Thank you all for reading, reviewing, favoriting! I appreciate all the support.

I don't own the walking dead etc etc.

This chapter contains adult content because Jameson and Daryl do it like bunnies.

Jameson pulled up behind Lori's bakery and sat for a moment staring at the back door. She wasn't scared to return to work or nervous about working but the idea of talking to the town folk was setting her on edge. It was small town and everyone knew everything about everybody. Jameson knew her business was the talk of town and she dreaded the possibility of people asking her about it. She dealt with enough social anxiety as it was.

Climbing out of her beat up car she finally entered the bakery and saw Lori pouring ingredients into one of the giant mixers. "James!" Lori exclaimed, dropping what she was doing to come hug the younger woman. Jameson smiled and hugged her back teasing, "Lori you saw me two days ago."

"I know, I know. I am just so happy you're back." Lori explained and then headed back to working the batter for all the cupcakes. Jameson washed up and started helping with the day's confections. The pair worked together seamlessly like always and soon it was opening time. The morning rush went fast but eventually there was a lull in business. Lori approached Jameson as she refilled the coffee and asked, "Can you and Daryl come over for dinner this weekend?"

Jameson furrowed her brow but nodded, "Sure. Everything ok?"

Lori gave her a dismissive wave and smiled, "Oh yeah dear I just wanted to try out a new recipe and it's been ages since you've been over."

"Ok sure. Daryl eats pretty much anything. Just make a lot because he's a bottomless pit." Jameson said with a smile. She loved that damn man more than she ever thought possible. Shit she never even thought she'd love someone like that at all.

Lori chuckled and replied, "Oh I know how that is. Rick and Carl are practically garbage disposals. I buy groceries every other day. I am dreading Carl as a teenager. He's going to eat us out of house and home." Jameson laughed and then looked up as the door chimed. Daryl strolled in with a tiny shy grin, his hand raking nervously through the messy hair in his eyes. Jameson smirked and felt herself blush at just the sight of him. The man still turned her into some crushing teenager. She heard Lori laugh and looked over to see the woman giving her a knowing smile. Rolling her eyes, Jameson leaned against the counter and asked, "Whatcha doin here?"

Daryl dropped his chin to his chest and rubbing his neck awkwardly rasping, "Just seein' how your first day back s'goin'."

"It's been good." She assured him quietly, looking over to see Lori going in the back giving them privacy. Jameson reached out, gripping his leather vest to pull him over the counter slightly. Daryl laughed gruffly and leaned further towards her, his lips landing against hers. Jameson sighed into his warm mouth, the feel of his hot skin thrilling her instantly. They kissed teasingly before pulling back, giving each other small smiles, their lips curled softly.

"Kinda was missin ya." He confessed gruffly, his eyes cutting towards Lori as she exited the back room. Jameson bit her lip before whispering, "Me too."

Daryl grinned shyly toward the ground with a head bob. Lori spoke from the other side of the counter, her hands counting out cash in the register, "Remember dinner."

Laughing Jameson told Daryl, "We're going to dinner this weekend at Lori's."

"Oh yeah?" he drawled with an amused smile. "Somethin' good I hope."

Lori chuckled and reassured him, "It's a new recipe but it'll be good. If not we'll order pizza." She smirked and closed the drawer, "Jameson you can head out early if you'd like."

"Oh I gotta go. I gotta pick Merle up." Daryl spoke with regretful eyes, "I can pick ya up on the way back. He wants a burger from the diner."

Jameson nodded with a grin and came around the counter to hug him. She knew he was shy about affection in front of people but ever since her attack he'd been more open to it. After a few tight squeezes Daryl headed out to pick Merle up and Jameson finished her tasks for the day.

Daryl parked the truck across from the prison's front gates. The penitentiary was located deep in the Georgian forest. It was a beautiful area, which made it an ironic location for the iron cages. Great open wide space just beyond Merle's grasp had to piss him off something awful.

He stepped out and hopped up on the hood, lighting a cigarette. Leaning back on one hand Daryl hollowed his cheeks with a long drag, his eyes watching a few guards patrolling the fence. He couldn't imagine being locked up in the cement building. He had no idea why Merle would constantly risk being sent back by doing stupid shit.

Speaking of the devil the cocky smirk wearing asshole was jogging towards Daryl. He couldn't help but smirk back at his big brother. Merle may be a redneck shithead but he was his kin, his blood, it was good to see him out. Daryl secretly hoped that since he had been able to settle down with Jameson, get a job and grow up that maybe Merle could too. Maybe he'd stay clean this time.

"Good to see ya Darylina. Ya taken care o' my girl?" he drawled gesturing to the truck Daryl was lounged on top of. Daryl grunted and hopped off, hugging his brother while slapping his back loudly.

"Yeah, yeah." He drawled through his smoke, handing the keys over to Merle before flicking the butt away. "Gotta pick up Jameson."

Merle grunted, "Oh come on man. Ya pussy whipped or somethin'?"

"Fuck off Merle. She's my girl. Ain't none of ya shit talkin' gonna change it." Daryl snapped not being surprised in the least at Merle's jabs but surprising himself at the instant defensive words.

"Well fuck she keepin' those balls o' yours in a jar or her purse?" Merle joked with a grin, "She let ya come all this way by ya'self too huh?"

Daryl snorted and grunted, "Shuddup Merle. Jus go pick 'er up."

"Where she at?"

"Home."

"Home? Ya livin' with her?" Merle scoffed his blue eyes flickering over Daryl's nervous expression.

"Uh… I.. uh. Yeah." Daryl stammered feeling anxious about his brother's response to the news. Merle snorted, "Jesus. She made ya a stuttering fool? Fucking hell."

Daryl growled and steeled himself to put his foot down on Merle's taunts about Jameson. "Merle. Ya ain't gonna keep this shit up. Jameson… she here to fuckin stay, a'right and I ain't gonna listen t'ya talk shit 'bout her."

Merle snorted and threw an arm over the back of the seat, his hand gripping the back of Daryl's neck. "Brother, this bitch's got ya all wound up."

Daryl shrugged his hand off and sneered, "Don't fuckin' call her that Merle. I ain't fuckin around."

His brother laughed and pushed the cigarette lighter in, pulling a pack of smokes out of the cup holder. Daryl narrowed his eyes waiting for Merle's inevitable tirade. The older Dixon took a few healthy drags off his cigarette before he glanced over at his younger brother.

"A'right." He rasped while scrubbing his jaw. Daryl gaped at him, his mouth opening as if to speak but came up empty. Merle snorted, "What? Ya think I can' play nicey nice with your ol' lady? I ain't a total asshole."

"Pffft. That's a first." Daryl joked pointing out the street they need to turn on. Merle rolled through a stop sign making Daryl huff out a breath. 'Damn fool's gonna end up locked up in no time.' He scoffed while crossing his arms.

"Just don' come cryin' when ya knock 'er up and ya ain't got a pot to piss in cuz ya got ankle bitters and a mortgage." Merle sneered but his usual caustic tone was without it's normal bite.

Daryl rolled his eyes and blew off the remark, instead pulling his phone out to text Jameson that they were almost home.

Jameson was sitting on the last step of the apartment's entryway waiting for Daryl and Merle. She smiled at their approach, hopping up to meet them at the curb.

"Long time no see Merle. How's it feel to breathe real air again?" she asked jumping into the cab after Daryl climbed out. He slid back inside and they drove towards the diner. Merle grunted, "Good Sweetcheeks. How ya doin?" Daryl could tell he was looking at the small scars that now grace Jameson's eyebrow and lip. The wounds from her father's attack were almost faded completely but still visible.

"Good. Hungry. Carol's gonna be there. I talked to her earlier at the super market. She sounded pretty excited to see you." she spoke with a grin. Merle smirked and rubbed his jaw, while steering them into the diner parking lot. The older Dixon didn't respond only climbed out of the truck quicker than Daryl could open the door.

"Guess he's excited too." Jameson remarked watching the guy enter the diner without a glance back at them. Daryl laughed and climbed out, putting his hand out for Jameson to hold. They entered to find Merle flinging an arm around Carol's petite shoulders. She had a tiny grin and bright eyes while smacking Merle. "Let go you big oaf!" she quipped before adding, "Go sit and I'll get some food going for ya."

Merle gave her a toothy grin and drawled, "Thanks Doll."

Daryl slid into a booth next to Jameson and they ordered some burgers and fries. Merle was happily chowing down on food as soon as it hit the table. Jameson watched his eyes periodically flit to Carol's but without the normal leer he gave other women. Jameson smirked and elbowed Daryl when she spied Carol peeking at him from the kitchen handoff window.

"So Merle, what's the plan now that you're a free man?" Jameson asked before taking a bite of her burger. Merle chewed noisily and grunted, "Don' know. Got room on your sofa for me?"

"No," Daryl snapped immediately. Merle gave him the stink eye and chewed aggressively. Jameson bit her lip feeling bad for the guy but not enough to offer a place on her couch. If it were a night, sure but knowing Merle one night would end up being one year.

"Well that's mighty kind of ya baby brother," Merle snarked through a mouth full of fries. Daryl snorted and drawled, "Merle ain't no room. I'll spot ya for a week at the motel but after that ya gotta find some work."

Merle rolled his eyes and grumbled a bunch of curse words under his breathe. "Whatever," he grunted, "I gotta lead on a job already. Guy I met inside got out a couple weeks ago. He's got a bike shop. Needs some help."

"Oh yeah?" Jameson asked feeling hopeful for the guy, "Where at?"

"Next town over, Hickville or whatever. He does some custom builds. Might be a good fit," Merle drawled, his eyes landing on Carol again murmuring almost to himself, "Gotta get my shit straight."

Jameson elbowed Daryl again who grunted in response. "Ask her out," she suggested. Merle huffed out a breathe and crossed his arms, "Ain't gonna wanna hook up with a con like me."

"I guarantee she'll say yes in a heartbeat. As long as you're gettin' your shit in order. I'd hate to have to kick your ass for hurting her." Jameson threatened with an eyebrow raised. The older man snorted, "Pfft. I could take ya… well on second thought the last guy that fucked with ya ended up on a slab. Maybe I won'."

Jameson's smile slide from her face and her eyes dropped to the tabletop.

'He's right you know. Murderer,' she thought inwardly, aching with guilt. Daryl growled his brother's name like a threat, "Merle."

"What? t's true. Ain't sayin' the fuck didn't deserve it." Merle explained, sipping his drink until it slurped loudly. Jameson swallowed thickly and chewed her lip muttering, "It's fine."

Daryl scoffed, "Ain't fine. It's bullshit and it ain't funny Merle."

Jameson ate a couple more fries to distract herself from the onslaught of emotions. She hadn't struggled much with the assault. It wasn't like she hadn't experienced such violence from her father before and she knew her actions were just, yet there was that niggling of shame for killing someone. It didn't matter that he deserved it, she had ended someone's life. There had been nightmares and anxiety attacks but overall Jameson had been handling it fine. Well until Merle of course.

Daryl's hand slid to her thigh giving her a reassuring squeeze. She smiled sadly at her lap and wove her hand with his.

"Fine. I won't poke fun at Sweetcheeks if ya pay for two weeks at the motel," he bartered with a shit eating grin. Daryl threatened, "Five days now fucker."

"Hey! Assh…" Merle exclaimed but saw Carol walking up to the table. His jaw snapped shut and he hissed, "Don' be a dick Darylina."

Daryl snorted and gave him a tiny grin, "Say pretty please."

"Are you causing trouble over here already Merle?" Carol asked, a hand holding a towel resting on her cocked hip.

"Me?" Merle gasped, "Ain' never no trouble Doll."

Carol gave him an incredulous look but her eyes were twinkling with amusement. Jameson smirked and raised an eyebrow to Daryl who shook his head in disbelief.

Carol took a couple plates and asked, "Pie?"

"Hot damn yes," Merle drawled giving her another grin. Carol rolled her eyes and playfully scolded, "Language Merle."

Jameson watched Lori finish up cooking dinner and helped her haul in the dishes full of baked chicken and pasta. The herbs and hint of lemon filling the air was making Jameson's mouth water and stomach to growl audibly. Daryl was smirking at her with a knowing smile. Rolling her eyes she sat down next to him and waited while everyone was served before digging in. Half way through the meal Lori cleared her throat and announced, "We have something to tell you guys."

Jameson cocked an eyebrow and looked between Rick and Lori, then to Carl. The boy seemed to be in the dark also and Daryl began shifting uncomfortably in his chair.

"I'm pregnant." She blurted and looked at her son, "You're going to be a big brother Carl."

The kid was expressionless for a long tense moment before breaking out into a toothless grin, "Really!?" he shouted jumping from his seat. Jameson laughed and stood up, hugging Lori and then Rick.

"That's great you guys," she murmured before sitting back down. Daryl tipped his chin and grunted out a congrats, his response much more subdued and Dixon-like. Lori informed them that she was five months along and they were waiting for the birth to find out the sex. Rick was convinced the baby was going to be a girl. Carl was ecstatic and already planning everything he wanted to do with a baby sister.

Then Lori dropped another bombshell. "So since I'm going to be staying home for awhile I wanted to ask you something Jameson…" Lori spoke calmly but with a nervous smile, "I want to train you to run the shop. Fill in for me and possibly even help me with it when I come back. I'm going to want more time at home and if you helped I could do that. You'd be the bakerys manager for me."

Jameson stared at Lori with her mouth opened and eyes wide. Daryl's hand slid into hers under the table as he seemed to notice her panic.

"L-Lori I don't… I'm not sure if I can do that." Jameson stammered looking down at the table feeling overwhelmed. Daryl's large palm squeezed hers drawing Jameson's eyes to his piercing but comforting ones.

"I trust you Jameson and we have a lot of time to work together. I'll train you and you won't have to just jump into it. Believe me, I know you can do this." The older woman spoke confidently and reached over to take Jameson's other hand, gently squeezing it.

Jameson smiled at her and then nodded, "Alright…"

"Plus it means a raise." Lori said with a smirk.

Daryl sat against the headboard listening to the shower turn off and Jameson thump around the bathroom. He was blown away at Lori's offer to Jameson. It meant she would earn more money which made her quitting Dale's not affect her ability to support herself. Plus Daryl knew she enjoyed the bakery so much more than the bar.

His eyes rose as she walked in drying her hair with a towel, her tank top damp and almost see through, her tiny underwear hiding nothing. Daryl soaked up the sight of her hard nipples and bare legs, a growl making its way out his throat. Jameson smirked at the sound and his expression, teasing, "Ya see somethin' ya like Dixon?"

Reaching out he tugged her onto the bed, collecting her into his arms. A surprised shriek escaped as she tumbled against his chest.

"Jeez Dare." She laughed, "Anxious much?"

He hummed in a response before tucking his face against her warm neck, leaving open mouth kisses making her moan. Jameson's hands curled in his shirt and hair at the nape of his neck.

"Like that darlin'?" he rasped his tongue darting out to taste her pulse point.

"Fuck yes," she moaned as Daryl nipped the spot and slid a large warm hand up the thin tank top. "Dare," she gasped her hips rolling into his. He couldn't help the cocking smirk from sliding onto his face. Daryl loved hearing her desperate for him. It gave his male pride a surge not to mention the breathy quality of her voice was making him harder than a rock.

His hands griped her hips before rolling them over, depositing his body between her thighs. Daryl held himself up while kissing her deeply, his mouth moving slow and thorough. She tasted sweet like dessert and the hint of cigarette smoke from the stick they shared afterwards. Her soft and wet tongue stroked along his, curling seductively in his mouth. Groaning loudly and with a sudden desperation in his movements, Daryl began striping of the little bit of clothing she wore. His hands shook as he quickly pulled off his shirt and boxers. The need was radiating off him as he rolled them over, Jameson's tight body taking over. He practically shouted as she maneuvered over him, her tight walls engulfing him almost instantly. Jameson hissed slightly at the speed but didn't let up for a moment. Her hips rolled and ground into his. All Daryl could do was hold onto her and hope to last longer than thirty seconds.

"Holy fuck," he moaned, his eyes slamming shut as she arched her back, his cock buried even deeper inside the rippling walls. "Fucking christ…. James." He breathed.

Jameson was panting as her tight body moved, sweat beading up on her forehead and chest flushing red. Daryl's hands slid up her hips and along her ribs before gripping the sides of her neck. He pulled her towards him, kissing her frantically, his body thrumming with tension. Daryl refused to unload so soon, he had to make the feeling of her riding him last as long as possible. He thought about carburetors and dressing deer to calm himself the fuck down.

"Jesus, Daryl." She breathed out while sitting up again, her body arched over him. His hands trailed down the center of her chest, her heart pounding below his palm. Digging his other hand into her hair, he bent his legs up and got leverage. Daryl thrust upwards while holding her still, pounding into her frenziedly. The flutters within her began and soon her muscles clamped onto him, her nails digging into his chest and shoulder.

"Oh my god," Jameson gasped her eyes slamming shut and body vibrating against his. Daryl kept rolling into her as his own orgasm was ripped from him. Brilliant light shot across his eyelids, his eyes clenched shut and body shuddering.

"Shit," he growled, his eyes sliding open to find hers. The deep green orbs were watching him cum, lust and love emanating from the emerald gems. He felt her hands stroking his chest and neck before she bent down to kiss him deeply. Soon she lay her forehead against his and whispered against his lips, "I love you Dare."

"Love you darlin'." He slurred, exhaustion hitting him suddenly for some odd reason.

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