Too Far Gone // D. Dixon

chapter forty-five

TRIGGER WARNING

Graphic depictions of violence, sexual assault and strong language.

Reader discretion is heavily advised.

The second the door closed, Daryl took to Maren immediately, "I get that you don't wanna tell me everythin' all the time..." Daryl starts, his voice laced with concern, "But you've been keepin' somethin' from me."

Maren stood still, unsure of how to proceed, "Daryl-" she began, but the bag had slipped from her shoulder, the contents haphazardly spilling out onto the hardwood floor. Maren quickly rushed to pick it up, but it was too late - Daryl had already spotted the boxes.

"What?" Daryl's voice was quiet, almost inaudible as he looked at the box. He picked it up, examining it closely before shifting his shocked gaze back to Maren, "This is why you wanted to go out there today?" The strain in his voice was palpable, hinting at a crack of emotion.

Maren knew she had to tread carefully, "I wanted to make sure before I told you-" she started, trying to explain her reasoning.

"If you thought you were pregnant you should'a told me!" Daryl's voice rose, the hurt and worry evident in his tone. 

"I know..." Maren spoke, moving closer to him, "And I really am sorry. I didn't want to worry you if there wasn't anything to worry about." Daryl allowed her to embrace him, and he returned the gesture, his strong arms enveloping her. He paused for a moment, the realization fully hitting him now. He just needed to know now.

"How the hell do these things work?" he asked, his gruff voice laced with uncertainty.

Maren smiled anxiously, "I just...pee on the stick." 

Daryl's brow furrowed, but he recognized the seriousness of her expression, "Well..." It was clear he was anxious to know, so she nodded.

Maren took the box from his hands and grabbed the other, heading for the bathroom, "Don't worry, I've got it covered." Daryl watched as the bathroom door closed shut, his mind racing as his heart pounded in his chest.

What if she was pregnant? The thought both terrified and intrigued him. He remembered the struggles of caring for Judith on the road, how hard it had been to have a crying infant, but now they had the relative safety of Alexandria, and if it came to it; the Sanctuary. Still, nothing was ever permanent in this new world, and the fear of failing weighed heavily on him. He didn't want to fail Maren and he sure as hell didn't want to fail his kid.

Pulled from his thoughts, Maren emerged from the bathroom, her body visibly shaking. He noticed how pale she was, the bags under eyes still as prominent as before. Daryl was quick to wrap a comforting arm around her, wanting her to feel secure.

"It takes a few minutes..." Maren spoke, the fear evident in her voice as she looked at him, "Daryl, what the fuck are we gonna do?" Daryl brushed her hair behind her ear, his gaze steady and reassuring.

"Whatever that stick says...I'm gonna take care of ya. I always have and I always will." Maren smiled weakly, leaning into his shoulder.

"I don't want to look at it..." she said, wiping her eyes. Daryl nodded, moving towards the bathroom to retrieve the test. Gripping it tightly in his hand, he returned to the bed, sitting down beside Maren. Taking a deep breath, he opened his hand.

Staring back at the couple were two solid pink lines.

"Two lines..." Daryl looked at the test, his brow furrowed in confusion, "What does that mean?" He turned to Maren, whose face had gone pale.

"Two lines is pregnant, Daryl..." she spoke, her voice cracking with emotion, "I'm pregnant."
Daryl felt a surge of terror course through him, but he knew Maren was just as frightened. Pushing down his own panic, he focused on comforting her as she started to cry.

"Talk to me," he said softly, gently wiping the tears from her cheeks with his calloused fingers.

"Daryl, I'm scared..." Maren met his gaze, her eyes shining with fear and uncertainty. He felt his heart break for her, seeing her like this. He knew this wasn't going to be easy, and he had a deep rooted fear within him as he remembered how Lori had died giving birth to Judith. He was making himself sick worrying about Maren and what might happen to her. The thought of something similar happening to Maren filled him with immense dread.

No, he thought, that ain't happening to Maren.

"Look at me, Maren," Daryl said, cradling her face in his hands, "You and this baby are gonna be just fine. I'm gonna make damn sure of it." Maren stared into his eyes, searching for the certainty and resolve she so desperately needed. In that moment, she knew that Daryl Dixon would be there for her, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Without a word, she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his in a passionate, desperate kiss. As they parted, Maren's eyes shone with a mixture of fear and hope. She wasn't sure what the future held, but she knew that Daryl would be there to guide her and protect her, just as he always had. Just like he had promised her.

"I love you, Daryl," she whispered, her voice barely above a tremor, "How did I get so lucky to have you here with me?" Daryl pulled her into a tight embrace, his own fears momentarily eclipsed by the overwhelming desire to keep her and their unborn child safe.

"I love you too, Maren," he murmured into her hair, "We're gonna get through this, together."