A/N Thank you everyone. Finally, there was a kiss, yay! Now what? A lot.
Enjoy!
Possible Trigger - references to spousal abuse
It's what he's wanted since that first morning at the Solo Café, but he never expected it to happen today, especially not here in the garage.
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He never intended to kiss her today, he never intended to take her in his arms, but now that it's begun, he isn't so sure he can stop what he started. Or did she start it? Would he have been so bold if she hadn't wrapped her arms around him, lay her pretty head on his chest, and held onto him so tightly? It really doesn't matter who started it, it's what they feel. The warmth and desire that the kiss expresses is what they've both hoped for.
They're lost in the kiss and caught up in each other, but the passion ends abruptly when Andrea squawks, "How disgusting! How can you stand to kiss this scrawny little waif."
The kissing may stop, but Daryl's arm is firmly wrapped around Beth's shoulders as he clutches her tightly to his side and glares at the other woman. There's a dangerously dark and angry look in his eyes when he growls, "Go on n get out Andrea. Go home ta your husband and don't ya come back here again."
Andrea turns on her heel and storms off, just as the owner of the Buick, a spoiled young man named Spencer Monroe, comes walking through the big garage door. Daryl's arm is still around Beth, and she's still nestled into his side, but when they see the customer arrive, they quickly move apart.
Spencer has a wide, lascivious grin on his face as he comments, "I had no idea this kind of thing goes on in auto shops, I might have gotten into the business."
Beth is mortified as she realizes what this must look like. Her clothes are a wrinkled mess from the nap, and she knows her hair is a disaster, she can feel how it's come loose from the ponytail. Although she didn't do anything wrong, she knows this man must think she did. She has to get out of here now, and she doesn't even look up when she says, "I have to get back to work. I hope Teddy feels better soon," as she scurries out the door.
Daryl doesn't have time to utter anything other than, "Yeah, okay."
Spencer snickers as he turns to watch Beth go, then turns back with a grin, commenting, "That bed you have in there seems a little small to be taking her on."
Daryl's fists clench as he steps toward the guy, ready to deck him. What stops him is the bell he gave Teddy, it suddenly begins ringing and Daryl feels the pull to tend to his son's needs. His fists relax a little as he half-growls the words, "I gotta go check on my boy," and as he's walking toward the office he warns, "you watch what ya say about Beth, next time I won't walk away."
He wants to say much more than that, and there's a lot he wants to do to this bastard. He'd like to beat the asshole to a bloody pulp and throw him out in the street. He knows he can't be doing that shit though. Since Teddy came into his life he's learned to control his hotheaded nature, his fighting days are done.
He's got the business to protect, but mostly he's got Teddy to protect, and now, maybe Beth too. He thinks he wouldn't mind that, and no matter what that fucking Spencer said, Daryl's pretty sure Beth would not want him to beat the guy half to death. She's one of those gentle souls.
Spencer was well-aware of the man's fists clenching, and he saw the way Daryl set his jaw and how his muscles tightened. He knows he was way out of line, and that he's lucky Daryl Dixon didn't come in for the fight, if it came to blows Spencer's sure he'd be on the losing end. So, he pays his bill without commenting further, trying to sound friendly and like there was never any tension, "Hey thanks Daryl. The car looks and sounds real good. See you next time."
Teddy seems a little better after his long nap. He's still feverish, and there's still very little energy, but he's sitting up and talking. His Daddy hands him a glass of water and when he's done drinking it down he asks, "Where's my Bet? Where'd she go?"
The words lighten his Daddy's mood and he smiles at Teddy, "Your Bet, huh? Well she did visit ya for quite a while, the two of ya even had a nap together. Then she had ta get back to work."
Teddy giggles, "She readed sumthin ta me Daddy, it was a stordy that made me sleepy."
His Daddy smiles again as he smooths the boy's curls down, saying, "Well that's good. Sleep is the best thing when you're sick." He can't resist sitting himself down on the edge of the little bed to share a hug and a moment with his son. He kisses the boy's soft hair promising, "We'll get outta here pretty quick. I just got a couple things ta finish up, then the usual, you know the routine Teddy, I gotta clean the shop some, and get my tools put away. After that, we'll head home and get ya sumthin ta eat. I'm pretty sure I got a can a chicken noodle soup, that oughta help ya feel better."
"Okay Daddy," and the little boy tips back over, nestling himself into the bed as his Daddy pulls the blanket up over his shoulders.
Beth practically runs all the way home. She doesn't want anyone to see her looking so rumpled, like she just got out of bed. Oh my gosh, no!
She dashes up the stairs to her apartment and quickly strips out of her clothes, hanging them from the back of a chair. They're not dirty but they definitely need a good pressing when she gets home from work. She's nearly out of clean clothes, so for now she settles on an old pair of dungarees, they'll have to do. She hopes her cute pink tee helps to dress them up a bit. She does her best to straighten her ponytail, and then she's flying back down the stairs to work.
She walks in as nonchalantly as she's able to, smiles at Jim and says, "Sorry, I didn't expect to be gone so long. I'll get busy with the baking now," as she reaches for an apron.
Jim takes a fatherly tone with her, "Wait just a gosh darn minute young lady. The baking will keep for a few minutes while ya eat. I ain't seen ya take a bite of food all day. How about I fix you up with the special, chicken a la king? Would that suit ya?"
That's when she notices the deep pain in her tummy, Jim's right. She's so hungry, "Yes, it sounds delicious. Thank you, Jim." Beth has learned she's capable of taking care of herself, but it's still awfully nice to know she has people in her life who are looking out for her.
She's enjoying the delicious meal, served atop biscuits she made herself, when Amy gets the chance to catch a breath and chat a minute. She leans across the counter, gives Beth's hand a quick squeeze and whispers her question, "Everything all right?"
Beth smiles and whispers back as softly as she can, "Yes, it's Teddy, poor thing, he has some kind of cold or flu. Fever, congestion, you know, but I'm sure he'll be just fine."
"Good," but the look on Beth's face has Amy sensing there's a lot more to the story than just Teddy having a flu bug, "and Beth? How's Beth?" She knows her suspicions are correct when she watches her friend's cheeks pink up.
Beth whispers, "We'll talk later."
She still can't believe what happened between her and Daryl, and she can't fool herself about the part she played in that. She wanted this with him, but what is "this" exactly? Was it just some spur of the moment thing, or could it really be something real?
There are so many unanswered questions. She's heard how he just sort of "landed" here in Smithton a little more than four years ago. Where did he come from? Where had he been? Of course, there are the bigger questions, the same nagging questions everyone has, who is Teddy's Mother? Where is Teddy's Mother?
What about her? What about her past? How will she explain to him how she could do something so stupid, so terrible.
There's been a sign in the window all day that says, "Tonight's Special, Chicken a la King," and it's brought in a steady stream of customers since five pm. Every seat in the café is taken, and there are folks standing around waiting for an empty stool or booth. One of the people waiting is Beth's friend and neighbor, Carol. She seldom dines out, but Jim's chicken ala king caught her attention.
Beth offers to put off the baking for now and help Amy with the waitressing, but Jim tells her, "Nah, Amy and me will take care of the customers, I need you baking. Your biscuits are at least half the reason these folks are here Beth."
Amy's delivering dinner platters to the third booth, and Jim's got another order up. He carries three platters to waiting customers at the far end of the counter, one of those customers happens to be Negan Smith. As Jim sets the plates on the counter a wide grin crosses Negan's lips and he says, "Hey Jim, I heard Dixon and your little baker back there have been cookin' something up between the sheets. Shit, I didn't know either of em had it in 'em."
Several other fellows at the counter chuckle along with the crude remark, but Jim finds no humor in it. He's aware he's no physical match for Negan, but he won't stand for anyone talking about his girls that way, "You watch your mouth buster or you'll be out and ya won't be welcome here again."
Another fella says, "Well it's true Jim, I heard it down at the hardware store, Spencer Monroe said the two of them were fresh outta the sack when he showed up to get his car."
Jim's infuriated, he's not sure if any of this is true and he doesn't care, he's not having it. His voice is harsh when he snarls, "I'll have no talk of that kind in here. If you fellas wanna talk about that nonsense take it down ta Stoney's Bar."
Being back in the kitchen and all, and with the noise and the chatter in the café, Beth hasn't heard a word of any of it, she's totally unaware of what's being said, but Carol's heard every word. She's upset for Jim, upset for Beth and she knows if Daryl Dixon were here right now Negan would have hell to pay.
She doesn't know Daryl especially well, but they have a bond. It's not because he comes in the shop from time to time to get a book for Teddy, it's far bigger than that and from a few years ago. Daryl moved in his house that day and his brother had helped haul his furniture. Once it was in place the brothers headed to town looking for a meal, while also having a look around Main Street. They happened into her shop but Carol was in the back with her then husband, Ed, who was slapping her around for some made-up reason. Daryl and Merle Dixon heard the commotion, walked in the back and in on the scene.
Carol will never forget the look of rage in the eyes of the Dixon brothers as Merle grabbed Ed and announced, "I'll be takin' out the trash now Ma'am. I don't s'pose you'd ever wanna have it back for anythin', would ya?"
Carol had gone cold and answered, "No, I'm done." Daryl whisper growled something to his brother, then took her by the arm leading her to the front of the store where he latched the door. He kept a grip on her and an eye on the street as they waited. Carol had no idea what Merle was doing, but her gut told her these men knew how to take care of trouble, and she was willing to go along.
She heard the back door open and close, and it was a while before she heard it open again. She's never known what happened, only that she hasn't seen Ed since that day. But she had heard Daryl tell his brother, "Just scare the fuck out of him, don't do nuthin' permanent. Ya know we can't be doin' this shit no more Merle, I got Teddy now. "
A year ago, when Carol's daughter Sophia, went away to business college, Carol sold the little house they lived in and used the money to pay her daughter's tuition. Carol moved into the apartment above the Solo Café and she's never been happier.
She and Daryl have never spoken of that day four years ago, it's as if none of it never happened. In fact, they rarely speak at all, but there is that bond, and because of that, Carol knows what she has to do now. She walks around and back to the kitchen, arriving there just about the time Jim does. She looks at the cook with a smile and a twinkle in her eye, and he looks back with a grin and asks, "What can I do for you tonight Carol?"
She smiles, "I'm not sure about later Jim, but for now, how about you pack up some chicken a la king, enough for three, and a bag of biscuits to go. Put it all on my bill. I'll make it right tomorrow."
Jim only has one question, "Daryl?"
She answers, "Yes, it's better he hears about this from me before he hears it on the streets."
"Agreed."
Beth's heard the whole conversation and has no idea what in the world is going on, "What…you're going to see Daryl?"
Carol smiles, "Yes, I have to discuss something with him, and I owe him a dinner."
Beth is dying to know what Carol has to tell Daryl, but she can't ask. That would be unforgivably rude. And gosh, what's going on between Jim and Carol? Maybe amy knows, she'll ask when they talk.
When Beth's baking is done she offers to stay and help with the dishes, but Jim says, "No, you put in a long enough day. You get yourself some rest, tomorrow we start it all again."
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Carol's walk is brisk and determined as she makes her way to Daryl's house. She's never had reason to visit him there, but she knows right where it is, she knew the older couple he bought it from.
She arrives just about the time Daryl's coming up the street, carrying his little boy in his arms and whispering in his ear, "You're gonna feel better real soon Teddy, I promise." He looks up, sees Carol and right away he's nervous, "Hey there, everythin' okay?"
Carol's not going to begin this conversation on the street, "Yes, I heard Teddy's down with a little bug so I picked up some dinner at the Solo and I thought we'd eat together."
Daryl's sure now, something's up. This is not the first time Teddy's been sick, but it is the first time anyone besides Erma ever showed up with food because Teddy didn't feel well. He answers, "That's real nice, thanks Carol. Lemme get the door."
Carol smiles as he takes the large paper sack she's been carrying, while still cradling Teddy in his other arm. When the lock is freed he steps back to let her enter first, and she smiles at this man who looks so rough and tough, and has always been a gentleman with her.
Her eyes quickly scan the room and it's every bit as simple as she expected it to be. Aside from the usual living room furniture amounting to a sofa, a chair, a coffee table and one end tables, there's a television set. The only décor is on the built in shelves on the far wall. There are several children's books and a few framed photographs. Two of Daryl and Teddy, one of the Horvath's with Teddy, and one of Daryl and his brother.
"Kitchen's through here," he points and they walk that way.
Like the living room it's clean, and other than absolute necessities it's pretty darn bare. He sets the sack on the table and sets Teddy in a tall chair that he scoots close to the table, then instructs the child, "Ya gotta try'n eat sumthin' tonight Teddy. If you ain't eatin' your body can't fight them germs."
The child's voice is weak and he sounds a little stuffy when he answers, "Yes Daddy. I try real hard."
His Daddy rubs a hand over his head, "Well I guess I can't ask ya for more'n that."
Carol asks, "Can I get the plates?"
It's like a little dance they're doing. For his part, Daryl knows Carol is there for a reason, and it's not to bring him dinner. For her part, Carol's anxious to tell Daryl why she's there, but it's as if they've silently communicated that no one is saying anything with Teddy in the room.
"Oh yeah, thanks, they're in the cabinet next ta the stove." Carol grabs the plates, takes a chance and opens the right drawer for the flatware. In the meantime, Daryl has the still warm bucket of chicken ala king and biscuits wrapped in wax paper out of the big paper sack, and smiles, "Well I see that it ain't just dinner, ya got dessert too."
"I did? I didn't order it."
He shows her the note on the napkin, "Feel better soon Teddy," and they look at each other and nod, "Beth."
Daryl offers, "I'ma get Teddy a glass a juice, ya want some water or tea, maybe a beer?"
Carol smiles at the thought, "I haven't had a beer in quite a while, that sounds good. Thank you."
Daryl nods, "I don't usually drink on a work night, but then I never have company either, so I'll join ya." He grabs two brown bottles from the fridge, pops the caps and pours the amber fluid in a couple of Mason jars, "We ain't too fancy around here," he notes as he sets one in front of Carol.
"Best way to drink beer Daryl, cheers."
Carol's surprised when there's a quick prayer before they begin eating, but then thinks to herself, the Horvaths have had a lot of influence on Daryl, and it's probably all been positive. Like everyone else in town, Carol's pretty sure there's a big past out there with Daryl's name on it.
Daryl's happy to see his boy eat and Carol's delighted when the little guy says, "It's licious Miz Caredle, thank you."
"I can't take much credit, Teddy. Mister Jim cooked the al a king and Miss Beth made the biscuits and your dessert. That woman does have a way with baking, doesn't she?"
"Yes Ma'am."
Daryl smiles and nods, but the way she just looked at him made it clear, whatever this is, it has something to do with Beth. He looks hard in her eyes and asks, "She okay?"
"Yes, she doesn't know anything yet."
Daryl's about to bust, he can't take another minute of this. They're done eating and for once he's going to let the dishes wait til later. Although Teddy's not allowed to eat in the living room, his Daddy offers, "Son, Miss Carol and me got sumthin' we need ta talk about, some boring grown-up stuff. How bout I let ya have your pie in the livin' room. I'll turn the Lone Ranger on the television for ya."
Teddy may be sick and kind of weak, but he's all smiles. Pie and the Lone Ranger, "Yes Daddy, peez."
Carol scrapes and rinses dishes while Daryl gets Teddy settled in front of the television, and when he returns to the kitchen he wants answers right away.
They sit at the table, speaking in hushed voices as Carol begins the story, "I'm telling you this so you have time to think it over before you act Daryl. I think there's a possibility you have a hot temper, and I know you don't want to jeopardize anything concerning Teddy. I still remember you telling your brother that."
He's nodding impatiently, "Yeah, okay, I ain't gonna fly off the handle or nuthin', just ell me. What is it?"
As she tells him what was said at the café, and does not leave out the part about Jim being such a gentleman, she can see Daryl seething. He's like a penned-up bull ready to bust out of his stall, "So Beth heard all this shit?"
"No, she couldn't hear a thing back in the kitchen, the place was jam-packed and there was so much noise. I'm sure she's home in her little apartment right now, blissfully unaware of any of it."
Beth is secretly relieved Jim didn't want her help, and quickly makes her way up the stairs to her apartment. Even though it's only 6:00, it's been a very busy day and it feels like it's midnight. She draws herself a nice warm bath and relaxes in the bubbly water, then slips into her pajamas and robe. She looks at the clothes she wore earlier today hanging on the chair. She doesn't want to press them now, she wants to sit and tell her journal all about the kiss she shared with Daryl. First things first though, she gets out the board and the iron and gets to work.
As she runs the iron along a pant leg she hears the downstairs entry door open and smiles to herself, Carol's home. Seconds later she's startled, nearly jumping out of her skin when there's a hard knock on her door. Oh no, is something wrong? Carol's touch is usually much lighter.
She hurries to open the door and nearly faints when she sees him standing there. "Daryl?"
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A/N Eep! Please leave a comment. As always, the chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. For my U.S. friends, Happy 4th of July! Next Thursday hub and I will be somewhere in the wilds of Alaska, but I still plan to post when I'm in service so, until then, remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee