Good afternoon (that's the time of day in my time zone), once again I'm obligated to apologize for my lateness. I've been having training for my new job this summer. It's been rather tedious, but necessary. I am unhappy to report that this story has three more chapters left and a lot is going to happen in between now and the end. I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter and had to rewrite it multiple times before I decided I was pleased with it. There is character growth in this one and I am glad that it happened. So much is in store and I'm thrilled to see how you all will react.

I would like to thank those who reviewed Chapter 23... DarylDixon'sLover, igottoomanyloves, thewalkingdestroyer, Katnthe box, Athlete Girl, fangirlofeveryfandom, and two anonymous reviewers both called 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 24

Three Hours Earlier

"Aw, shit," Merle cussed.

Daryl grimaced as his eyes took in the sight before him and anger had his blood bristling. The little cowardly bastard. Jeremy had strung himself up with the sheets from his bunk. His body lay dangling over the front end of the bunk, his neck lying to the side, his skin pale. Though, his first life left him, leaving him to come back in his more animalistic form. It wasn't just a dead body that swung from its hangman's noose, but a changed dead human. Jeremy's eyes were white, the whites of his eyes red, his mouth open as he inhaled deeply, his breaths deep and guttural growls. His arms swung precariously in the air. The skin around his neck was bruised like he had strangled before he died. Jeremy—the walker just sat there, suspended in the air, but when it caught wind of their scent its dead eyes turned towards them and the growls got louder, its once limp arm now reaching out to them.

"Damn," Con breathed.

"MaryJane must've gotten through to 'im…intensely." Rick uttered with something akin to melancholy.

Daryl didn't say a word as he stared at the walker. He just dropped his bow and grabbed his knife from its sheath and started towards the cell. Rick stepped in front of him, making sure to put the keys out at arm's length.

"No, Daryl,"

"Get outta tha way, Rick." Daryl hissed.

Con grabbed Daryl's shoulder. "Son, calm down."

Seething, Daryl stepped back, placing his knife back in his belt. It was Con's kill. His right. That's what made Daryl step away. Rick nodded to the older man and opened the door with the key, the walker's jaws sliding together in hunger. Con grabbed his Bowie knife and went up to the living corpse. The three others watched outside the cell as Con slowly walked up to the walker and that was the first time they saw the rancher look at the boy with something other than hatred. Suddenly, his eyes were light, full of sadness and pity. Con stayed out of the way of the one arm that he was able to get around and he stared into Jeremy's lifeless eyes. Daryl swore he saw the comings of fresh tears. While the boy did terrible things…Con still loved him.

"I'm sorry, Jeremy,"

With that, he flipped the knife around in his hand and plunged the blade into the kid's skull, ending the short lived life of the walker. Jerking the knife from his skull, the blood began to drip down his knife and from Jeremy's skull. His body went limp and the arm fell lifeless at his side. Ear ringing stillness followed the act, Con's watery eyes closing in mourning as the knife slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor, spreading blood where it fell. Rick sympathized with his older friend, but didn't fully understand since he never had to kill his son, or someone he considered a son. But he could empathize that with taking any life of someone you know or cared about was not an easy thing. At all. Period. Even if all you felt was hatred. It was one less person you knew and kinda trusted. One less familiar face in the world full of evil and despair. Con sniffed and wiped the back of his hand under his nose. Daryl pulled out his knife again and stepped into the cell, making the older man turn to face him in question. The tracker and the rancher shared a glance and a mutual understanding passed between them. Nodding, Con stepped back as Daryl reached up and sawed the twisted sheet loose. Instead of letting the body drop, Rick and Merle grabbed it and gently set it on the floor.

What good was it to desecrate a lifeless body? What revenge or satisfaction would Daryl or anyone get out of it now? Jeremy took that away from them in his own grief and the four men silently began to understand that in the end, it was Jeremy's choice, his life. It was his decision for life or death, not MaryJane's. She just affirmed to him if he wanted to live or not. When she denied his forgiveness and turned her back on him, he made his choice and no one, especially not her should have to feel guilty about that. Wrapping the kid's body in the sheet, Merle went to grab the gurney from the infirmary so moving the body wouldn't be a strenuous task and it wasn't as Con and Daryl lifted the corpse onto the gurney and spread the sheet over his body, blood staining the sheet around his forehead where Con had stabbed him.

Quietly rolling him towards the Tombs, Rick picked up a white container and Daryl patted his pocket, feeling for the square device. They came to a door that led outside of the cell block, a back alley that separated parts of the prison. Lifting the body, they set him on the ground, glancing around just in case any stray walkers were about. Keeping the sheet over the corpse, Rick doused some of the liquid from the container onto the body. Stepping forward, Daryl pulled the metal square from his pocket, flipping the lid open and pressing down on the thin tab. A flame lit up from the top. Daryl stared at the body for a moment, feeling a small stab of pity. He clenched his jaw and tossed the lighter onto the body, the white sheet instantly going up in flames. Setting the lighter fluid down, Rick ran a hand through his hair, watching as smoke started to rise and the smell of burning flesh brushed under his nose.

Melancholy permutated the air around them and desolate silence ruled, no one having words to say, not even a smirk of triumph. Suddenly, they all started to feel penitence, wondering if their choice had been the right one, if they had done the right thing. Even Daryl was starting to question and he was all gung-ho about killing Jeremy, but this…this wasn't what he wanted.

Unexpectedly, the somber silence was broken by Con's deep, gravelly voice that rang out like thunder as he began to speak. "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…"

Rick, Merle and Daryl all turned their eyes to him, looking at him almost like he had grown three heads. While Hershel made it his duty to keep the faith alive, they never seemed to think twice about his sermons or prayers at meal times. They'd all given up on Him above. Though, their expressions softened as they listened and returned their gazes to the flames. Daryl listened to the old man's soothing voice, abruptly finding himself silently praying with him.

"…Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever…" Con drifted off, his jaw hanging open, his eyes staring at the flames intensely.

"Amen," Daryl finished, glancing at the older man.

Con gave him a sad nod and they stood, watching the flames eat Jeremy's body, the smoke rising into the night sky. None of the men knew how long they stood outside, observing as the once living person slowly turned to ash, back to the dust from where he came. It was well near midnight when Rick made the first move, placing a hand on Con's shoulder.

"Go get some rest. I'll watch it."

The silver haired rancher just shook his head, his eyes never leaving the burning corpse. "Nah, ya'll go. I'll stay. I'll make sure it stays calm."

Wanting to try and convince the rifleman otherwise, Rick didn't, knowing Con wouldn't listen to him. He felt it was his responsibility and who was Rick to deny him that? Besides, from the way he was looking, he wanted to be alone. With a defeated exhale, Rick tossed a look at the two Dixons and motioned with his head inside. Daryl sent one last look over his shoulder at the leather clad man, his back to him and tall form silhouetted by the flames in front of him. He looked like a towering figure, a character in a comic book. Grabbing the door, he closed it gently, not wanting to be rude and disturb Con's silent brooding and mourning. After retracing their steps through the Tombs, Merle returned the gurney and Rick walked with Daryl back to their cell block, both beginning to feel the brooding bug bite at their consciences. When they came to the stairs that would lead up to Daryl and MaryJane's cell, Rick stopped with him.

"Ya gonna tell MaryJane what happened?" The former sheriff's deputy asked, resting his hands on his hips.

"Yeah,"

"How'dya think she'll take it?"

Daryl shrugged. "Not sure…I guess I'll find out."

Rick nodded and the tracker turned away, letting a hand naturally fall onto the railing on the stairs, but he stilled, abruptly having the urge to tell Rick what he was feeling. He turned in his mid-step up, looking at Rick from under his bangs.

"Rick…this ain' wha' I wanted."

The bearded man's gaze softened with empathy, but his response was less than empathetic. His words were cold, but they were spoken with a lack of chill, just satisfaction.

"Well, I ain't complainin'…neither should ya start ta feel guilty, Daryl. Jeremy made 'is choice and we can't change it no matter how much we want to. He's gone now…it's time ta move on. While, there might be some backfire from this, it won't last long. E'eryone knew what our intentions were and his optin' out doesn't change that. Don't think too much on it. The threats gone and now you and MaryJane can be tagether in peace."

Rick's words soothed Daryl, reminding him a second time of the good that was coming from this tragedy.

"How long's it gonna last, though?" Daryl inquired rhetorically.

That was the question, wasn't it? That was always the question and despite the question not needing an answer, Rick had the best one.

"As long as we can make it last."

Daryl gazed at the man he considered a second brother thoughtfully. The former cop offered his friend a smile, before changing the subject.

"What're ya'll gonna do now that's he's gone?"

That was another question that was rather foggy. Daryl didn't even know where to begin. For the past week or so he'd been all ready for the kid to die so that he and MaryJane could move on, but now that it was there it didn't seem as joyful and relieving as he thought it would be. It almost seemed bleak to him, but the idea he had from some time ago made his eyes flicker with light.

"We're gonna start o'er…and I know jus' how ta do it."

Rick tilted his head to the side, narrowing his eyes in a questioning and curious gleam in his eyes, a smile playing on his thin lips.

"Do tell."

Shaking his head, Daryl didn't dare breathe a word. "You'll find out…but I'm gonna volunteer ta go on our next run. We're gonna 'ave ta make one soon."

Recognizing the issue, Rick agreed with an incline of his head. "We'll go tha day after t'morrow. Once we tell everyone 'bout what happened we'll need to let it settle before leavin' 'em all for a few hours."

Knowing that to be true, Daryl found no reason to disagree. In fact, that was the wisest decision. Daryl still had to plan out what he was going to do and when. Throwing that into the back of his mind at the moment, there was more pressing matters to attend to in the present.

"We'll gather everyone in the library t'morrow after breakfast." Rick informed, obviously having made the decision right then.

The redneck nodded silently, his hand resting on the handle of his knife. "A'ight…night, Rick."

"Night, Daryl, try to get some sleep."

Daryl tossed him a half smirk as he started to walk towards the stairs. "You too."

Rick grinned and shook his head before turning towards his own cell, his heart warming at the thought of seeing his daughter.

Daryl's amusement quickly disintegrated as he climbed the stairs, sort of dreading what MaryJane would think or say. He knew nothing would be aimed towards him, in fact, she'd blame herself. That he was positive of…he just didn't know what he could say to remind her that it wasn't her fault. Sighing heavily as he stepped onto the metal landing, he felt an ache in his bones tell him it was going to be a long night. Stepping towards the cell he shared with the woman who possessed his heart, his eyes caught the deep yellow glow from behind the curtain. He frowned, he figured she'd stay up, but a part of him had wished that she would at least catch a few hours. Stopping in front of the room, he pulled the curtain back to find MaryJane in her sleep wear, her eyes darting up to him as he stepped into the room. She stood, startled by his sudden appearance. Daryl saw the question in her eyes before she even verbally asked.

"Is it done?"

He nodded grimly and took a step closer, unsure of how to tell her what occurred…of what they found when they went to perform the execution. Keeping his eyes on her, he waited.

"Did you kill him?"

"No…" Daryl replied gravelly and she looked up at him. "He did it 'imself."

The expression of shock wrought havoc across her features. Her eyes grew exceptionally wide with a deer-in-headlights look, her jaw dropping on its own accord. Letting her eyes fall from his, she fell back into the spot she sat on the bunk, her fingers grasping the sheets tightly. Daryl could see the way her eyes began to zoom in and out of focus as her mind tried to process. Her brows knitted together as she let out a breath of disbelief. Not knowing really what to do, he stood there, his crossbow still draped around his shoulders. He let her have her space as she tried to find some comprehension to the situation. Though, hearing that someone you had once cared about and considered a friend had committed suicide, it wasn't an easy pill to swallow. It still made it hard despite the anger and betrayal in the past. Clenching and unclenching his fists, he lowered his eyes to the ground, studying the blood that stained the top of his boots.

"Did…did he change?"

Raising his head, he met her eyes. Breathing, he was silent for a few moments, chewing on the inside of his cheek before nodding.

"Yeah,"

"H-How long, I wonder, was he like that?" She asked, mostly herself.

"I think 'e mighta opted out not long after we left 'im. That'd given 'im a few hours ta…ya know." He answered, making sure to keep his voice even and calm.

Blinking fervently, she bit her bottom lip, burying her mouth into hands as she seemed to curl into herself. Daryl hated it when she did that. That was the sure sign that she was starting to have remorse.

"He made 'is choice, MaryJane and ya ain' got no reason ta feel bad." He reminded firmly.

"I know," She nodded. "I just didn't think he would be that tore about it."

Daryl couldn't have given two shits about the kid's feelings. "Why's it matter? It's done. O'er with. He's gone. He ain' gonna hurt ya no more."

"I know!" She repeated, this time snapping at him.

Daryl lifted his chin at her sharp tone. Then what the hell was her problem? MaryJane must've felt the darkening of his gaze for she lifted her eyes to his to see the wounded expression he tried to hide.

"I'm sorry, Daryl," She apologized whole heartedly, her heart clenching in pain. "I just…I never…I didn't want this."

Having nothing but patience and forgiveness for her, he shrugged the hurt he felt off, seeing that she was on the same boat he was. While, they both wanted him gone, they didn't want him to get the easy way out. Like they had much choice or say now.

"Me either…but we can't change it now. A'least it's o'er."

Her eyes crinkled at the realization. "It is, isn't it?" Then she stood again on shaky legs and walked over to him. "Can we really do it now? Start over, I mean, you and me?"

Daryl didn't blink or remove his eyes from hers as he lifted his arms and set his bow on the desk. She gasped when he ducked, his hands wrapping around her thighs, lifting her into the air causing her arms to fly around his neck. Her gasp was broken in mid-release when Daryl's lips pressed against hers, his feet walking them forward until her back pressed against the wall. Kissing him back, she closed her eyes, turning her hands to run her fingers through his hair which was starting to feel a little greasy. His tongue slid across her bottom lip, beckoning entrance and she complied without hesitation, their kiss turning deeper and more passionate. MaryJane moaned as she felt Daryl press her lower body back harder into the wall, his arousal hard against her, summoning the wave of ecstasy over her. The stirrings in her belly returned as the heat from his body enveloped hers, his musky smell assaulting her senses, her resolve growing weak with the natural seductions of his body.

Inhaling sharply, she felt his hips grind against her, causing an electric shock to spike in her core and up her spine. She suddenly remembered why she was in love with him. He evoked feelings like that, addicting feelings and sensations she'd never thought was ever real except in erotic books. She broke the kiss, gasping for air and leaning her head against the wall, her jaw slack. Daryl buried his face in her neck, his lips and tongue running along her throat and his teeth nipped at her earlobe, eliciting a gasp of pleasure from her. His hands tightened on her thighs in response, his heart jolting at the musical sound that always drove him mad. Grinding his hips again, his jaw clenched when she rewarded him with another moan. He could easily take her right then, reclaim his territory and remark what was his. He could feel that she wanted him and would eagerly surrender to him and God knows he wanted to, he nearly did, but maybe it was still too soon. That thought made him cease his assault on her neck and lift his head, hers falling so their foreheads could rest together in a gesture that was most intimate and meaningful for them. It was a touch of foreheads that started his infatuation with her, just that one, gentle, caring touch of foreheads that made him see her differently and feel differently for her.

MaryJane felt him grow still against her and she opened her eyes, her mouth agape as she caught some air. His eyes were closed, but she could see the way his features were curled together. She could feel the denial coming before he even opened his eyes. Was it finally going to be her time to wait for him? Somehow the idea seemed warped and backwards, but when his hands lowered her back onto her feet she realized that it wasn't so inconceivable after all. She kept her arms around him, not ready to let him go just yet and he didn't move away from her. He stayed as close to her as she was to him. With a deep raspy heaviness to his voice he said:

"Hells yes, we's gonna start o'er."

MaryJane giggled with a hint of relief, burying her face into his shoulder. Daryl did the same, only putting his nose into her hair, inhaling her sweet scent, a burst of her perfume fresh in her locks. They held each other for a good time, just relishing in the embrace, the physical contact. MaryJane knew she'd never get tired of this, the intimacy, the dependency they had on each other. She didn't know what she'd do if Daryl decided one day that he didn't need her anymore to strengthen him, or give him a reason. All she knew was that she would need him and his strength forever.

When they finally pulled apart, they only crawled back into each other's arms as they settled onto the bunk's mattress, urging the other to try and gain some sleep before the sun rose in the morning. Though, sleep was scarce for both of them, neither saying anything as they laid in silence, eyes wide open and staring at the cold, dark walls of the cell around them. While the silence was deafening, neither was feeling up to the chore of idle chit-chat. What could be said? What good would it do? So, they remained in silence, waiting for time to consume them and bring rise to a new day and new trials.

Time came faster than expected, the tracker and school teacher feeling the weight in their bones as they began to hear the stirrings from the cells below them. MaryJane's heart contracted with pain, dread pitting in her stomach as Daryl sat up and rubbed the sleep or lack thereof from his eyes. He must've sensed her anxiety for he turned his head to gaze back at her, his dark blue eyes deep, the feelings not necessarily mutual, but he was uneasy. He could already feel the heavy tension that filled the stale prison air. While the morning would be interesting, it would prove to be worrisome. Everyone's reactions will be different, it's just one that concerned him the most. Yet, he wasn't going to let that reaction affect MaryJane. She was already under enough stress and loading enough guilt as it was. He wouldn't allow anyone to put more weight on her shoulders.

Climbing from the bunk, he pulled on a fresh shirt, his jacket, and then his angel winged vest and ran a hand through his hair. He would need to take a shower soon. MaryJane watched him as he dressed, hiding his well-defined torso away from her sight. Sighing, she sensed his silent insistency to get up and pulled herself from the comfort of the bunk. Daryl began to fiddle with his bow as she began to change, making no action to try and remain modest even though it felt wrong for Daryl to watch her do it after the things he'd done in the past. It was the unworthiness that made him avert his eyes, but the possessive side of him made him stay his gaze, soaking in every inch of her bare skin that he could. Her body was tainted with new scars, the lines almost invisible, but his eyes saw them, the new scars that weren't there in the days of their youth. It made him see her differently. She had changed as he had, the world shaping them into new people. MaryJane was still the same to him, but he realized that there were still things he had left to discover about her post-apocalyptic self. Though, she would always be his MaryJane no matter how the world had changed her. There was nothing that could happen now that would make him feel any different about her.

When she was fully dressed in jeans, boots, a light green V-neck shirt and her leather jacket, she ran a brush through her hair quickly, her hands trembling as she bit her bottom lip. Daryl's instincts at seeing his mate anxious had his protective nature alerted, making him feet carry him towards her. MaryJane jumped little when she felt two strong arms wrap around her waist, but remembering it was only Daryl had her relaxing against his chest, resting the back of her head on his shoulder. Placing her hands on top of his, Daryl turned his lips towards her ear, brushing them gently, his hot breath grazing them deliciously as she shivered.

"It's all gonna be okay." He promised in a raspy whisper.

Rubbing his hands, she sighed heavily, Daryl's ears hearing the hundred pounds of weight that was lying on her.

"I hope so." She replied, turning her head towards his cheek.

Deeply inhaling the scent from her hair, Daryl pressed his lips to her forehead, his facial hair tickling the skin there, but it was comforting nonetheless. Closing her eyes at the soothing sensation of his lips on her skin, she allowed herself to lean against him and draw out the strength she could feel was radiating from his body. Lord knows she needed all that she could get. She just hoped Daryl stayed by her side or within arm's reach because she couldn't see her not needing him should things turn hairy with the others. She didn't doubt he'd be right by her should the need arise, but she wouldn't force him to be glued to her side. MaryJane wouldn't ever strap him down like that. He was still a free spirit who needed his space. He also reminded her of a wild animal, one that couldn't ever fully be domesticated, but he could stay in the house and be petted, but his heart still longed for the outside and freedom. No, she wouldn't dare do anything to try and break that, but she knew that even though he was still undomesticated, he was still wildly territorial and protective. He'd step forward at any sign of danger. He would protect her, though, she didn't know what she would need protecting from.

Moments later, she pulled his arms from around her, but laced their hands together as she turned around to face him. His hair was much longer than in their youth and somehow MaryJane found that it suited him much better than his shorter cut. He looked devilishly handsome with his bangs shadowing his eyes as they did. She felt her gut flare with heat every time his eyes met hers from behind the curtain of hair. He was sexy and his being himself and not letting the world change him was only amplified it to her. It was deliciously evil for her to internally rejoice like a mad scientist screaming: 'Mine! It's all mine!'

"It will be." He urged.

With a small smile and a nod MaryJane said: "I believe you."

As they headed towards the cafeteria, MaryJane felt her confidence in her belief slowly fade. Her anxiety and nerves were winning over, overtaking every other positive she desperately wanted to feel. When they entered the room, it was nearly full, but Emily and her boys were missing, along with Judith which sadden MaryJane. Rick, Hershel and Con were sitting together. Beth and Merle sat next to Maggie and Glenn. The seat next to Merle was open, leaving space for both her and Daryl at the tables that were pushed together to make one long dining table. Katie sat next to Con and between Bev and Slim next to her. Charlie took the next spot, the three seats next to him open from where Emily and the boys usually sat. Carol and Michonne took the ends, Daryl pulling his chair out to sit by Carol, but not before pulling MaryJane's out for her. Once they were settled down. From the hushed whispers and clinking of plastic spoons on Styrofoam plates, it was obvious the feelings between the groups were tense. The air just reeked of the anxiety that some of the others seemed to be letting off and it did absolutely little to help boost her confidence.

Oatmeal again was served to them by Carol and despite the empty pitting in her gut, MaryJane forced a few spoonfuls down, taking notice of Daryl's glances at her, making sure that she was eating. When MaryJane was stressed or worried, she had the tendency to not want to eat. She just could stomach anything because it felt like it was all going to come up again. The conversation to come was going to be less than easy and she feared the reactions of others, mostly Katie. Bev and Slim not so much, they were more easily convinced and after Jeremy brought the Governor to their front door it was the last straw for them. Katie was very much alone in her club for pro-Jeremy. Even though Con, Emily and the others in their group loved her, they weren't going to back her up when they knew deep down that what Jeremy did was unforgiveable. That knowledge helped to ease some of the anxiety, but Katie was a strong, stubborn woman that was set in her ways and had a strong mind. She was very much the Elizabeth Bennet of the 21st century and that is what was going to make this conversation all the more difficult.

Rick standing broke MaryJane from her thoughts. The handsome bearded former cop placed his hands on his hips, a somber look embedded into his deep blue eyes. He let his eyes study each person for a few seconds, staying longer on her, seeming to silently be telling her that it would be alright. Daryl squeezed her hand under the table and she gravitated closer to him, wanting to be encompassed in his warmth and security. Finally, Rick's gravel filled voice spoke up, his eyes staying more on Con's group than his own. In his group's eyes, their motions were justified.

"I, uh, Con and I called this meetin' this morning on account of Jeremy. Justice was served, but not in the way that we had wanted or anticipated—" His eyes rested on Daryl at that before continuing. "—He killed himself."

A gasp escaped Katie's lips, her eyes growing wide like the moon. They darted to Con immediately who met her gaze evenly.

"What?" She breathed.

MaryJane could see the older woman's heart break in her eyes.

"In his grief, Katie, Jeremy couldn't take tha full responsibility fer wha' 'e done an' ended it all." Con elaborated, not sugar coating anything.

Perhaps in this moment it might've been the right thing.

"Grief?! You think Jeremy was capable of killin' himself even in sadness?!" She exclaimed, giving her husband a look of pure atrocity.

"It was me." MaryJane spoke up sheepishly.

Daryl's eyes shot to her instantly, a bad feeling curling in his gut.

"What? MaryJane whadaya mean, sweetie?" Katie inquired curiously and confusedly.

MaryJane felt the warning when Daryl squeezed her hand, but she ignored it. Katie had a right to know and if it made the woman she considered a mother hate her then that's how it was going to be. If that was God's plan then so be it.

"I'm the reason Jeremy killed himself."

Rick gave her a pleading look and Con stared at her deeply. Even they seemed to share Daryl's sentiments that she needed to keep quiet. Why, though? It was true! Why must they hide the truth from Katie? Hasn't she already had enough grief to just lie to her or sugar coat it? MaryJane was going to do it the 'Con' way. Tell the truth like it is be damned whose feelings might get hurt.

"He asked for me to forgive him for assaulting me, breaking me and Daryl up and bringing the Governor to our front door. I couldn't. After I woke up recovering from the tower explosion I knew that it would be hard to forgive someone who nearly killed me." MaryJane explained, a little harshly.

She was through. Done. Finished. Katie looked at MaryJane like she'd grown three heads and a tail and it only made her aggravation worse.

"But, MaryJane! He wasn't thinking right! He was jus—"

"Thinking out of emotion, right? Emotion that nearly got me and the rest of us killed! Jeremy didn't care about what happened to anyone else! He didn't care if the Governor killed you as long as he got me in the end! He admitted that he didn't care! Ask Con and Rick. He said it in front of them!"

Katie looked to Rick, then her husband, her intelligent eyes just staring at her husband's and she saw what she didn't want to see. Large tears fell from her eyes and she began to slowly shake her head in denial. MaryJane hoped they were tears of realization...another one.

"Why? Why would he say that?" She begged, desperately moving her tearful eyes from Con, to Rick and MaryJane for an answer.

Daryl's woman was quick to respond, beating the other two men to the chase. "Jeremy was extremely jealous, Katie...he had a plan to break me and Daryl up in hopes that I would go to him in comfort, but I didn't. In his rage he went after Merle and Beth and even then when I didn't acknowledge him in the way he wanted me to he tried to—he assaulted me then when that only drove me back towards Daryl he broke out to go the Governor as a way to have an army to infiltrate the prison and kill off his enemies, basically everyone here, and take me in the process while the Governor could do whatever he wanted with everyone else and burn this place down."

"He did all that out o' jealously, Katie. He wasn't gonna stop 'til 'e had 'er. If Rick's boy hadn't gone inta tha Tombs then they woulda been successful in takin' us from tha inside." Con added, keeping his voice even and calm for his wife who listened closely, her eyes studying each person that spoke.

It was silent for some time, everyone sharing glances and reeling mentally from what was dropped on them. One of their own had opted out and they weren't even upset by it. But they could all agree that he was still a living human being, not one that had been changed by the undead. He made himself one of them through his own choices. Rick was fully aware that things might've turned out different if Jeremy had thought things through more thoroughly, but he could understand that in the passion of the moment or the situation sometimes irrational choices were made.

"Was he…was he one of them? When ya'll found 'im?" Katie asked weakly, her voice breaking as she tried to sound strong.

Rick and Con shared a look and Merle and Daryl exchanged a firm glance. All four of them were quiet and the former cop answered her, trying to sound as sympathetic as he could.

"Yeah, he was."

Katie blinked, covering her mouth with her hand, face growing pink as she tried to hold back a sob.

"W-Who put 'im down?"

"I did." Con said instantly.

His wife looked to him, her red, tear filled eyes squinting as pity washed over her features. It hurt her that Con was the one to put their surrogate son down. Though, as she sniffed and wiped her eyes, she nodded. That was for the best. Jeremy was theirs, not Rick's or Daryl's. He was their responsibility and theirs to put down.

"I'm sorry." She apologized to her husband and he just nodded, accepting her apology.

Glenn and Maggie clutched each other's hands and MaryJane and Daryl followed seconds later. Merle wrapped his arm around Beth, not fearful of any dirty or disapproving looks from anyone. It was already decided that Beth was his and he could do whatever he damn well pleased. Though, at the moment, no one even cared to look twice at the older man's motion. They were clinging to their loved ones, relishing that they were still there. Death was too easily come by.

"W-Where is he?" The rancher's wife stuttered.

"We buried 'im." Con replied quickly and Rick gave him a strange look.

Daryl furrowed his brows at the silver haired man's lie. Or was it a lie? Merle looked nearly ready to call his lie, but closed his mouth, letting his brain filter before speaking. Had Con buried Jeremy after he was burned?

"Was tha right thing ta do." Merle added to the lie, Con giving him a look of gratitude.

Daryl spoke up next. "Despite tha shit 'e done…'e was still a member 'o a group."

Katie's gentle eyes rested on Daryl, brows furrowed as tears still spilled. She was almost taken aback by his words. "Do you forgive him, Daryl?"

He stiffened at the loaded question and MaryJane looked over at him, feeling his fingers tense around hers.

"No." He denied in his gravelly voice. "He don't deserve it, but that don't mean I don't remember that 'e meant somethin' ta somebody."

His continuation had salved the burn his denial had in Katie's heart. She knew it was a lot to ask forgiveness from Daryl, but hearing that was good for her to hear. The older woman didn't bother asking Merle because she knew he was bitter and she doubted forgiveness came easily, but Beth was a kind soul and raised right by a religious father. Beth would grant forgiveness and be confident in it because it wouldn't happen again. Though, it was MaryJane's pardon that would mean the most and Katie was fearful to ask her, yet, she had to at least ask.

"Do you, MaryJane? Can you?"

MaryJane's jaw ticked as she locked eyes with Katie, the woman she leaned on like she was her real mother. Now, it felt like there was a gap the size of the Grand Canyon between them. The dark haired woman who owned the whiskey colored eyes stared at the woman across from her, contemplating how to carefully say what she was feeling inside. That was a question that wasn't easily answered, but Katie deserved something. None of it was her fault, her only fault was loving Jeremy too much.

"Maybe in time…but now…I can't in me, Katie, but that doesn't mean that I won't."

It was a relief when Katie nodded, looking a little satisfied by her answer. Clemency wasn't impossible and for Con's wife, she could live with that.

"Thank you, MaryJane," Katie thanked, smiling wholeheartedly at her with that familiar, motherly smile.

Offering her a smile in return, MaryJane felt hope flicker in her heart. Maybe there was still a chance to save their relationship. Rick felt better as he saw the two smile at each other and it was relieving to see that Katie didn't put up a fight like he thought she would. Daryl squeezed MJ's hand, proud of her for doing something he knew he could never do. Forgiveness wasn't something he gave easily. He was the one to hold the grudges. Now it was strange to see MaryJane be the one to withhold any form of mercy. She'd always easily forgive someone, even if they hurt her physically. That was her way of moving on, but now in the present, she wasn't as eager. That was one change he noticed in her since the world went to hell. She wasn't as sweet as she used to be. She was sweet, but almost in a bitter way. It was hard for Daryl to explain or put words to but, all he could really be for sure of is that she had an edge to her, a part of her that has toughened up. In this day and age, she must've realized that not everything can be forgiven and forgotten easily. She was hardly the girl he knew in high school...and the girl he fell in love with. Rick's authoritative voice broke the tracker from his thoughts, making him focus on the next step for the day.

"In the events of what's happened, Hershel, Con and I feel it necessary for everyone to take it easy today. This isn't something that can be swept under the rug. Everyone needs to take the time to mourn Jeremy. While, I know that feelings towards him weren't the best for most—" Most everyone out their heads down in shame or bitterness "—but even then a life was still lost. We are one man short now and while I'm confident that we'll still endure, we can't forget that he was still one of us. He was just troubled and we've all witnessed how this world can change a man from being good into a madman. If you feel necessary to still go about the chores then feel free, but no one will be judged for wanting time to mourn."

MaryJane swallowed and lowered her eyes to the table in thought. Should she mourn? He was her friend after all.

"Daryl, I need you and Glenn to take Carl to go take out the walkers on the fence out front. Startin' ta build up again."

Her lover nodded and MaryJane's heart fell. Duty called.

"Thank ya everyone." Rick thanked, inclining his head to the people in the room.

Slim, Bev, Glenn, Maggie and Hershel left the room moments later, Con lifting Katie from her chair to take her away where it was obvious she would need time alone. The silver haired Southern man gave MaryJane a small smile as he put his arm around his wife's shoulder. He patted Rick's shoulder as he passed, nodding to the Dixon brothers before disappearing out the door. Beth leaned around Merle to smile at MaryJane who stood, pulling Daryl up with her. The tracker tightened his hold on her fingers as they started to grow lose in his and when she stopped to wait for Beth and Merle, he pressed his chest against her back, turning his hand so that his palmed rested over the top of her hand. Rick smiled at the affection, glad to see that softer side his surrogate brother. MaryJane leaned against his chest, feeling his large hand curl around her hip. Merle stood, placing his arm around Beth's waist, uncaring that Rick was still in the room. It was seeing the Dixon brothers and their arms curled around their women that Rick felt a pang of loneliness and envy. He missed Lori, or just having a significant other to stand by his side.

"That went better than anticipated." Beth beamed, cheerfully.

MaryJane was uplifted by the ease of the conversation, but felt that it wasn't fully resolved, the situation wasn't resolved. She still felt miles away from Katie despite the gentle moments exchanged through soft looks and smiles.

"Hell yea, it did. I expected Katie ta fuckin' scream 'er lungs out." Merle nodded, smirking as Beth's arm wound around his waist.

"I think she's startin' ta come ta terms with what's happened." Rick rationalized softly, looking mostly to the woman in Daryl's arms.

Daryl spoke up. "She took tha news 'bout Jeremy's optin' out hard."

"That's fer damned sure." Merle huffed.

"So, what now?" Whiskey eyes asked the leader of the Atlanta group.

Rick considered the question, glancing at the wall before answering. "We do as planned, give e'eryone a day ta mourn, and then we'll see where we all stand. It's all we can do."

Seeing the logic, MaryJane nodded in agreement. Daryl's hand squeezed her hip and she turned her head to the side, where she felt Daryl's lips gently touch the side of her head briefly.

"I should talk to Katie." She sighed.

"That may be a good idea, MaryJane. If anyone can give 'er closure it's you and Con. Mostly you, though." The blonde teen approved.

MaryJane met her eyes and saw the comfort and encouragement there. Beth was a good friend and MJ felt more than blessed to have her.

Merle's eyes narrowed on MaryJane warningly. "Jus' be careful. She ain' rightly stable now. I'd wait."

"That's true. Give 'er some time ta think e'erythin' through." The sheriff's deputy concurred.

"Yeah, I agree. I'm just so on edge and have been…I just want it all over with." The former school teacher murmured with a hint of melancholy.

"It will be. Jus' gotta wait a little while longer." Daryl replied, his voice dropping a few octaves to whisper into her ear.

Her lengthening bangs bounced as she bobbed her head up and down in agreement.

"Come outside when ya can, Daryl, Carl'll be waitin'." Rick said, as he started walking towards the exit.

MaryJane felt Daryl nod behind her and the cop left.

"I better go relieve Emily from Judith." Beth commented reluctantly.

"I'll go with you. I haven't seen the boys in a while."

"Better remedy that, little brotha. Can't be neglectin' yer woman." Merle smirked devilishly, winking at MaryJane perversely.

The small blonde smacked his arm and she swore she saw Daryl's cheek grow pink, but he just gave Merle and icy glare. MaryJane smiled, giggling, the noise sounding like angels singing to Daryl and he pulled her tighter against him in response. He loved her so much and even more so when she laughed.

"You're a nut, Merle." MaryJane chuckled.

"I know." He grinned happily, like a little kid.

Beth stepped from the one-handed man's arm and went to MaryJane who gave Daryl's hand a squeeze before pulling her fingers from his and stepping away from the intoxicating warmth of his body regretfully. The tracker swallowed back a lump in his throat as the light of his life moved away from his embrace, already missing her. He internally berated himself for acting like he did in his youth, desperately dependent on her, her love and strength. Yet, he liked it when she doted on him in ways he'd never been treated. Realizing that it was inevitable, Daryl sighed, a sign that Merle silently took and began joking with Beth, ushering her from the room to give the tracker and MaryJane a few moments alone. The youngest Dixon's woman watched the odd couple leave, shaking her head as Merle said something that made the blonde giggle. When their voices faded, she turned back to Daryl who placed his hands on her hips and stepped towards her, instantly resting his forehead on hers, letting out a heavy breath of contentment.

"Thank you, for being here for me, Daryl. It means so much to me."

"Where else am I gonna be?" He replied, matter-of-factly.

MaryJane bit her bottom lip, feeling foolish, but not regretting thanking him.

"Still..." She began. "...I'm just grateful I have you and that you willingly stay with me in situations like that."

Daryl held back a grimace. She meant well by what she was going on about, but it wasn't at all necessary. He cared about her, deeply and he wasn't going to half-ass how he showed it. Yet, she was always extremely polite when it came to thanking people that helped her out in a big situation or problem. The tracker should've been used to it by now, but it still aggravated him that she has to do it to him. He was always set with her, she was his, the one thing he wanted most in this world. He would do anything for her and she didn't have to thank him for it either.

"Ya don't 'ave ta thank me, MaryJane. I'm with ya 'cause I wanna be and I ain't gonna leave ya when time's get tough. That ain't who I am."

Somehow, she realized that she offended him just a smidgen and her mind was quick to understand why, but she didn't say anything, only opened her eyes to look into his and smile at him.

"Same goes for me."

A soft look filled his usually hard eyes and her heart skipped a beat in response. The hands on her hips wrapped around her waist and pulled her against him. She embraced him back, holding him tightly against her as she kept her forehead firm on his. They stood there like that for a few moments before Daryl sighed heavily.

"Gotta go."

Grief plummeted in her heart.

"I know. Carl probably needs you." She pulled away, Daryl frowning at the motion. "Be careful. I'll see you later, okay?"

He nodded, giving her a small smile. He loosened his arms until they fell away from her. MaryJane grabbed the lapel of his jacket to balance her as she lifted on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his briefly. Daryl responded in kind, relishing in the feel of her gentle lips against his. It was too soon for both of them when MaryJane pulled back, licking her lips to take in the remnants of his taste.

"Be safe."

He nodded, his face straight, clearly showing his desire. She gave him a smile before taking his hand and leading him back towards the cell block.

The passage of time was slow, especially for MaryJane, even with Daryl's presence she couldn't help but think God was purposefully prolonging time. Why, she knew not, but she wanted it to end. She thought that after the group and Katie knowing about what happened to Jeremy, the weight would vanish. For a while it had, but when she was alone, it was still there. That night she got very little sleep, glad that Daryl was sound asleep behind her and getting rest, his face buried into the back of her neck, his arms wrapped securely around her. She felt his heavy breaths against her back as his chest moved up and down in slumber. Her thoughts were blank, but something subconscious kept her mind alert and body restless.

I really am a worry wart. She thought bitterly.

When she finally passed out and woke again, she counted her hours and was disturbed to find that she only acquired three hours of rest. The prison wasn't silent like she thought it would be since it was supposed to be a day of mourning. Carol and Bev were cooking breakfast, Charlie, Slim, and Glenn were walking the fences, Michonne and Maggie were in the watch tower, Merle was helping Beth take dry laundry down and Carl was babysitting his sister with Emily who had the boys outside playing. Con and Rick were standing at the main gate, inspecting the prison yard with watchful eyes, taking in the Eagle's Eye view. She followed Daryl, hand in his as they walked down into the kitchen, the tracker having immediately noticing MaryJane's tiredness, dark circles bruising the skin under her eyes. He and Carol shared a concerned glance, but didn't say anything. Daryl had to go talk to Rick about the next run into town they were needing to make. He sat MaryJane down in a chair and kissed her head affectionately.

"I'll see ya. Be safe." He whispered to her.

She nodded, offering him a tired smile. He didn't buy her assuring expression and gave Carol a pleading look. The pixie hair styled woman nodded and he walked from the room, hoping that something wasn't wrong health wise. MaryJane felt like lying her head on the table and going to sleep, but the thought made guilt pit in her gut. She already felt like a burden. Carol passed her some oatmeal and when she finished nearly all she stood, deciding to go give Beth and Merle a hand.

"Where're you going?" Carol's voice inquired from behind her.

Turning around, partially startled, MaryJane winced at how tired her voice sounded. "I was gonna go help Beth and Merle with the laundry."

Bev gave her a sad look. "Ya look really tired, MJ. Ya should take it easy."

Whiskey eyes regarded the two older women. "No…I really should go help."

"Honey," Carol sighed. "Ya look dead on your feet. Did you sleep at all last night?"

A streak of annoyed frustration stoked angrily in her. They meant well, she knew, but it was getting really tiring to see and hear everyone worrying over her like she was a child. She was a big girl!

"Just leave it, okay!" She asked, surprised by how curt her tone was.

Carol and Bev wore identical expressions of surprise. Before, she would've apologized on the spot for snapping, but she was tired of apologizing. She was just tired of everything. She was exhausted of seeing people look at her with pity, even act different around her, treating her with kid gloves. They all felt sorry for her, but she didn't want their pity anymore. She didn't want their apologies. It was over now, her problems were her own now. The short woman didn't want to rely on Carol or Rick or Merle for anything anymore. She wanted to be alone, to be able to worry on her own. She just wanted to be treated like everyone else now. She wanted to be regarded as someone who could take care of themselves, not someone that needed a babysitter.

But mostly, she was tired of being weak.

MaryJane felt tears well up in her eyes. It was obvious she'd never be able to stop crying. Moving her watery gaze between the two of them, not feeling the regret she should've.

"I don't want your sympathy! Or your speeches, okay? I'm tired of being treated like a weak link! Just because something bad happens to me everyone has to baby me or treat me differently! I'm tired of it! You guys don't have to go to pieces just because I didn't sleep very well! I'll survive it! While, I'm touched by everyone's concern I'm tired of being treated like I'm still a victim! I'm not…I'm not…" MaryJane sobbed, tears streaming down her face as she yelled at the two women.

Carol saw what was going on instantly. She was having a miniature breakdown, she knew because she had plenty in the past, especially when she lost Sophia. She knew exactly what was going on inside her head. Carol had considered herself the weak one of the group after Ed and Sophia died. She felt extremely weak, feeling like the most beaten and bruised victim in the entire world. Then, she finally had enough and got strong, worked to get stronger, to become someone who needed no sympathy. An independent woman. MaryJane was having that epiphany, she just didn't know it. Feeling her own tears pull forth at how similar they were, Carol approached her, eyes never leaving her.

"Oh, MaryJane…I know…I know you're tired. I know." She held her arms out and grabbed MaryJane's trembling ones gently, looking her in the eyes. "You're so strong to admit this. I'm so glad you finally see that you aren't a victim."

Bev watched on, hands over her mouth as she contained her quiet sniffles.

"I'll help you." Carol promised, MJ's lips parting as she heard the words she wanted to hear. "I can help you become stronger. I've been where you are. You know I have. We can do this together."

MaryJane thought she didn't want any help from anybody, but as she gazed into Carol's blue eyes and recalled the story of her life, she knew that this was the right person to have spoken to. If anyone understood what was going on inside her head, Carol was the one. Through her tears she searched the cook's eyes for a few moments, feeling the strength her being was emitting to her.

"Thank you, Carol. Thank you." She breathed.

Carol's eyes widened when MaryJane threw her arms around her, hugging her tightly. The one time mother was suddenly reminded of how Sophia used to cling to her when she hugged her before going to school. It was wrong to unexpectedly compare her to a child, but her grip was desperate and in need.

"I'll make you strong, MaryJane. We'll chase the ghosts away together."

Some character development for MaryJane and I'm excited that it tied together as it did. Did it turn out making sense for you all? If not, I can try to change some parts. While, for a while in the beginning of discovering the Walking Dead I was not a Carol fan, but after this season I am very much on Team Carol and I've got a great respect for her now for how strong and bad ass she is. I love her character and how she's changed to adapt to the Walking Dead world and I instantly saw room for MaryJane to do that as well. And we all know that she's still extremely sweet and soft in many aspects, so I saw fit for her to grow in strength mentally, emotionally, and physically.

How will Daryl handle this raging epiphany? How will Merle and Beth react?

Also, who all was pleased with the Season 5 finale? I was, but for a moment I thought Daryl was lost to us. Though, he prevails! I am so excited for October, but I'm not in any hurry for the fall to get here. I think I can survive by watching the show on Netflix to get my Daryl fix.

Expect an update within two weeks, but maybe if I'm lucky and get time and buckle down I can get it done earlier, but I cannot make that promise. Sometimes I get Writer's Block or have no real inspiration to kick myself to write. I'm so close to finishing this story that I should be in a hurry to get the chapters written. Alas, my brain doesn't work that way.

Please review! I love feedback!

Happy Writing!