Meet Me Under Our Willow (A Daryl Dixon Pre-Apocalypse Love Story)

Chapter 15 - Starting Over

I didn't get much sleep last night, so I decided to get up early and make breakfast for Daryl and Noah. I fry up some pancakes and hash browns for them, the smell makes my mouth water. I hear soft footsteps pad down the hallway towards the kitchen and Noah emerges, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

"Good morning." I greet, dishing up some food for him. He mumbles a response and immediately begins eating.

As I pour a glass of milk for him, I hear more movement in the hallway and am shocked when I see Daryl struggling to reach the kitchen.

"Daryl." I scold and rush over to his side, wrapping an arm around his bare lower back. His arm went around my shoulders as I helped him over to a stool at the island.

"I was going to bring you breakfast in bed so you can rest." I told him as I eased him down to sit.

"I don' need to be pampered."

I put a couple of pancakes and some hash browns on a plate for him and he immediately starts shoveling it into his mouth. I see Noah raise his eyebrows, impressed. He looks over at me like I might have an explanation or something. I chuckle and shrug my shoulders.

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After I helped Daryl back to my bedroom to take a shower, I came back out to the kitchen to clean up. Noah came out and helped me, too, which I was grateful for.

"So, that's the guy you grew up with?" he asked as I wiped down the counters.

"Yes." I said, "Why?"

He shrugged, "I don't know, just wondering."

It's quiet for a moment before he speaks up again, "Why were you guys on such bad terms when you moved?"

"Well, um, the house wasn't big enough for our family anymore, so we had to move. Daryl was really upset about it, and long story short, we didn't get to say goodbye to each other."

"So it was my fault, right?" he snapped, "Just like every other bad thing that's every happened to our family."

"No." I immediately disagreed, shaking my head.

I come around the counter to fully face him and place my hands on his shoulders, "Whether you believe it or not, you were the best thing that ever happened to me."

His eyes snapped up to meet my gaze as I continued, "Without you, my life would've been so boring."

He smirked and chuckled, and I finish, "You may be a pain in my ass, but I love you very much. And I am so proud of you."

I pull him into me for a hug, which he gladly returns.

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That afternoon, I changed Daryl's bandages and helped him put a shirt on.  We were currently sitting in the screened in porch enjoying the cool breeze. We sat in a comfortable silence sipping beers.

Daryl cleared his throat, "I-uhm, never thanked you for helping me last night."

I looked over at him, "It's no problem, really. You can come to me for anything."

He nodded a little, then looked away. An idea dawned on me,

"How about this," I started, "let's start fresh. We can forget about all the bad stuff that has happened and focus on the future."

"I'd like tha'." he agreed.

I held up my beer as a toast, "To starting over."

We clinked glasses and drank, both of us finishing the bottles. I watch in confusion as a motorcycle whips into my driveway, causing Daryl to curse. I almost immediately recognize the man dismounting the bike as Daryl's older brother, who is nothing but trouble.

"Hey, baby brotha!" Merle says when he spots Daryl. Daryl goes to get up and I shoot up from my chair to help him.

"The hell ye doin' here, Merle?" Daryl spits.

"I hate to break up yer little game of house here, but I'm here to bring ye home, baby brotha." Merle said, coming closer to the porch.

"Why?" I ask, finding my voice.

He looks stunned, "Well, well, aren't you a mighty fine little thin'. But, I ain't here for ye, I'm here to bring Darylina home. Pops has been askin' for ye."

"He will not go near his father." I spoke up.

"Let 'im speak for 'imself." Merle spat.

"What does he want?" Daryl asked his brother.

"He didn't say. It probably has to do with tha' ass whoopin' you got."

I cringe a little and Daryl bites his bottom lip in contemplation. I can't believe he's actually debating this. The obvious answer is no.

"A'ight." Daryl agrees.

"Daryl." I protest.

"That's what I'm talkin' about! Now, come on, boy. Ye know how Pops don't like waitin'." Merle said, going over to his bike.

Daryl starts to head down to his truck, and I help him, protesting the whole way. He gets into the drivers side and starts the truck.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked him.

"I need to get him outta my life. For good."

I sigh, "Just...meet me under our tree in an hour."

He nods his head in agreement and I add softly, "Be careful."

I lean in and kiss his cheek, and he blushes.

"Wrap it up, love birds! We don't got all day!" Merle yells, revving his engine.

I step back and shut Daryl's door for him and watch them pull out.

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After a stressful hour, I make my way to the willow tree in anticipation. When it comes into my view, I already see Daryl pacing in front of the tree. I pick up my pace and Daryl sees me, coming towards me.

I open my mouth to speak, but am cut off by Daryl grabbing my face and passionately kissing me. When we pull apart, we're both catching our breaths.

"I've been wantin' to do that since this mornin'." Daryl said, resting his forehead on mine.

"What took you so long?" I asked, grinning.

He smirked and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear.  I lean in and capture his lips in mine once again.