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I Will Follow You Into The Dark

Chapter 12

The bath did him a world of good. Even though Daryl knew they couldn't really be sure they were safe in their present location, it was nice to have a few minutes to feel normal again. He'd even taken the trouble to shave the random facial hair that had sprouted up the last few weeks and neaten the hair he intended to keep. He couldn't help stop and shake his head when he found the clothes Beth laid out for him. The wife-beater he could tolerate as long as it covered his scars, but the red and green plaid flannel pants.
What the Hell's this for...Christmas morning?
In the end, he opted for the plaid pants. What good would it do goin' to bed after a bath in dirty clothes?
Goin' to bed...
He hadn't really thought much about that until now. There were two beds in the house. He wanted to sleep with her...beside her...something he had never allowed himself to do with women before the world went to Hell. They'd been sleeping beside each other...but did she just do it because she had to? And when he'd kissed her earlier...what if that scared her off? He knew he wanted to kiss her again...
Fuck it...If she doesn't want you next to her, she'll tell you...and then you'll just've been rejected by a girl you never deserved in the first place.
In regular situations, he didn't mean to move about in stealth mode, but silence was like second nature to him, even before the world wide death spiral began. He stopped instantly at the door at the sight of Beth. She sat perched in the middle of the bed, the absurdly pink bathrobe had fallen off her shoulder baring her pale back. Her hair was still wet and hung in loose twisted ropes down her bare back. Her shapely white legs were bent as she smoothed lotion over them, never once sensing he was near.
Daryl soundlessly retreated back into the darkness of the hallway, pressing his back to the wall and taking a deep breath.
She's so small...how can her legs go on forever?
And holy shit...what in the Hell's she wearing?
Maybe for a different woman...girl...other than Beth...not around him...the nightgown wouldn't have been scandalous. He just wished there was more of it.
What's wrong with you? Man the fuck up!
Daryl entered the room without hesitation, just like he'd come straight from the bathroom and didn't stop to see her luxuriating. He was deliberately assertive entering the bedroom to leave no question about his intention to sleep there so she could say her peace if she pleased. He leaned his crossbow against the wall and slipped the two guns he carried under the pillow closest to the door. He checked the room earlier to see if he thought it was secure enough to sleep in because a real bed sure seemed like a good deal...but the unsecured windows bothered him. Luckily though, the windows were obscured by the overgrown shrubs outside offering concealment, at least enough that he was willing to risk it for a night in a bed. With Beth safe by the windows, he would take the door.
She smiled at him softly as he placed his guns. She smoothed lotion up her leg, over her knee, and across her thigh, the gown creeping up to a point he didn't think he should be seeing. He turned away feeling flushed...Dammit...be an adult...and "repositioned" his crossbow closer to the bed.
"How was your bath?" Beth questioned politely.
"It was good you know...just missin' the bubble bath."
Beth gave a little half laugh, and he continued to "fix" his bow. In his old life, if a woman had done what Beth was doing, he would've thought she was coming onto him or she was a tease...but Beth was far too unworldly...he couldn't think of the right word for her...to realize her actions where seductive or would have and effect on men...innocent...was that the word he was looking for?
When he finally turned around, Beth had slipped off the robe entirely and was smoothing lotion up her arms.
"Aren't you cold Lil' Bit?" He questioned, turning away again, this time to shut and lock the door. She hadn't protested his presence, so it seemed "safe" to stay.
God Beth...you need to cover up...
"No...I'm good. I'm actually warmer than I've been in a long while."
Shit, you don't say...me too.
There was nothing left to do but deal with it and change to a more neutral subject. He sat on the edge of the bed, back against the headboard, legs stretched out in front of him. It felt damn good. He picked idly at the plaid pattern in the pants as Beth finally set the lotion aside.
"You know...I'll never forgive you if we have to run in the middle of the night and I'm in these pajamas," Daryl informed her. "Plaid pants don't really inspire fear in your enemies," his voice was gruff, but he knew she would understand he was only teasing...for the most part.
"I don't know Daryl. You really seem to be rocking the tartan plaids." She smiled, still perched in the middle of the bed, very close to him...but how was tonight any different than the other nights?
"Yeah, well, I haven't slept in actual pajamas since I was like twelve or thirteen." It seemed like now he was even unconsciously more willing to share pieces of who he was. He surprised himself a little.
"So, what did you wear to bed before everything fell apart?" The question was asked so innocently.
"...clothes..." Shit, you hesitated too long. He felt a wry smile spread across his face and wished he could slap it away.
"Oh...oh..." Beth apparently understood the implication of his answer and blushed enough that he could see it even in the candle light.
"God you smell amazing!" Fuck, did you really just say that out loud?!
"You think so? I know right?" Beth immediately shifted from embarrassed to comfortable again. At least him making a jackass outta himself served a higher purpose. "It's the lotion. It's called vanilla cupcake batter." She extended her hand toward him so he could better take in the scent. "Doesn't it smell awesome...make you want to eat my hands right off?"
Daryl couldn't help laughing wholeheartedly; the context of their world was so absurd.
"Boy Lil' Bit...I don't think you wanna be sayin' anything about someone wanting to eat your hands off...I'm sure there'd be plenty of takers."
"Daryl...you're so mean to me!" Her words had no effect on him 'cause he could barely make them out through her giggles.
The awkwardness of the situation quickly faded with his laughter and her giggles, and he soon found himself in the familiar situation of Beth at his side, her arm resting across his chest. Except this time, it was a real bed, with warm blankets, and pillows that were almost too fluffy for his liking, but he wasn't gonna complain none. Beth snuggled closer, but it didn't seem like it was outta fear or cold...maybe it was just what she wanted.
"Beth..." he said softly incase she had already fallen asleep.
"Yeah?"
"You really kicked ass today." Always give credit where credit was due.
"Really?" She asked like she didn't believe what he was saying.
"Really." He told it true.
Beth fell asleep quickly, and he was on the way there too...there was just one last thing on his mind.
Hey J.C., if that was you out there helpin' us today, thanks for watching our backs. If your takin' requests, could you please watch out for Beth. She don't deserve this. She's probably too good for this world, but I'm not ready to give her up when I just found her. If this is close to a prayer, Amen. Oh, and J.C., if you don't recognize me, I'm Daryl Dixon. I'm a better man than my father. I'm a better man than my brother. I'm a better man than I used to be. And if it ain't too much to ask, could you help me be good enough...to save her?

Notes

Comments

@Smokey85
Awww...thank you so much for coming back to read! You are amazing. I truly appreciate it!

Aireabella Aireabella
3/30/19

I am so happy you are back! I love your stories and always look forward to your updates! Thank you for sharing your work :)

Smokey85 Smokey85
3/26/19

@McDrogoInaNewWorld
So glad that you enjoyed it! It always makes my day when I can make people happy by doing what I love! Thank you so much!

Aireabella Aireabella
6/14/18

Yay!!! Another great chapter on the books, can’t wait to see what happens next!!

@blesdirishangel
Thank you so much for coming back to my fic and for your comment! I am glad that you love the update. You are amazing!

Aireabella Aireabella
6/7/18