He drew in a shaky breath. "It jus' killed me...tha thought of ya bein' with anotha man in ANY way...I never thought I'd feel the-the overwhelmin' jealously I felt." His gaze flickered to her. "I hadn't felt it as strongly since high school when I saw ya holdin' hands with Zach McClure."

MaryJane bit back a frown and nodded, remembering the time when Daryl had asked if she was dating Zach and when she said 'yes' he nearly drew away from her completely and at the time she wasn't aware as to the reason why. After she go into college and came home to see the man before her it was made known to her why and it all started to make sense. His rude comments and comebacks, they made perfect sense. She urged to him continue speaking, not wanting to linger on the past too long.

"All I wanted was ta kill 'im and I was pissed at ya, but I couldn't do anythin'. I'd never lay a hand on ya in violence...that's why I walked away, 'cause I knew that I was angry 'nought that I mighta..." He lowered his eyes to the floor in something akin to shame. "...I didn't wanna risk losin' control o' myself and doin' somethin' I'd regret. I didn't wanna leave ya there, MaryJane. I didn't..."

The tears that had begun to well up turned fresh and she sniffed, her heart feeling like it was cracking at hearing his confession.

"It's okay. Go on." She encouraged weakly.

"I thought stayin' away was best. I felt like ya betrayed me and that ya lied ta me 'cause the prick was actin' real smug 'bout what ya'll had done an' I thought that ya might've been hidin' somethin' so's ya wouldn't hurt my feelin's. Then Merle nearly knocked my lights out when he confronted me and Carol nearly made me explode in rage when she talked ta me, but she opened my eyes up." Daryl looked into MaryJane's eyes. "She made me realize that my doin' what I did and if I kept it up that ya might decide that we wasn't gonna be able ta fix it and eventually ya'd find a new man or, God fuckin' forbid, ya'd go ta Jeremy fer comfort. Then I'd lose ya completely..." He ran the back of his hand under his nose and that's when MaryJane caught the glimmer of water in his dark eyes.

"That's why you wanted to talk to me alone in the tower." She realized.

He nodded. "I thought that my jumpin' in fronta Maggie's bullet woulda given ya a hint that I hadn't stopped carin'."

She chuckled. "Yeah, actually, I felt that you did for a purpose and I hoped it was because you still cared about me."

Daryl stood abruptly, making her stand on instinct, his stand tense, almost predatory as he strode towards her, an intensity growing in his expression causing her to shiver. She inhaled sharply as he stopped only inches away from her, his head tilted down towards hers and his hands in fists at his side.

"Even though I tried ta convince myself I didn't care no more, I knew I couldn't fool myself. I cared, I always did an' I always 'ave." He voiced quietly, the gravel growing more prominent.

She licked her lips as she glanced at his inviting ones, her stomach curling from the close proximity.

"I thought you were serious about leaving me...that's why I tried to avoid you. I tried to wrap the idea around my head that I would have to let you go. I thought I meant nothing to you—"

"No." He growled, a hand snaking into her hair, the other wrapping around her waist. "Yer everythin' ta me, MaryJane. Yer everything'."

MaryJane closed her eyes tightly as his lips descended onto hers, one of her hands moving up to cup the back of his head, her fingers feeling the dark, silky locks. Daryl ground his lips desperately against hers, bringing her body against his tightly. MaryJane kissed him back with the intensity, her entire being raging with so many emotions but she was able to pinpoint a few, relief, happiness, desperation. His fingers held her head steady as he turned his own to gain better access to her mouth, their tongues meeting in a desperate tango of passion, their hearts seeming to beat at the same time. There were no real words to describe what MaryJane was feeling, but all she knew was that she had his forgiveness and had the truth behind what he was feeling all those days of separation. He'd been as haunted as she was, maybe more so, yet there was something else she needed to tell him, something that might piss him off again, but he had a right to know. She probably would've died had it not been for the events of that night. Inhaling deeply, she broke the kiss, her eyes still closed as she licked her lips, taking in the lingering taste of him on her lips.

"Daryl, there's something else you need to know." She whispered.

She didn't see him shake his head before leaning his forehead against hers. "I don' care."

Opening her eyes, she saw the look. He really didn't want to know. Why?

"You have a right to know. You need to know because if you find out later..."

The desperation in her tone made him lift his eyes and face, dark with suspicion. "Wha'?"

Gaining her strength, she lowered her hand from his hair, earning a grimace from him at the loss of contact.

"The afternoon we had our fallout...I was in a state of total shock and I don't know how long I stood out in the rain, but I found myself going to Merle's cell..." Daryl tensed. "...Beth was there and Merle said that I could catch hypothermia and die so she helped him undress me and he got in the bunk with me and used his body heat to get mine up again. I was unconscious through most of it, but the next morning I woke up and found him half naked and me nearly so, but I was alive and Merle was a total gentleman. He even offered to get in the top bunk after he saw I was alright."

She glanced up into his eyes to see a stony expression on his face, but moments later it crumbled, leaving a raw look of guilt and pain in his eyes and the down turning of his lips made him look extremely pitiful and MaryJane's heart ached for him. She always hated it when he felt guilty and the look he got. It always made her remember that she couldn't stay mad at him for too long. She placed her hand on his cheek and he leaned into his, his breath catching, the rims of his eyes turning pink from the strain it was to hold back tears.

"Ya coulda died?" He gravelly asked, his voice heavy.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she wondered the best way to respond. She opted for the best way, the truth. He would want that.

"Yes...but Merle was quick to act. He saved my life." She reassured quickly, hoping he wouldn't rest solely on the knowledge that she could've died.

"I...I coulda killed ya..." He gasped, his red rimmed eyes growing wide.

She began to rub his cheek, suddenly feeling regret for ever saying a word about that night.

"No, you were only acting out of anger an—"

"I was fuckin' wrong! Ya wasn't ta blame fer shit! And I left ya out there—I nearly killed ya!" He roared, jerking away from her like she burned him.

Swallowing, she stayed in her place, finding strength in her voice to make her own feelings known. "Stop wallowing in your self-guilt for once, Daryl! I'm alive! And well! Nothing else matters, okay? I won't let you beat yourself up over this! You've done it enough! I forgive you! I can't ever hold a grudge or be angry about it, you know that! Just..." She lowered her voice as he stared, almost astonished, at her. "...just please try to let it go now. You've forgiven me and I've forgiven you. We've told each other the truth and that cleared the air enough for me."

He remained silent for some time and MaryJane slowly began to regret raising her voice, but it was time this ended once and for all, but she could feel the dull ache in the back of her throat from where it was still partially raw. Though, as his face turned into one of acceptance and contentment, he nodded at her and she let out a breath of relief. It felt as if a ton of bricks that had been weighing on her shoulders had lifted. Finally, she felt free.

"I love you, Daryl."

He released a heavy breath, his shoulders falling. A tear slipped from MaryJane's eyes as she shrugged and sniffed.

"That's all I've ever felt for you. Always. Never has it faded."

Daryl cleared his throat, trying to get rid of the lump that started to knot over his Adam's apple.

"I...I want ya..." He echoed back, weakly, but sure.

He didn't know how to say 'I love you'. He'd done it once before, but he thought she was asleep, though, since then it was always something he never felt comfortable saying, not even to her. While she knew he loved her, it was nice to hear it from his mouth. She never pushed him and wouldn't start to do it ever. When he was most comfortable saying it, he would. The day just couldn't get there sooner. Yet, it was reassuring and endearing to hear him say just that much of needing and wanting her. For the moment, that was all she needed. Without another moment's hesitation, she lifted on her tiptoes and pressed her lips firmly against his. It was a short, wet kiss, the way his lips moved around hers so possessively threatened to bring her to her knees. They naturally ended the kiss slowly and with lingering brushing of lips, both knowing it wasn't passion flared like their previous kiss. It was one of mutual understanding and acceptance, just something sweet that they could share together. Resting his forehead on hers, Daryl suddenly felt the weight pile back on his shoulders as he remembered the verdict of the vote on what would happen to Jeremy for his 'crimes' as he liked to refer them to. He had to tell MaryJane that the kid was the one responsible for the Governor's attack on the prison, nearly killing her and how he personally led men through the Tombs to infiltrate their home. He knew that her feelings towards the boy weren't good after he attempted to rape her and he hoped that her animosity would be enough for him to get a death sentence.

Though, he knew her and if he believed the nervous churning in his gut, he knew she would forgive him for what he did to her. But what about threatening the lives of everyone else because of his jealously and greed? Would she look past that? That Beth and Judith could've been killed? That Merle was most likely gonna be executed by the Governor had they failed to defend the prison? Would she look past the knowledge that everyone could've been killed? Even himself? He hoped that she would see that the kid was beyond saving. She had to see that if he did it once, he sure as hell was gonna do it again and maybe succeed. He was a threat and had it been up to Rick he'd have been dead the night it happened. Daryl just needed to have faith that she would do the right thing and stop future attacks from happening because of the Germ.

"MaryJane, we gotta talk 'bout wha' happened when tha tower blew up with ya in it." He sighed, lifting his head to look into her eyes.

Finally! She rejoiced.

"Yes, we do, tell me everything. And I need to know what happened to Jeremy." She said, her eyes narrowing as she spoke the kid's name.

Hope ignited in Daryl. "I'm gonna be able ta answer both o' 'em with one story."

Furrowing her brows, she just gave him a confused look but not questioning, only nodding at him to continue.

"After I got ya inta Hershel's care I came back outside ta help Rick. We was firin' on tha Governor an' his men when all o' a sudden Carl comes runnin' out sayin' somethin' 'bout men in tha Tombs. They found a way through and was tryin' ta sneak up on us from behind. My first thought was fer yer safety, but Rick had me stay behind while he, Carl, Michonne and Slim went inta tha Tombs. With Con, Merle and a few others at my side we held off tha boys at tha front, but they never advanced on us which was odd. They didn't pull no tricks or run tha fence down. So, when Rick comes struttin' out carryin' somethin' that turns out ta be a head o' one o' tha intruders he threw the head at the Governor and told 'im he lost. The Governor jus' upped and left without retaliation or nothin'."

The whiskey eyed woman stared at Daryl, bewildered. That didn't sound like that devil at all. He never gave up a fight.

"Then afta e'veryone rejoiced 'bout havin' won. Rick said that we caught one o' tha intruders. It was Jeremy."

MaryJane's jaw dropped, her eyes growing round like a dishes in pure horror. She felt the blood drain from her face, but boil in her veins as well. It was almost too much to believe, but from his behavior and what he did to her…somehow it didn't surprise her. He was bitter enough that he would've done something like that.

"Jeremy?" She voiced breathily.

He nodded stiffly, the one thing he coveted in recent days was the delight to shove his arrow through his head or put a bullet there. Her knees began to tremble so she sat down on the bunk, grasping onto the metal rod that helped hold the top bunk up. Her mind felt like it had suddenly hit a bout of fog in her thinking process. It wasn't fully comprehending what Daryl said. All she did know was that Jeremy had betrayed them. Betrayed their trust because of her?

Oh, God!

"Daryl…" She gasped, looking up at him with those wide eyes. "…he did that because he knew he couldn't have me unless he had an army to back him…he would've killed you…he…"

The fog suddenly lifted and she saw the reason why like a blind man seeing the light for the first time. It dropped on her like a ton of bricks, nearly taking her breath away. Everyone she loved or cared about could've died because of her. Daryl exhaled in relief, nodding to what she said, glad that she finally understood. He knew that she would, but…O Ye of little faith, he supposed. Sensing her distress, he walked in front of her and kneeled down before her, seeing the new onslaught of tears that made his gut wrench. He took her tiny hands in his, feeling hers grasp his tightly. He hoped that maybe he could stop the tears before they came, but they were already there.

"I-If h-he had killed you…I…I don't k-know how I could live anymore." She stuttered, trying to suck the tears back in, but the thought of losing Daryl permanently was too much for her to bear to hold the sobs back.

"He ain' done it, MaryJane. He couldn' kill me. You and I both know that. He ain' got shit, he ain' shit. I ain' dead and I ain' never gonna be. I ain' leavin' ya again." He vowed solemnly.

A few tears slipped from her eyes as she looked back into his eyes, a curtain of hair hiding the right side of her face. Instinctively, Daryl lifted a hand and pushed the hair behind her ears, wanting to see all of her and his heart would never stop skipping a beat every time he looked upon her face.

"I love you," She whispered, her fingers twitching in his hands.

He looked down at their conjoined hands before sighing heavily and lifting his eyes back to hers.

"I know. Me too."

Well, let's just say that I released many of my own emotions into this chapter so this was very theraputic for me. Anyways, how was it? Alright? Not good? Your opinions matter to me! So, what do you think will happen next? Was their conversation believable? What do you think MaryJane will do about Jeremy? And I think the most important question everyone is asking: When the hell is this little shit gonna die? Quite right, I agree with you too. But never fear for his end his near...or is it? Next chapter will fill in the answer and I hope to have it out a week from today or maybe a few days past depending on my schedule.

Please review! I love feedback!

Happy Writing!