Hello again. I was delighted to see how many views my story received in the last installment and the amount of followers I got, but I was surprised by lack of feedback. I'm not complaining because I gained some followers and for that I am extremely grateful and honored about. Nearly 100 follows on this story! This chapter is more plot infused and as much as I wanted to put more in, I decided that it was a good idea to stop where I did. Besides, I wanted to take extra time to make sure the dialogue is the way I want it to be. The next chapter will be where some interesting things happen and I hope I don't disappoint. Chapter 23 will provide interesting for me to hear your reactions.

I would like to thank those who reviewed Chapter 21... DarylDixon'sLover, igottoomanyloves, and thewalkingdestroyer.

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.

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 22

Once MaryJane had calmed, Daryl began to explain that Con's group had come together to talk about what happened with Rick and Merle watching to relay the decision to their group. Apparently, there was a pretty nasty verbal fight between Emily, Katie and Con about Jeremy's fate and neither Merle nor Rick could sit by and watch Katie live in her world of fantasy about saving the kid. MaryJane listened intently, soaking up every detail, eager to hear what they decided would be best. She either figured death or exile.

"What did they decide?" She asked after he finished explaining.

He sighed heavily. "They want you ta decide that happens ta 'im."

Dumbstruck, MaryJane drew back quickly. "Uh…say what? They want me to decide whether Jeremy lives or dies?"

He nodded and she half-scoffed and half laughed.

"I mean…I can't do that! I can't decide if someone should die! I'm not that kinda person! I can't take someone's life!" She exclaimed wildly, the idea of someone's life being in her hands and her word being the decision was daunting to a degree that was beyond terrifying.

All she ever killed was walkers and they weren't exactly human and living.

Daryl remained silent, listening to her rant, seeing the raw fear in her eyes. She wasn't a killer, he knew that. It was stupid to ask something like that of her, but he understood why they requested it.

"Why? Why me?!" She cried, burying her face in her hands.

"'Cause it was you 'e was after." He replied quickly, causing her head to shoot up to look him dead in the eye.

The panic there slowly melted away as she began to think. The tracker could see the wheels in her head turn. She'd understand…she had to. The kid wasn't gonna sit idly by in his cell, waiting for death. Any day he could escape and who knows who'd be bring next or what he'd do. His job was to keep the prison and its inhabitants safe. It might take a considerable amount of convincing on his part, but he knew that MaryJane would eventually see past her fears of sentencing a living human to death and realize it was for the greater good. He waited as patiently as he could until her eyes came back into focus.

"Oh, God," She sighed.

He was right.

Daryl patted her hands. "Ya got some time ta think it through. If ya need more help ya got Beth and Carol and tha others ta talk to. Ya a'ready know what my vote is."

Her eyes sharpened on him sadly. "You think he deserves death?"

His expression grew hard. "Tha moment 'e touched ya was tha moment when he was a'ready a dead man."

The chilly, seriousness in his words gave her the chills that shot down her spine like ice. Goose flesh rose on her skin as a result. Nodding wordlessly, he stood, his hand falling from hers. Her eyes followed him as he threw on his jacket and angel winged vest.

"Where you going?" She asked.

He turned back around as he fixed his jacket collar. "Yer better now, ya can talk jus' fine an' Hershel's cleared ya. I'm goin' ta check tha fences, not b'fore I see yer with Beth. Li'le Ass Kicker's missed ya."

The sadness of hearing that he was leaving was suddenly softened at the mention of Judith, the baby she and Daryl so passionately adored. Nodding with a smile, she stood.

"I guess I'll see you at dinner?" She asked curiously.

He took her hand and laced his fingers around hers.

"I ain' sayin' 'bye' 'til I see ya ta tha cell." He growled with slight amusement before grabbing his bow and pulling her from the cell.

MaryJane grasped his hand, feeling her heart fall at the prospect of Daryl having to leave her side already. He'd come back though. They cleared everything up and now she understood his side. There seemed to be no hard feelings and Daryl seemed pleased with her reasons. It looked like everything would be okay between them and that brought her great joy. She just hoped nothing else came along to break them up again. That being said, she had a lot to think about and she would need all the emotional support she could get. It was a good thing Beth would be around to at least give her, her opinion and hopefully work out the jumbled mess that was her thoughts. After a short travel, they entered the cell to find Beth holding Judith and Carol sitting on the bunk, folding a blanket. They looked up and smiled at the couple's presence.

"Hey, guys!" Beth greeted excitedly, her gaze resting instantly on their joined hands.

Judith seemed to recognize the presences in the room for she began to babble, looking at MaryJane intently. Daryl's eyes lit up at the baby and pulled MaryJane into the cell, releasing her hand as he swept the infant into his arms, rocking her, grinning at her as she patted his bearded chin.

"Hey, Li'le Ass Kicker, I brought MaryJane back ta ya." He cooed in his gravelly voice.

MaryJane thought her heart would explode from her chest as he genuinely smiled at the baby girl. Oh, God, it made her wish they could have children. He'd make a great father! Maybe if the world wasn't the way it was they could, but one baby was enough to handle, especially with the threat hobbling just outside the fences. She'd just have to live with treating another man's baby like her own. It would be just fine with her.

Judy cooed at Daryl, fascinated by his facial hair before turning her gaze to MaryJane. Instantly, she began to wriggle in Daryl's arms and he chuckled.

"Yep, jus' wha' I figured."

He grabbed Judith under her arms and handed her off to MaryJane who hugged her tightly, burying her face in the infant's neck, inhaling her scent. She never thought she'd have extreme motherly instincts for a child that wasn't hers or related to her by blood. Pulling back to gaze at her sweet face, MaryJane smiled at Judy, whispering greetings to her.

"Did ya miss me, Judy?" She asked, adoring the nickname Beth had given her.

In reaction, Judith buried her face into the dark haired woman's shoulder, grasping her shirt on her shoulders tightly in her fat fist.

"Aww! I'll take that as a 'yes'!" She exclaimed happily.

Daryl watched the scene fondly, regretful that the world was the way it was. What he would give to see the love of his life holding his, no, their child like she was holding Judith at that moment. Glancing behind him, he sighed. Work was needing to be done.

"I gotta head out. I'll see ya'll later. Bye, Ass Kicker." He said to Judith.

He lowered his head and pecked MaryJane's lips sweetly, surprising her, and kissed Judith's forehead before leaving the cell. MaryJane stared after him before looking back at Carol and Beth who were grinning madly at her.

"I can see ya'll worked it out! That's wonderful!" Beth exclaimed joyfully, coming to the older woman's side and giving her a side hug.

"Thank, God, Daryl finally talked to you about it! I was worried that he'd never bring it up." Carol smiled as she stood, taking her turn to embrace MaryJane.

"Thanks, guys…I don't think it really would've happened had it not been for you two. Ya'll did a lot for me and I can't thank you enough for it."

The silver haired woman just shook her head. "No thanks is needed. We did it to help you and it worked. I only imagine that if the Governor hadn't attacked then ya'll would've been together sooner."

The mention of the Governor and the attack made MaryJane's happy mood fall and it was easy to see from her facial reaction. She sighed, placing Judith on her hip.

"Speaking of that…I need ya'll help…or advice."

Beth and Carol shared a glance of worry. MaryJane bit her bottom lip nervously and went to sit down in her chair while the other two women took a seat across from her on the bunk. She hoped they were at least filled in on the basics, but in case they weren't she'd go into full detail.

"Okay, so, apparently…."

"…and they decided that it would be best for me to choose what happens to him." MaryJane concluded, shifting a sleeping Judith into her lap.

Carol nodded, an inquisitive finger over her top lip, her body leaned against her arm. "I heard Rick telling that to Hershel earlier in the week."

"It makes perfect sense ta me, MJ." Beth interceded.

Sighing, the whiskey eyed woman nodded. "I know and I understand why they said that, but…I just…I'm not a killer…I've never killed a living person."

"Well, honey, they're not asking you to kill him." Carol replied gently.

"I know, but that's basically it. Life or death. Obviously, Jeremy's a threat to everyone here so he can't stay, but if we exile him then there's the chance that he might come back and try something again and maybe successfully. Then there's the option of letting Rick take him out on the grounds of capital punishment." MaryJane explained, laying out everything on the table.

"Oh…ya think that yer not forgivin' Jeremy might mean tha signin' of his death warrant." Beth realized, frowning.

The older woman nodded, shushing Judith when she began to kick in her sleep.

"And then I'd be a killer."

Carol grimaced. "Your not forgiving him doesn't mean that he has to die."

Feeling frustrated tears well in her eyes, MaryJane sniffed. "I just…I don't want anyone else to be hurt by me and what Jeremy's done."

Beth and Carol both began to open their mouths to dispute what she just said, but she cut them off.

"It's because of me that Jeremy's brought this danger so close to us, to Judith and I know that it's not my fault that he made those decisions, but I can't help but feel guilty for it. I know he's angry enough that he's capable of anything. We've seen that now. I don't want to see anyone else hurt."

"They won't be…not if you make the right decision." Carol reminded.

"But how can I sit by and let Rick or Daryl kill him? I'd basically be the one to hand them to gun!"

The eldest woman in the room, saw her fears. She feared for her own mental outlook on herself. She felt she might feel differently about herself if she let him die. That guilt would haunt her forever.

"The only mind it should rest on is the one who pulled the trigger, MaryJane. Not yours." Beth voiced quietly from her spot next to Carol.

MaryJane wanted to believe that, but for some reason she couldn't see past it. Seeing that a deep, interjection was needed for MaryJane to understand, Carol stood from the bed and kneeled before her, taking her free hand in hers.

"You don't need to feel guilty if that's the decision you make. Jeremy made his choices and he knew that if and when he was caught, he'd have to pay for what he did. You know very well what you need to do and you don't need to think badly of yourself for wanting it too."

MaryJane's eyes shot up to Carol's in shock at her words. Did MaryJane want Jeremy to die? Was that, deep down, what was making her feel guilty about it? That she was eager to see him go away and never hurt her or Daryl again?

"When my husband died, when we were in Atlanta…I put the pick axe through his head myself, not because I wanted to, but because I had to. He would've changed and probably attacked our daughter. I felt so guilty after he was killed, that I was the reason for it. That because of a comment I made, it got him beaten up and he refused to be outside with the rest of us where we could've seen the walkers coming. I felt guilty because he was the first to be eaten alive, but after I thought, I mean, really thought about it…I didn't feel remorse…I wanted the bastard who beat me and my daughter dead just as badly as I wanted him to protect me. I did it because, his death set me free." Swallowing the catch in her throat, Carol continued. "You have to protect yourself and those you love, MaryJane. You know what he's capable of. He nearly raped you and Daryl almost killed him because of it. What will he do next? Who will he hurt next? Who will be bring to do his dirty work for him next time?"

A pregnant silence filled the room as tears streamed down MaryJane's face. The lament Carol told broke the dam inside the younger woman and all MaryJane could do was blink at her, her jaw wide open. She hadn't know what Carol went through before she came along. Hearing it, though, helped open her eyes. Her advice was some she'd never forget. Taking in the reality of her words, MaryJane silently began to see how right the woman before her was. Guilt would only get her and those she loved killed. Is this how Rick was able to do it? Not care that a human life was being taken? That is was justified as long as his family wasn't hurt? Suddenly, as she gazed down at the sleeping infant in her arms, it made perfect sense. There was no room for error in this world and with the scum that seemed to survive it, cold-blooded killing seemed to be the only sort of law. Carol, having lived under Rick's influence about no tolerance for threats, saw the tall-tell signs immediately in MaryJane's eyes as she thought.

Moments later, MaryJane lifted her head, her eyes pink from the tears she spilled. Carol smiled softly at her, her own tears glistening in her blue eyes.

"I think we both know what your decision is."

Nodding solemnly, MaryJane looked down at the baby in her arms.

Liberated, MaryJane was glad when dinner finally came around. Katie seemed to be avoiding her and she couldn't really blame her. Emily was all smiles and asking about her and Daryl as they prepared dinner. She felt considerably better as people began trotting in for the meal. Michonne and Charlie were on watch so Carol went to give them theirs. MaryJane took her usual seat in between the Dixon brothers, a spot next to Merle open for Beth. Merle began to joke with her about something from the past, but the weight of what she had decided was pressing heavily on her. Daryl took quick notice of her unusual behavior and took her hand under the table, lacing his calloused ones around hers. She looked up at him, his eyes inquiring.

"I'll tell you later…" Then her eyes strayed to Rick who was holding Judith with a warm smile on his bearded face. "…It's time I talked to Rick."

Daryl stiffened beside her, sensing the tension in her. He nodded quietly and they began to eat, MaryJane lacking her appetite severely.

Dinner finally passed and the couple consisting of a Dixon and MaryJane went to Rick's cell where he was putting Judith to bed in her makeshift crib. The young man glanced up, surprised to see them, but pleased to see them holding hands again.

"Rick, I need to talk to you." MaryJane voiced after glancing at Daryl for support he gave her with a nod.

"Sure," He whispered before stepping from the cell and into the kitchens. "What's up?"

Daryl walked a little ways away, deciding to give her a little space to talk this out with Rick. He kept a sharp ear open, not far away if she needed him and he was curious, not fully aware of what she needed to talk to their leader about.

"I need to speak to him."

The tracker froze in his spot, staring at MaryJane in shock before glancing at Rick who wore a similar look of disbelief.

"You wanna talk ta Jeremy? Why?" Rick asked, furrowing his brows.

"Because I have to know why. I need to hear it from him why he did this. I won't be able to live with myself if I don't know."

At first, MaryJane hadn't consider talking to Jeremy, but as she dove deeper into the analyzing section of her thoughts, she found that she had a right to know, from the source, why he did it. She knew Rick, Daryl and Merle would be against the idea and try to talk her out of it, but she needed to do it.

"No."

MaryJane turned and Rick's eyes flickered to Daryl who stood, tense and severely defensive, his large hands curled into fists. His dark eyes were nearly hidden by the curtain of his bangs.

"What?" She asked, astonished.

"I ain' lettin' ya near tha son ov'a bitch." He growled in a deadly tone.

Rick, sensing the tension and volatility in the man he considered a brother, he figured that MaryJane didn't tell Daryl about her plans. MaryJane turned to face Daryl and Rick rounded the table, making a triangle, staying silent. This was MaryJane's meeting and she was going to stay in control of it, not to mention he'd take a step in if Daryl got to be too pissed.

"Daryl, I need to do this." She begged.

His jaw clenched. "Nah, tha last time I left ya alone with 'im, he—"

He couldn't finish his sentence. That's how angry he was and MaryJane could sense it very easily. The anger rolled off him like heat waves on the pavement. Not feeling in the least bit apprehensive towards his deadly emotions, she stepped closer to him, wanting him to see her side, to try and convince him.

"I won't be alone with him." She reassured, wanting to touch him, but deciding not to. "There's a cell door separating us and you and Rick, Con and Merle would be there to make sure nothing happens." She glanced at Rick for help and he nodded, placing his hand on his gun in emphasis. "I just…I want to talk to him. I need to. So I can put this whole thing to rest and never think about it again. Like you want."

He exhaled heavily and met her eyes, frustrated that she was starting to make sense. She was right. He wanted to forget the whole thing and to move on and if she couldn't then neither could he. Feeling his anger slowly dissipate, she stepped closer, a few feet away. Rick watched with fascination as MaryJane worked Daryl to her side. The tough tracker looked so close to breaking and so easily. The former deputy wondered how she did it. She made it look so easy.

"After I talk to him…I won't ask again. That'll be the end…because I'm done with this whole thing. I want it to end. Please, Daryl." She pleaded, placing her hand on his tan forearm, the muscle relaxing under her touch.

Breathing heavily from the fire of rage in his veins, he glanced at Rick, then back to MaryJane who stared up at him with those big whiskey colored eyes, eyes he was never able to resist. When she turned those eyes to him he couldn't deny her anything and while everything inside him was against it he couldn't fight her logic. If he wanted her to let this mess stay in the past he needed to let her do what she needed to do, even if that meant letting her talk to the dirt bag that was the cause of it all. The woman he loved waited with patience that could rival a ninja, hoping and praying that he'd see it her way and grant her this. She'd never ask for anything else. Wanting to find the strength to fight her, he knew his words and attempts would be futile and a waste of time. She'd go behind his back if she had to. At least now, she was coming to him and seek his permission to do it.

Blinking and sighing he finally nodded. "Fine…but if he starts shit—"

"I'll end it…I promise." She smiled, chuckling lightly at his acceptance.

Throwing her arms around him, she hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Daryl." She whispered in his ear.

Rick smiled at the scene before him and nearly felt himself blush when MaryJane kissed Daryl. Lifting his eyebrows and smirking, he looked away to give them some privacy, but he knew there wasn't any time to waste now. Jeremy had been asking for her and inquiring about her health and no one had given him any ideas. Clearing his throat, the couple broke apart, MaryJane blushing violently and Daryl looking a little embarrassed himself. Shaking his head and chuckling to himself, Rick walked towards them, turning serious.

"We'll take ya ta him in the mornin'. We'll give ya ten minutes, no more…and I'm sure yer aware of what Con and Katie decided—"

"I am." She said, cutting the weathered man off. "And…this talk will be what helps me make my final decision."

Hope elated in both Daryl and Rick as they shared a glance. The leader, satisfied with her answer nodded. "Alright. I'll go tell Con what you've said. We'll go after breakfast."

With a determined nod, MaryJane thanked Rick. He just bowed his head in return and left the kitchens to go check on his son.

"Merle's gonna blow a gasket."

MaryJane giggled and hugged Daryl despite his serious remark. He hugged her back and the woman in his arms felt that the rest of the night would be spent with the man she was hugging trying to convince her not to do what she was wanting to do. In fact, she'd have two men doing it.

"Ya fuckin' what?!"

As expected, when MaryJane told Merle what she decided to do, his reaction was like Daryl's…only add in an actual explosion and cursing. The older Dixon advanced on MaryJane, wanting to shake some sense into her, but Daryl blocked his way, standing before his woman protectively.

"Calm tha fuck down, Merle! This is 'er decision!" Daryl hissed warningly.

Merle's icy eyes nearly bugged from his head. "And yer fuckin' lettin' 'er?!"

Daryl's stony face faltered for a moment. "I ain' gotta fuckin' like it, Merle."

Narrowing his eyes at his little brother, the former military man crossed his arms, looking severely pissed. Beth, who had been standing in the corner, feeling somewhat out of place in this family matter, finally stepped forward and placed a calming hand on his forearm. MaryJane and Daryl both watched as the hostile hot head Dixon immediately relaxed his tense stance.

"Merle, I—we know ya don't like this, but none o' us does. MaryJane has a right ta talk ta Jeremy 'bout what 'e done. Wouldn't ya wanna talk ta tha person who nearly destroyed your life and ask why?"

Beth's soft voice and new voice of reason made the tension in the room lessen. Merle's eyes seemed to run out of focus as she spoke and when she was finished he returned and glanced down at her with a grimace.

"Dammit." He huffed. "Woman's always fuckin' right…" Then his gaze came to rest on MaryJane who stayed behind Daryl. "…ya know I don' like this shit, but I'm gonna be there, jus' in case."

MaryJane nodded, grabbing Daryl's arm to steady him as she stepped around him. "Yeah, you will, so will Daryl, Rick and Con. If he tries anything, ya'll be there to stop him. That's our agreement."

Daryl nodded as he gazed down at her before looking back over at Merle who stood, still looking unsure. What could the kid really do? If there was four of them, he'd be surrounded and confined instantly. But…what if the little shit had another trick up his sleeve? He's had the time to plan it being locked up in his cell.

"An' wha' if he tries somethin' again? Even wit' us 'round?" Merle asked skeptically, eyes on MaryJane.

MaryJane had that fear in the back of her head, but she knew the answer right away and knew without a doubt that it would happen should worse come to worst. "I doubt he can move as fast as Daryl can shoot his crossbow."

There was an underlying meaning there to Daryl. If it came to that, he wouldn't miss and he wouldn't leave the bastard alive either. He wouldn't even give him the honor of changing into a walker. Merle considered that and glanced at his brother for a few seconds, no questioning in his mind as he studied his brother quickly. Daryl was capable with his crossbow and if he saw MaryJane in any immediate danger, the bow would go up and whatever the threat was would go down in the blink of an eye. While, that assured him, Merle wasn't sure how Jeremy was going to act or say to her and how she would take it. She really didn't understand why he did what he did. He heard his first confession and that was enough for him, but to hear it again would only deepen the grave he was digging himself in to. They were right, though, MaryJane had a right.

He sighed heavily, glancing at Beth who stared up at him with those big, pleading blue eyes and he felt his heart skip a beat and something in him give. Dammit.

"A'ight, fine, I give. I's jus' not sure…but we'll be there fer ya, MaryJane, make no mistake o' that." Merle reminded sternly, making MaryJane think of her father.

She smiled fondly at him and nodded. "I know, thanks, Merle, your agreement to let me do this means a lot to me."

He smirked at her, returning the fondness. "Yeah, yer welcome…now ya'll skedaddle. I gots some very important stuffs ta discuss wit' Bethy." He said, wrapping an arm around her waist.

Daryl was out of the room in a flash, his mind seeming to have gone somewhere bad very quickly. MaryJane's eyebrows shot into her hairline at Daryl's fast escape before looking back at the couple in the room bewilderedly. Merle gave her a mock innocent look and Beth giggled. The one-handed Dixon held his left hand out.

"Wha'?"

She narrowed her eyes at him and sent Beth a smirk and a wink. "Play nice, children."

"Yes, Moma," Merle replied in a terrible impersonation of a kid.

MaryJane rolled her eyes, not at all bothered by the closeness of the couple and turned to walk from the cell and when she was only a few feet outside of the cell, she nearly died when Merle exclaimed in a childish voice:

"No, no, those're my balls!"

She pulled her lips in towards her teeth as she tried to erase the mental images from her head. Nothing would get rid of those, ever and she closed her eyes, hoping the blackness would make the vision go away, but it only made it worse. Shuddering, she finally understood why Daryl left as suddenly as he did. He must've learned early on. She found him at the end of the block, standing beside the stairs, waiting, his lips twitching when he caught the pained expression on her face.

"Now ya know wha' it feels like." He teased.

MaryJane smirked at him and punched his arm. "Cheeky man!"

He chuckled and stepped closer to her and lowered his head closer to hers. Their lips met softly, the kiss just merely a brush of skin, their lips parting after the contact, both hearing their mutual release of heavy breaths. MaryJane's heart began to pound in her chest as he stepped even closer, lifting a hand to cup her cheek. Lifting her heavy lidded eyes to Daryl's suddenly darkened ones, their gazes locked and suddenly the fuse ended, igniting a passion like a match being struck. Their mouths met furiously, lips moving and gripping each other in a desperate battle, the quick intake of sharp breaths echoing in the tall ceilings. MaryJane's hands clutched at Daryl's body, bringing his chest against his. Daryl's hand on her cheek snaked into her hair, his long digits curling around the back of her head, locking her mouth against his as his other arm wrapped around her waist, his hand pressing into her lower back, bringing her hips against his. She moaned against his mouth as she felt the hard pressure of his arousal against her abdomen. A deep, primitive desire reared up in Daryl's instincts, his body shuddering in a desperate lust to claim her.

MaryJane felt it, felt her own urges resurface, the world around them and the problems fading away into the background. All she saw or felt was Daryl and that's all she wanted as she immersed in the feeling of his mouth against hers, his warm tongue rolling with hers passionately. With no thoughts towards analyzing anything, MaryJane just let her emotions control her. She deserved it, no, needed it. Too much was going on and she was thinking too much. She could just let herself go and fall into Daryl's willing arms. Lord knows she wanted it and wanted to feel his naked skin on hers again. But…there was still too much in reality to forget. Too many memories still fresh and wounds still needing to heal.

Pulling from the pit of her ecstasy and desire to just give in, MaryJane broke the kiss, inhaling the air with quick, heavy gulps, pressing her forehead against Daryl's. The tracker had felt her hesitation just seconds before she broke the kiss and as deeply frustrated as he was, he couldn't feel resentful. He couldn't blame her for having a little apprehension. The last real, physical contact she had with anyone was when Jeremy tried…His hands tightened on her possessively, keeping his hand against the back of her head, not wanting to lose the touch of their skin. He breathed deeply too, her warm breath grazing against his parted lips.

"I'm sorry," She whispered breathily.

"Shh," He hushed, pressing his lips against hers again in emphasis, closing his eyes tightly.

She kissed him back, the brush of his facial hair on her face somewhat comforting to her. He drew back moments later, licking his lips, keeping his eyes closed to soak in her presence.

"I love you."

It must've been the tenth time she's said that to him…but he never grew tired of hearing it. Neither did his heart as it would skip a beat and his stomach clench in a familiar way. He released a deep breath through his nose as he opened his eyes to look into hers. She wanted him to say it back, he could see it in her eyes…but for some reason he couldn't. He did love her. He just didn't know how to say it. It had been so long since he had told her that and she knew he was capable. After he lost her after the world went to shit he about gave up on love, all love except the love for his family, mainly Merle and even then 'love' was a strange word to call what he felt for his brother. Fondness, yes, love just felt too…girlish. There wasn't much Daryl could say to her in response and the only way he could voice his love was through two simple words:

"Me too."

For now, that's all she needed.

MaryJane threw her backpack onto the desk of Daryl's cell and unzipped it, pulling her pajamas out. With the curtain pulled and candle lit, she pulled her shirt over her head, leaving her in her bra and jeans. Daryl swallowed, his eyes tracing the bare skin of her stomach, the bra cups shaping her breasts in a tantalizing way. Feeling his hot gaze on her she turned her head towards him, seeing the yearning in his blue eyes. Guilt churned in her belly. She quickly grabbed her tank top and slipped it on, removing the teasing sight from the tracker. Blinking he stood and began to pull his own clothes off, throwing his jacket and vest onto the stool. With his distraction she quickly changed into her shorts, not wanting to put him under any more strain. She could see said strain even in his loosely fitting pants and the image made the junction between her legs grow warm with longing. Straightening up, she turned to find Daryl looking down at something and she stepped closer, looking around him to see his hand gently holding her picture, the one he's had since high school. She'd nearly forgotten he had it.

"You don't need that anymore, ya know." She said softly.

He turned his head slightly. "I know."

"Then why keep it?"

Daryl seemed to grow tense. "I need ta always remember that wha' I remember was real. That the past was real…that we was real."

Swallowing a lump in her throat, she frowned. "We still are."

"Are we?"

Hearing that question made her blood run cold. Why was he asking that?

"What?"

He turned towards her, setting the picture on the table and lifting his nearly hidden eyes to hers.

"Since we've found each other again…we ain' been tha same…there's been too much shit comin' 'tween us. I'm fuckin' tired o' it, MaryJane. I'm so fuckin' sick an' tired o' wonderin' when you'll push yerself away from me and how long it's gonna be when I lose ya again."

She stared at him, feeling her heart break as he bare his emotions to her, his feelings. She wanted to say something to comfort him, but it wouldn't do any good. He was making valid points and she had no way to justify herself. He was hurting too, he was hurting because she was hurting. He was right, she was holding him at arm's length and not fully allowing him in because of the shit that was continuously hanging over her and them. Daryl began to physical pace the room, a sign of his frustration and anger.

"I-I can't lose ya again, not again." He whispered desolately, the raw emotion in his voice making her knees tremble.

Tears began to blur her vision. He lifted his hand and ran the back of his hand over his own watering eyes.

"I won't lose ya again…not ta anyone and nothin'." Suddenly, his voice grew with power. "Ya belong ta me!"

MaryJane didn't jump at the sudden outburst, but it startled her nerves.

"I want us ta be like we was…nothin' holdin' us back from each other. I wanna be able ta see ya look at me without lookin' wit' guilt and shame." His face curled in pain, the tears evident in his eyes and he couldn't seem to look her in the eyes as he released his words. "I jus'…I need ya, I need ya so damned much!"

She ran to him and embraced him, her arms locked around his waist. She closed her eyes, not stopping the tears as they fell.

"It's you, Daryl. It's always been you. Always." She whispered. "I belong to you. I always have."

She felt him bury his face in her neck as his arms wrapped around her, his sniffle alerting her that the dam in him nearly broke. While, she wished he'd just let it out she knew that was just foolish hope and heard him pull himself together. She released his waist and cupped his face between her hands, making him look her dead in the eyes. His eyes were pink from the near tears and she wanted to do nothing more than kiss him.

"I promise you…once this is over…once this is behind us…everything will change for you, for me, for us. I promise you that it'll all be different. We just have to get through this…together and I need you." She sniffed, wiping a stray tear away. "I need you now more than ever to get through this. We can do this together because we've always been strongest together. We'll make it through this."

He nodded, placing a hand over one of hers and turning his face towards it to kiss her palm, his facial hair brushing it tantalizingly. She shuddered at the sensual feeling.

"Are ya gonna fergive 'im? Fer wha' he's done ta ya? Ta us?" He asked as he took her hands in his, lowering them from his face.

She laced their fingers together between them, rubbing the palms of her hands against his calloused ones. She hadn't thought much about it, but it was about time she was starting to. Studying their joined hands, she sighed.

"I don't know…I don't know if I can find it in me, but I know I should try."

He frowned. "If ya don't…no one's gonna think less o' ya."

"I know…its just something I have to figure out. I know you don't forgive him—"

"I can't. Ya know I can't." He muttered darkly.

Flickering her eyes up to his, she saw the complete condemnation in him. Once he was crossed, there was hardly any way to get him to trust you again. She just wondered how it was he just kept making exceptions for her. With understanding she nodded.

"And I don't expect you too. Ever. I know what I have to do to protect those I love."

He tilted his head curiously. MaryJane just smiled and lifted their hands, kissing the backs of his.

"It's getting late. I wanna be rested for my talk with Jeremy tomorrow."

He stiffened at the reminder and stiffly nodded. He released her hands, not knowing what to expect, but his gut flipped as she lifted her hands and placed them on his chest, her fingers grabbing the button and slipping them from their holes. His breath hitched in his throat as her fingers began to work their way down, getting closer to end. When she finished with the last, she opened the flannel material, exposing his chest and the tattoo in dark blue ink of her name over his left pectoral. With both hands, she moved her hands up to his shoulders, pushing the material over his blades and down his arms, leaving him shirtless before her. His torso was toned, his biceps glorious, the veins popping out and snaking through his forearms. Her eyes found her name tattooed again in red ink on his inner right forearm. She blushed, feeling giddy as she once again saw her name permanently marked on his skin.

He belonged to her.

The tattoos were living proof of it. He got them to show others that he and his heart were taken by another and that her name would always stay with him. It was forever. But she had no tattoo, nothing permanent to show that she belonged to Daryl and that she was taken. Perhaps that was part of his fear, that she didn't have anything physical to show that she belonged to him. That was something Daryl had started to ponder after recent events and he was slowly developing an idea to remedy it. Though, it would have to wait after the bullshit was over. It was then that he and MaryJane could focus on them. Once this was over with, they could finally relax and think of their future. She bit her bottom lip, feeling somehow less committed to their relationship despite telling herself that it wasn't true and Daryl could sense her doubtfulness.

"I'm gonna wait. No matter 'ow long it takes." He promised, cupping her face.

She brought her eyes back up to his, resting her hands on his upper abdomen, making his skin shiver in delight at her skin-on-skin contact.

"Thank you,"

Leaning down, he captured her lips once again, his bare arms wrapping around her, his hands gripping her hips gently. Kissing him back, she closed her eyes, savoring the taste of him, taking in every ounce of strength he provided. She would need all the courage she could get because tomorrow was going to prove to be a trying day.

MaryJane slept as well as she could, Daryl's secure arm around her comforting as she slept. As long as she felt him, she knew she didn't need to fear. When the sun rose, the two stirred, both on edge for the day ahead. Daryl saw the faded outlines of dark circles under her eyes and the whiteness of her skin didn't make him feel any better about the events ahead. It was silent in their shared cell as they dressed, Daryl glancing at her at times to find her eyes out of focus, no doubt thinking and worrying. Not sure on how to comfort her, he left her alone, knowing she probably wanted the space. Though, as they went to breakfast, he didn't stray from her side. He held her hand while they ate, the whole room silent, everyone knowing of what was to happen that day. Despite the churning in her stomach, MaryJane ate her entire bowl of oatmeal, feeling Daryl's sharp eyes watching her closely. She was touched by his concern and need to make sure she was alright.

When breakfast was over, Rick stood from the table, meeting MaryJane's nervous gaze. Squeezing her hand, Daryl stood, bringing her up with him. Everyone else began to disperse, many going outside to leave the tension that permutated in the prison walls. MaryJane locked gazes with Katie and was surprised when the older woman smiled at her, a look of encouragement in her eyes. The younger woman wanted to believe it was for her, but she knew it was also for Jeremy, for her to find pity on him. MaryJane knew the chances of that were none to slim. At least she had Con and Emily's approval and support.

Merle flanked MaryJane's other side as she followed Rick and Con, her hand wrapped tightly around Daryl's, her heart pounding in her chest. Her stomach turned with anxiety, her body shaking slightly. She kept her eyes to the floor, pondering what she was going to say to Jeremy when she saw him. She knew what she wanted and needed to say…she just didn't think she'd have the strength to do it. Taking in a deep, shaky breath, she lifted her head and squared her shoulders. Merle grinned at her, proud to see her find the courage within herself to stand up to the little shit. It would be over soon, he hoped. The only sound was their heavy footfalls on the concrete floor as they headed towards the separate cell block where Jeremy was being held. Even though, the trip wasn't far, for MaryJane it felt like forever. She wanted to get this over with. She wanted to forget and move on, for herself and for Daryl. She wanted her future with him free of any past regrets or horrors. Now, maybe this would be it.

Rick came to a stop in front of the barred door leading to the cell block, the jingling of keys alerting her that they were close. Her heart leapt into her throat, her instincts making her step closer to Daryl. He tightened his hold on her hand and pressed a quick peck to the top of her head in comfort. He was telling her it was time to be strong, to fight and fight she would. The leader turned to look back at her, seeing the raw fear and uncertainty in her eyes as she huddled close to Daryl's protective form. He gave her a soft look and nodded firmly, also silently telling her to be strong. Nodding back, she watched as he turned away and slipped the key into the lock. Con turned to face her, his face grim, his handsome face stony, but as he approached it softened and she felt relaxation soothe her muscles.

"It's gonna be okay, MaryJane, we're all 'ere. If ya wanna stop at any time ya can. Ya ain' gotta feel obligated ta do this." He whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I know, but I have to. For me…for my future." She glanced at Daryl when she said that and the tracker's gaze softened.

Con glanced between the two, his heart approving of the match like it had from the beginning. Cupping her cheek, the silver haired man leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead.

"Yer a strong woman, MaryJane, I'm real proud o' ya." He smiled, his bass, gravelly voice making her heart swell with adoration.

"Thanks, Con,"

Winking softly at her, he turned his eyes to Daryl who nodded at him. They shared a deep, silent understanding before Con turned back to Rick and the former sheriff pushed the cell block door open. Her nerves exploded, the pace of her heart making her wonder if she was going to go into cardiac arrest before she even saw Jeremy. Trying to silently calm herself with techniques her mom used to use, she found they did little to help as Daryl tugged on her hand and led her towards the cell. She felt Merle's presence close beside hers and the extra warmth from the older Dixon made her feel more secure. She knew she didn't need to be scared since there was a locked door separating her and Jeremy…but there was still that dark fear in the back of her mind that made her fear that he had another plan. MaryJane didn't realize that she had floated from reality when Daryl pulled her to a stop and Rick's voice brought her back to reality.

"Jeremy…someone's here ta see ya." He said.

"Who?"

That voice cut through her like a knife, the pitch making her blood turn to ice. She never thought that she'd feel hatred when hearing his voice. It used to be one of comfort and now…she wanted to never hear it again. Rick glanced back at MaryJane who was still hidden from Jeremy's view. He nodded to her and with a sudden burst of courage and strength, she lifted her head and began to pull her hand from Daryl's. He held fast, startled by her sudden movement for separation, but she gave him an assuring smile. He locked his jaw and showed his obvious discomfort, but released her fingers, following close behind as she stepped towards the cell. She felt Merle stay close behind as well, but when the heat of his body left her, she knew he had backed off and taken Daryl with him. Swallowing a deep breath, she took another step towards the cell, keeping a good five feet from the door. She gazed within the dim cell, seeing the familiar figure of a young man sitting on the bunk. He lifted his head, hazel eyes lighting up when he realized who stood before his cell door. A great smile graced his features and relief took over his form as he jumped from his seated position to grasp the cell door bars tightly.

"MaryJane?"

And here we are. I apologize for the slight cliff-hanger, but now I get to ask the interesting questions that I'm eager to hear your thoughts on since this chapter delved deep into the thought process of MaryJane and how she percieves the decision on what to do with Jeremy. I hope her reactions are believable for you like they were for me since I took time to think about how someone would react, especially someone like MaryJane who's never had to kill and living person. Now, on to the questions! What do you think MaryJane will say? Do? Will Daryl shut it down? What will MaryJane's final decision be? How will Jeremy react?

My next update should be this time next week, give or take a day. By the way, what are everyone's thoughts on the new safe haven in Alexandria on the show? Me? I see nothing but trouble and weak idiots ahead. Though, I cannot wait for more Daryl involvement. What say everyone else?

Please review! I love feedback!

Happy Writing!