Here is the long awaited chapter that determines Jeremy a.k.a. The Germ's fate. I am eager for everyone to read that way I can see what your reactions were to what happens. While, this story only has a few more chapters left I am eager for you to see what I have planned even though it's just a few minimal things since the story will slow down from here until the ending. Please leave a review at the end of this one, because I will be extremely interested to hear what you have to say.

Also, I am at nearly 170 reviews! I just want to thank you all for making this story a success and possible for me. If it hadn't been for you all giving me and my story a chance it wouldn't have made it this far! You are all precious and beautiful! Thank you so much!

I would like to thank those who reviewed Chapter 22... DarylDixon'sLover, igottoomanyloves, thewalkingdestroyer, Katnthe box, and two anonymous reviewers walkingdeadfan and Guest.

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 23

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?"

"H-Hi, Jeremy," MaryJane greeted without emotion, keeping her hands at her sides.

Joy spread across his face as he chuckled. She stiffened as his eyes traced over her face and slipped down her body, looking her over. She heard a growl of warning behind her from Daryl. She recognized the deep grumble. Disgust made her shiver when Jeremy's eyes came back up to hers. She could still feel his hands on her. Her jaw clenched at the memory she had begun to think had left her, but she felt the cold creep of its haunting on her skin. She just looked at him and all she thought was bad things. That's all she ever seemed to know with him.

"I-I thought something bad had happened to you." Jeremy breathed, his grip on the bars making his knuckles turn white.

Swallowing, she decided to not hold back, especially not on her emotions.

"I almost died." She deadpanned, giving him a stony look.

Shame and self-disgust curled onto Jeremy's face as he looked down. "You weren't supposed to get hurt."

"Well, I did and now I have physical reminders of it."

His head shot up, eyebrows furrowing together. Pulling up her sleeve on her right arm, she lifted her arm to show him the red and pink burn scars that ran down the inside of her wrist and down a few inches of her forearm. Pity and guilt had Jeremy's knees trembling, Daryl could see it from where he stood with Merle. Letting the sleeve fall back down, she squared her jaw.

"I didn't come here to condemn you, Jeremy."

It was sickening for everyone in the room to see the childish hope brighten on his face and Daryl wanted nothing more than to wipe it off.

"I came here to hear your side of the story…to understand why." She emphasized.

Jeremy's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed deeply, glancing at all the men in the room, his jaw clenching as his eyes hardened with hatred.

"I thought they'd tell you everything."

Wanting to keep on his good side, she nodded, softening her gaze and voice. "They did…but I wanna hear it from you…just in case they missed out on any details."

The kid nodded, taken in by her gentle tone. "I went to the Governor to try and gain an army so I could come back here and get you."

Well, at least he isn't beating around the bush.

"Why?" MaryJane asked.

Jeremy gave her a matter-of-fact look, the crinkle in his eyes making him gaze at her like she was stupid. "Because you're mine."

Daryl growled and lunged, but Merle slapped his hand on his brother's chest, putting pressure to stop his brother's attack. MaryJane heard the scuffle behind her, but didn't turn around despite the urge to go back and comfort her lover. Jeremy was her main focus and to keep his attention she'd make him think he had hers fully. She had to know this and know the truth because if she was wrong in her decision…

"Calm. The Fuck. Down." Merle hissed into his brother's ear.

The youngest Dixon wanted to cuss back at him and put an arrow through the kid's eyes, but something inside him made him relax under his brother's hand and step back. His eyes continued to shoot daggers at the boy in the cell as he mentally tried to keep himself from pacing as he always did when he was angry and it surprised Daryl that Jeremy wasn't smirking at him for getting a reaction. It seemed that MaryJane held his full attention. Ignoring what he said and the way his tone made her shiver, she remained strong, trying to look nonchalant on the outside.

"Did you have any plans for the others? What would happen to them?" She asked, wanting to hear if it was true when Daryl had told her that he didn't care what happened to the others.

He lifted his eyebrows, shrugging his shoulders. "All that mattered was you."

Horrorstruck by his vague admission, she tried again. "You wouldn't have cared if the Governor had killed everyone else? Not even Katie? Or Emily? Or Charlie? Or the boys?"

He didn't even blink when he answered. "No,"

Face curled into a snarl, Daryl could see her body, even from the back, how it stiffened. MaryJane felt her blood turn cold again, her gut flipping. Inhaling a shaky breath through her nose, she pressed on.

"Was this a mission of revenge? Against Daryl and Merle?"

Jeremy's face darkened considerably, his lips thinning. "Yes,"

"Why?" She growled, narrowing her eyes.

"Because they took you from me!" He roared, making her jump a little.

Daryl moved on instinct towards her, but Merle stopped him again. Rick glanced between the woman and the kid wearily and he was impressed to see her barely flinch at the outburst. MaryJane weathered the yell, her heart skipping a beat in the fear that coursed adrenaline through her.

"If Merle fucking Dixon hadn't come back into your life you would've forgotten about Daryl and you would've wanted me in return! When you denied me and kept denying me I had to convince you that he wasn't right for you! When I tried to convince you, you pushed me away like I was some monster! I love you! And I know you love me too, MaryJane! I did it all for you! For us!"

MaryJane stood through the beginning of the storm, seeing the unhinged look in Jeremy's eyes as he yelled, pressing himself so close to the bars she imagined he might sink through them and lunge for her. Taking a hesitant step back, she clenched her hands into fists.

"I've told you, Jeremy, I loved you as a friend and that's all I wanted you to be." She breathed, keeping calm as tears began to fill her eyes. "You were my friend!" She finally exploded, making Jeremy freeze, his eyes coming back into focus.

"I trusted you! I trusted that you would understand! I thought you understood, but then you went and stabbed me in my back!"

Rick's hand rested on his pistol instinctively, seeing how with Jeremy losing his cool made MaryJane lose hers too. He glanced at Con who shook his head. It grew silent after her last exclamation, Jeremy gaping at her, hurt.

"I-I didn't stab you in the back…" He defended pitifully.

"Yes, you did." MaryJane shot back firmly, like she was talking to a child. "I was going to tell Daryl about what happened between us the day you decided you'd tell Daryl yourself and make it look like it was more than it was. You were jealous that I chose Daryl over you and you had to make us suffer."

He shook his head in fervent denial like a madman. "No, no, not you, I didn't want you to suffer."

"But I did! Daryl reacted how you wanted him to! He pushed me away and when I was heartbroken and in tears you'd thought I'd run right to you for comfort." She alleged. "No, I went to Merle because why would I go for comfort to the person who caused the hurt?"

Apparently, not having thought about that, Jeremy's eyes glistened with rage and not giving him any room to speak, she continued.

"And when you realized that I was leaning on Merle you went after him, trying to find a weak link and found it when you realized he and Beth were together! You tried getting to me through them by starting a ruckus! A ruckus that could've gotten a bullet shot through my skull!" She raged, pointing at her head in emphasis.

Panicked at what he was hearing, Jeremy shook his head. "No, no, that wasn't supposed to happen."

She wanted to scoff, but took a deep breath instead to calm herself. She was getting out of control, letting her emotions control her. She wasn't going to let Jeremy influence her like that.

"I know it wasn't…but not all plans go as we want them to." Deciding not to try and feed his sorrow, she continued with her accusations. "So…after you escaped you were grasping at straws, knowing that you couldn't take the prison by yourself and you went to the one person we are trying to keep off our backs. The Governor. And in exchange for his help, he'd get to take the prison, destroy a 'threat' and have everyone who ever crossed you taken out. Then when it was over…you'd find me and take me."

Suddenly, her voice drew dark, darker than anyone, even Daryl had ever heard.

"I just hope you know, that if Daryl were to die before me, I'd find some way to make sure I followed right behind him. I wouldn't ever let you take me alive."

Tilting her head and taking a step forward, she decided to add insult to injury. "But that wouldn't have been a problem, seeing as the Governor blew up the watch tower I was stationed in and I nearly died of smoke inhalation."

Jeremy's eyes were so wide that they resembled china dishes. His trembling knees finally gave out on him as the weight of what she was saying fell on him.

"I-I'm sorry…you w-weren't supposed to get hurt." He gasped as tears filled his eyes, his chest heaving.

"Wasn't I?" She inquired, furrowing her brows. "Don't you realize that the moment Daryl's life ended I wasn't going to want to live either?"

Jeremy's head fell, his hands clutching the bars, complete emotion of guilt washing over him like a tidal wave. He looked so mournful from where he sat, crumbled and broken down. Con didn't think anyone would ever get through to him on what he did, but MaryJane cut right through that armor and started to bleed him dry.

"Daryl is my life, Jeremy. I wouldn't have gone without a fight. I'd rather let the walkers have me then go anywhere with you." She declared hatefully.

Jeremy shook his fallen head, sobs starting to crack from him. Daryl watched the woman he loved beat the kid down, feeling proud, but at the same time there was a sliver of pity for the kid. If she ever spoke to the tracker like that and meant it like she did…he knew he'd be on his knees sobbing like Jeremy was. Merle looked a little surprised, unaware that something so dark resided inside of her. He never heard her talk like that and he hoped to God he never would again. She would've made a great serial killer in the movies.

MaryJane didn't soften her hard expression as Jeremy lifted his head, tears staining his handsome face, his hazel eyes big. "Please f-forgive me."

She felt her own tears burn at her eyes, making her blink. She took a step back from him. His breaths grew heavier and the deep, an imploring expression conquering his entire form. Maybe he could see the denial in her eyes, but there was still hope he clung to.

"I used to think you were like me." MaryJane began, blinking the tears back. "You were hurt and destroyed by losing those you loved more than your own life. I thought you understood my pain, understood what it felt like to fall into the darkness. I used to think that we could be friends who leaned on each other when the pain got to be too much…I was wrong…you were just out to hurt someone else."

"No!" Jeremy sobbed, shaking his head madly.

"I'm sorry, Jeremy…" She was genuine because she knew what she needed to do. "You were my friend and I loved you as such…but when you threaten the lives of others, people that trusted you and loved you…that crosses a line that can never be uncrossed."

"Please, please, I admit to everything I did and I'm sorry but…" He begged, leaning his forehead against the bars. "Forgive me,"

Sensing that she was done talking, Daryl stepped forward, his eyes staring intently at her face as he grabbed her hand. She looked up at him, smiling weakly. Wrapping his fingers around hers, he started to pull her from the cell, towards the door. Merle followed beside them and Rick and Con shared another glanced.

"Please, don't leave me, MaryJane! You're all I want! You're all I have!" He cried, his voice echoing in the cell block eerily.

Freezing in her steps, she turned her head to look at Jeremy who looked ready to die, his entire body white and trembling. For a moment she took pity on him, but it vanished as soon as it came.

"I'm sorry, Jeremy, you've made your bed and now you have to lay in it. There's nothing I can do for you."

Turning back, she glanced at Daryl.

"Take me home, Daryl."

Nodding, he led her from the cell block. MaryJane looked up when she felt someone grab her other hand and her eyes met Merle's icy blue eyes. Smiling thankfully at him, she squeezed his hand. He leaned down and pecked her head quickly before letting Daryl lead them on. Her heart cracked when she heard a loud, anguished cry erupt in the cell block behind her, but didn't turn back to look. She was turning her back on him and the past. She was done. Rick closed the cell block door back, glancing in pity at a still sobbing Jeremy who lay crumpled on the floor. Con sighed next to the former cop.

"I loved that boy like 'e was my own. Now…I can' feel nothin' fer 'im. He's done 'urt my family too much fer me ta pity 'im. I wouldn' take pity if I was ya, Rick. He coulda cost ya boy and yer baby girl's life. He 'ad this comin' and now 'e's gotta pay fer it."

Rick stared at Con. "I never knew a man ta back out on 'is son."

Con's dark eyes grew cold. "He stopped bein' my son when 'e caused harm ta MaryJane. We both know wha' she's decided, Rick, we can't 'ave no threats. Ya said so yerself."

"I know," Rick nodded. "I jus' wish there was some way 'e could get help."

"It's all gone, Rick. Help's gone…tha only help he's gonna get is from Him above."

With that, the silver haired rancher walked away, shouldering his rifle. Rick watched him walk away before glancing one last time at Jeremy. Con was right and now it was just taking the time to plan the elimination of the threat.

Merle and Daryl led MaryJane to Judith's cell where Beth was within, playing with Judith on the bunk. The pretty blonde smiled at them when they entered, glancing at Merle who responded silently. MaryJane looked exhausted and dilapidated. Picking the baby up, She immediately went and hugged the older woman.

"Judy's missed ya." She said softly, not questioning what happened.

Thankful, MaryJane smiled back and took the baby, releasing both Dixons' hands in the process. Daryl watched as his woman began cooing to the baby, his heart swelling. The baby always seemed to help calm her down and it was calming just to watch them. Beth glanced between the two brothers, both giving nothing away which frustrated her. She wasn't going to ask MaryJane herself and now that the guys weren't letting anything on she was feeling the irritation. Looking over his shoulder, Daryl heard the click of Rick's boots on the floor below. It was time to discuss Jeremy with Rick and Con. He stepped into the cell, wrapping an arm around her. She looked up at him, Judy's fat fist grabbing at his vest in amazement.

"Merle and I's gotta talk ta Rick."

She nodded. "Okay, I know,"

"We'll be back soon." He promised.

Leaning down he kissed her lips softly and sweetly, a reassuring vow there. Beth smiled and she looked up at her own Dixon when his bladed arm wrapped around her waist. He grazed his lips with hers before pressing them more firmly. Beth felt her stomach flip as she kissed him back. The kiss was broken too soon for Beth's pleasure, but there was a silent promise in Merle's smirk.

"See ya, baby,"

"Bye,"

Daryl kissed MaryJane's forehead one last time before exiting the cell. Beth turned back to face her best friend who sat in the chair opposite of the bunk. Taking her place there, she sighed, watching MaryJane closely.

"I know ya prolly don't wanna talk 'bout it…" Beth trailed off.

Shaking her head, MaryJane looked over at her. "No, it's fine…I just vented my emotions to Jeremy and told him what he nearly did in his jealous rage and I left him in tears. I think he understands what he did and how it affected me…and that it never could've worked out the way he wanted it to. He was on the verge of a mental breakdown when we left."

"Ya don't think he'll try anythin', do ya?" Beth asked wearily.

"I…I don't know. I'm sure Rick patted him down properly this time so he's not going anywhere. I just…"

Tilting her head, Beth urged. "What?"

Her eyes shifted from the floor, to the wall, to the bunk, then to Beth as she tried to find the way to correctly voice what she was feeling.

"I don't feel guilty…I thought after saying those things and walking away I'd feel guilty. I thought I'd feel remorseful because after this…you and I both know what's gonna happen to him."

The teenager nodded solemnly as she kept MaryJane's intense gaze.

"I didn't have to say what I decided for Daryl and Rick to know what it was. I think they knew what I would decide before I did and I think it's for the best. Jeremy's so disturbed and troubled and—"

"Ya don't have ta justify 'is actions ta me." Beth reminded soothingly.

MaryJane bowed her head. "I know."

"Ya shouldn't feel guilty. It's a good thing ya don't. He don't deserve yer remorse or second thoughts, MaryJane." The blonde said matter-of-factly.

"And he won't…not until after it's over."

Merle and Daryl joined Con and Rick outside in the courtyard, the older men looking at the fences and the walkers that were starting to line up against it. When the Dixons came to a stop they made a little square, a tension between them.

"Wha's tha plan?" Merle asked, a little alacrity in his voice.

He wanted to get this shit over with.

Rick sighed. "Well, that's what we're gonna discuss. I think we can all agree that it's gotta happen tanight or t'morrow."

Merle nodded. "Since this's 'appened, who knows wha' plan's the Germ's been brewin' on."

"I agree." Con nodded.

"He's gotta die." Three pairs of eyes landed on Daryl. "Its wha' needs ta 'appen. We all know that an' MaryJane knows that. She knows wha' needs ta 'appen ta protect us an' tha others."

"So she made up 'er mind?" Con asked.

With a nod from Daryl, Con lowered his head. Rick took in the information, devising a plan.

"Okay, so we take 'im outta tha prison and inta tha forest, no one'll hear tha shot." Rick suggested.

Daryl nodded. "We can't come out wit' Jeremy durin' tha day time. Might stir up some bad feelin's."

The silver haired rancher quickly agreed. "So at night."

"Tanight," Daryl corrected.

Rick considered their plan so far. They'd have to be careful of the walkers at night, but it wouldn't take them very long.

"What'll we do with tha body?" The cop asked, glancing at Con.

The rancher grimaced. "Burn 'im fer all I care. Easier than diggin' a grave an' quite honestly, none o' us need tha reminder o' wha' he did when his grave's with tha others."

He pointed at the tiny cemetery in the further yard in emphasis and the other three nodded in agreement.

"We wanna ferget as soon as possible." Merle elaborated.

"Right."

Just as quickly as the conversation started, it ended, every person there knowing the next question that was on everyone's minds. Perhaps, it was the most important question of all. They all wanted to ask it, but they didn't know how the discussion over it would proceed. Especially since there were two Dixons that Jeremy spited. Yeah, Rick had a feeling that the conversation might get a little nasty.

"So, who's gonna get tha honors?" Merle asked, looking between Rick and Con expectantly.

It was that question that made Rick think about the Merle Dixon he met up on the rooftop in Atlanta.

"I don't know, but it can't be you, Daryl." Rick said firmly.

Daryl bristled, anger flickering in his dark eyes. "Why tha hell not?"

And there was a glimpse of the Daryl he met at the campsite at the rock quarry outside of Atlanta.

"Because it would seem like an execution." The single parent replied sternly.

"Ain't that wha' we's doin'? An execution?" Merle shot back.

"I got tha only right ta put tha little bastard in tha ground!" Daryl spat, pointing to the ground they stood on.

"Daryl, killin' Jeremy will not make you feel any better 'bout this when it's all over." Rick retorted seriously, his blue eyes wide.

"Ya really underestimate me then, Rick." Daryl snapped.

For the first time, Rick felt like he didn't know the crossbow wielding man. Usually, he could be reasoned with, but he wasn't budging about this. Crossing his arms, Merle remained silent, letting his little brother handle Officer Friendly.

Rick countered. "What will MaryJane think if she knew it was you that was killin' Jeremy?"

Daryl scoffed. "Ya really think MaryJane'll give a shit? And don't bring 'er inta this! She stays outta it! Her hands stay clean! I ain' gonna 'ave this rest on 'er conscience!"

Sensing the protective impulse in Daryl, Rick backed off, knowing too well how volatile he could be.

Con stepped in, becoming the air of reason. "While, I agree wit' Daryl whole heartedly I have ta disagree as well." He turned towards the younger Dixon, a strange look in his eyes. "Whadaya think she'll think if knew ya got yer revenge when she knows wha' Jeremy's done ta 'er an' ta you? Do ya think she'll be able ta live wit' tha fact that ya took a man's life in cold blood?"

Daryl scowled at Con despite his high respect for him.

"He's gotta point, little brotha." Merle said, looking at Con thoughtfully. "MaryJane knows damn well how angry ya've been. Yer killin' 'im's might make 'er think that getting' yer revenge is all that mattered ta ya."

Seeing that he was outnumbered, Daryl looked between the three of the other men and sighed in defeat. "Then who's gonna do it, huh?"

Rick hesitated then looked at Con who sucked at his teeth. Merle shrugged and wondered if anyone was willing to do the job. He'd do it right now if he could.

"I'll do it."

Three pairs of eyes landed on Con who glared at the ground.

"Ya don't have ta." Rick said, wanting to be assuring, but Con gave him a sharp glance.

"No…he's part o' my group. My responsibility. He might take it better if it's me…and so will MaryJane."

Rick stared at the older man, silently commending him for his bravery. Blinking, he shifted onto his right leg and placed his hands on his hips.

"Wha' time should we 'ead out?" Merle asked.

"I'd say jus' befer dark, that way we ain't gonna run inta too many walkers." Con suggested.

Sharply bobbing his head, Rick set his jaw. "It's decided then."

Turning around on his heel, Daryl walked away.

"Daryl!" Rick called, making the tracker turn his head to look back at him. "Are ya gonna tell MaryJane?"

"She got a right ta know. I ain' gonna keep it from 'er."

With that he was gone back into the prison, leaving his brother, Rick and Con standing in the courtyard.

MaryJane shushed a sobbing Judith, patting her back and whispering soft things to her in comfort.

"Shh, baby girl, Bethy's coming back soon. She'll have a nice warm bottle for you. Shh, now. Shh."

When she felt another presence in the room, she turned, hoping to see Beth, but wasn't disappointed to see Daryl there, his crossbow slung over his shoulder.

"Ass Kicker hungry?" He asked, stepping into the cell and depositing his bow on the desk.

"Yeah, Beth's getting the bottle now, it's just trying to calm her down. When she's hungry she sure lets you know." MaryJane joked, using her head to gesture to the baby's bright red face.

"I know…c'mere Ass Kicker," He said, holding his hands out for the infant.

Grateful for the break, MaryJane handed the hungry baby over to her lover, her heart swelling when she buried her face into his shoulder, her fat fist stuck near her mouth. He began to rock on his feet, swaying from side to side as he began to shush Judith as well as patting her back. She instantly calmed a little, but she wasn't screeching like she was earlier. The day was saved when Beth came dashing into the cell, carrying a warm bottle with her, her eyes triumphant.

"Oh, thank God, a female knight in shining armor!" MaryJane exclaimed.

Bowing dramatically, Beth smiled and handed Daryl the bottle who turned the baby on her back on his left arm and placed the bottle near her mouth. Judith's fat hands grabbed the sides and began to greedily drink the milk. Daryl continued to rock on his feet, turning his hips in the slightest as he did so, his eyes watching Judith, a serene calmness over him. MaryJane thought she would die from the pressure of the fluttering, giddy butterflies in her stomach as she watched Daryl handle and feed Judith like a man who knew what he was doing. She knew he did it before, but it continued to make her heart stop beating. Silence rang in the cell, the two women watching the tracker in amazement. As MaryJane's eyes fondly watched the infant and man, her thoughts began to wander to what had gone on with Rick, Con and Merle. She was well aware that they would have a discussion about what to do with Jeremy after she talked with him. She didn't see a way for him to live. He had hammered all the nails into his own coffin himself and there was no way he was getting out of it. His fate was sealed. Just the 'when', 'how' and 'where' is what was in question. Though, she'd have to wait before getting her answers. She didn't want Beth to hear the discussion despite what her friend says. Beth was still innocent in some aspects and the killing of someone isn't something MaryJane wanted her exposed to just yet.

So, she waited as Daryl fed Judith and when the bottle was empty, he set the bottle down and Beth handed him the burping blanket which he draped over his shoulder. Leaning her against his shoulder, he began to pat her back, asking her to burp for him, earning grins from the two women in the room. After Judy burped a few times, Beth took over, seeing the tension in Daryl and the way his eyes strayed to MaryJane with a serious expression. She knew that look. A conversation was needed to be had and from the way MaryJane was starting to fidget, she was anxious to get it over with. Beth just hoped she'd relay the message to her later.

Following MaryJane towards their cell, Daryl just hoped she'd take the news well. He wasn't sure he wanted to tell her who would end up putting the bullet through Jeremy's skull and ultimately decided that it was best she didn't know. He just hoped that she'd understand why. She stepped into the cell, crossing her arms and turning to face him as he set his crossbow down and leaned against the desk.

"So what happened?" She asked eagerly.

He almost shrugged, but thought twice about it. Her and her bad feelings on shrugs.

"Decided that it's gonna 'appened tanight. We're gonna head out jus' 'fore dark, that way no one gets too worried 'bout Jeremy's whereabouts. It shouldn't take long, but we ain't gonna waste time either."

He stared her in the eyes, hoping she understood his meaning by not wasting time and with her sharp mine he was relieved to see she understood.

"Oh…what're ya'll gonna do then?"

"Takes too long ta dig a grave. And we ain' gonna risk bein' out too long after dark." Daryl replied.

"So…burning him? You think that might be best?"

"Yeah…" He trailed off, lowering his head, his hair falling over his face, hiding his expression.

"What? What's wrong?" She asked, stepping closer to him.

He lifted his head, grimacing as he began to fiddle with a loose string on his jacket. "I jus'…I didn' really wanna tell ya our plans."

"Why not?"

Raising his eyes to hers, her expression softened when she saw the pain there. "I didn' want ya ta feel guilty 'bout this. I considered not tellin' ya, but ya gotta right ta know."

Thankful, she went to his side in hopes of comforting him. She stepped in front of him, taking his hands in hers.

"Thank you for telling me. I appreciate that you didn't keep it from me." She thanked, smiling warmly at him.

The ends of Daryl's lips twitched upward as his expression grew melodious. Internally, he was thanking God that she didn't even think to ask about who was going to do the deed and he wasn't going to elaborate more on the subject unless she asked. Pulling his hands from hers, he placed his hands on her hips and brought her in between his legs, her height making it to where they were nearly level as he was sitting on the desk. She was at least two or three inches higher, but he was still able to look her in the eye.

"It'll be over soon." He assured, pulling her against him.

Lowering her head to gaze at his shirt, she nodded. "I know,"

Lifting his head he pressed his rough lips to her forehead, resting them there for a good long moment.

"After this is o'er…" Daryl began and MaryJane set her hands on his thighs. "…we ain' gonna make tha same mistakes again. I'm gonna do e'erythin' I can ta make sure yer safe. I ain' gonna let nothin' 'appen ta ya again."

Closing her eyes during his vow, she silently prayed that what he promised would be so and that God would give him the strength to be able to go through with it.

"And I'm never gonna leave your side again, Daryl. I'm never gonna let anything get between us. I want to be with you. Forever…or as long as I can." She whispered.

"We'll be tagether, I promise."

Bringing her hands up, she cupped the back of his head, tangling her fingers in his head and lowered her face towards his. Their lips met tenderly, the kiss the seal of the promises they made to each other. Now, it was up to God to see they were fulfilled.

The rest of the day seemed to creep by at snail pace, leaving five of all the people in the prison on edge. For the others, life was going as it usually did, but a dark cloud hung over the group and the tension was sensed by everyone when one of the five stepped into a room occupied by others. MaryJane kept mostly to the cell with Judith and Beth, at least Beth didn't look at her like she was something strange. The two didn't speak and MaryJane was glad that they didn't. She wasn't really in the mood for small talk or pointless chit chat. Every five minutes she found herself glancing out the prison windows to look at the light in the sky. Night was still a long time away and it seemed that it would never come. For Daryl, he took his frustrations out on the walkers that lined the fence row, stabbing their heads with a metal pole, feeling satisfaction every time he heard the gooey and crunching sound every time the pole penetrated a walker's skull.

Merle released his anxiety by cleaning his blade and metal appendage that protected his amputated hand, fiddling with lose screws at time, making sure it was fit for battle. Con and Rick spent their time walking the fence rows, checking the weak spots and reinforcing those that needed it. They preferred to stay outside to being inside until dark came. While they hardly talked, when they did, they spoke of their lives before the world ended. They spoke of happier times and Rick told Con about his wife, Lori, releasing the emotions of her loss. Despite how the anxiety began to build in the small circle of people, other feelings were released as well, releasing some of the pressure from the past. Even though the past was in the past and couldn't be changed, it wasn't easily forgotten. The hours passed and when they finally did, MaryJane was on high alert, every noise making her heart skip a beat and fear curl in her gut. The fading colors in the sky only put her on edge further and her anxiety was starting to affect Judith, who seemed much attuned to her mood that day. Beth just sat on the bunk, not sure on what to do for her dear friend, wishing she could distract her in some way. When the dark blue of the oncoming night peeked in the window of the prison, MaryJane's throat tightened, her heart pounding in her chest when she heard the combined footsteps of four men leaving the cell block.

It was time.

Daryl shouldered his crossbow, a pistol pushed into the front of his pants. He knew his job and it wasn't to harm the kid in any way. It was a shitty order on Rick's part, but Daryl had no choice but to go along with it. He glanced out the window when they entered the cell block Jeremy was being held in. Merle nodded to his little brother when they locked gazes. The tracker's heart pounded in his ears, his soul ready for what was to come. Finally, they could be free. Bracing himself, he had a feeling the kid would put up a little fight. It wouldn't be to hurt them, but because he knew he deserved it. Shaking his head, Rick led them in, Con holding a flashlight due to the lack of light from the sun.

"A'ight, Jeremy," Rick said as he stepped towards the cell, resting his hand on his pistol. "Ya—"

The cop grabbed the key to the cell and when he looked up he skidded to a stop as he gazed inside, his heart stopping. Everyone grew deathly silent, except for Merle who breathed:

"Aw, shit,"

With Judith fast asleep, MaryJane waited in her and Daryl's cell, a few candles dimly lighting the room. She sat in her sleep wear, on the edge of the bunk, her bare feet touching the floor as she rested her face in her hands, her elbows on her thighs. She tried to get a little sleep, but the anxiety that riddled her body kept her from getting a wink. It had been a few hours since the first sighting of night painted the sky and night ascended, cloaking the prison in total darkness. She wondered where they were and what they were doing and if they were nearly finished. For some reason, she felt that she should've been there, to witness it, to know completely that Jeremy was dead. Though, here she was, sitting uselessly and restlessly in her bunk, awaiting Daryl's return. Would it be much longer? Surely they were on their way back by now.

Motion behind the curtain at her door and the fabric being pulled back instantly alerted her to someone's presence, her heart jumping into her throat. She stood, watching the shadow that stepped into the cell. Chest heaving, her eyes widened.

"Is it done?" She asked.

Daryl nodded and took a step closer, unsure of how to tell her what occurred.

Lowering her eyes, the lump in her throat grew bigger. "Did you kill him?"

"No…" Daryl replied gravelly and she looked up at him, hearing the way he was about to continue. "He did it 'imself."

Well, well, well, shall we cue the dramatic music? What does everyone think of the twist I added? I hope you like it as much as I did when I was writing it. Originally, I wanted to have the four men execute Jeremy and have him saying some ominous words before he dies, but I got this idea from a daydream that I had and I liked it so much better than what I had planned out before. This has a deeper impact than just him saying words, because at this point in time his words are just that, words. Jeremy's resigned to his fate in the original idea, but in the second one, he does it out of grief. It is a reminder to everyone how fragile they really are and that with one loss or tragic moment, it can change a person and make them do things they can't ever take back. We know the outcome in Jeremy's case. Overall, I am pleased with this chapter and I hope you are too and understand why I changed things up. After this chapter, the story will slow down and there will probably be three or four more chapters left, but its still up in the air.

There's still a little bit more I have planned in the original outline that I want to keep in. Mostly romance, because, I will admit without any regret, that I am a sucker for romance. Besides, I want to give Daryl and MaryJane the ending they deserve, but don't get too worried! Still plenty of time for them to come together fully again!

Also, I would also like to say that I have already started on chapter 24 and hope to make it much longer than the past few have been. I want to fit as much in as possible. I don't want to get over 30 Chapters. Though, if it comes to that then that's just how the chips fall. Expect an update this time next week please. And after this story is over I will be posting the prologue to my next Walking Dead Fic and if anyone is interested they can check that out. It's going to be an extremely wild ride! Even for me! Anyways, I apologize for babbling, but I just wanted everyone to be privy to the information I just relayed. Thank you all!

Please review! I love feedback!

Happy Writing!