Chapter Text
00
The Motorcycle Cop Part Two
He can't quite believe she said yes. Shit, now what? His mind is spinning a mile a minute, what's he supposed to do? Then it comes to him, sure why not? It's kinda like something from some romance novel, but he's pretty sure she'll dig a picnic lunch.
Thank God Piggly Wiggly is open 24 hours a day. He stops and picks up everything he'll need to make them lunch.
The next morning he's up early making sandwiches and packing a soft-sided cooler with their meal. He thinks to grab his bed roll and ties it on the bike with the cooler. The old blanket might make that hard ground a little easier for her to sit on.
Everything's ready and he's at the motorcycle shop at 8a.m. buying her a brand new Bell Women's Pit Boss Helmet, shiny black with pink flames. It's a little crazy for his taste, but he smiles because he likes it for her. He can't wait to see her in the damn thing.
Beth doesn't try to kid herself, she is completely smitten with this man and it isn't just his good looks and super sexy build. He's fun, polite and behind what is a seemingly rough, no-nonsense exterior, he's really very sweet and thoughtful.
As soon as Daryl leaves she gets busy. She's too excited to sleep anyway. Just thinking about their date tomorrow has her blood pumping on high. Why not bake a big batch of chocolate chip cookies to take on the ride?
As soon as the cookies cool she packs them in a plastic container and slips the container in her backpack. They'll make a fun snack.
Saturday morning Beth definitely does not dilly dally, she hops right in the shower, dresses, and then does her makeup and hair like she's going somewhere far fancier than a lake. Even with all that, she's still ready to go by 7:30.
She makes her tea and sits down with a new book she started Thursday. The problem is, she can't concentrate. She's way too excited for this day and spending time with Daryl Dixon to think about much else.
The rest of her morning is spent daydreaming about all the possibilities the day holds, but convinced nine o'clock will never arrive. When there's a knock on her door at 8:50 she practically jumps out of her skin, quickly pops a Tic Tac in her mouth and hurries to open it, "Hi Daryl!"
"Hey you, sorry, I know I'm a little early. I guess I'm kinda anxious." She can tell he's embarrassed, that's okay, she is too. Besides, his words make her heart beat a little faster.
She's honest with him, "I'm glad you're here, I've been anxious too. Oh, and I made us a treat to take on our ride."
For a guy who doesn't smile much this woman is making him smile a lot, "Oh yeah, what's that?"
"I baked chocolate chip cookies."
The words "chocolate chip cookies" have never sounded better, but…, "You sure got me beat girl, I brought a package of Chips Ahoy. I guess we can feed mine to the birds and squirrels."
She's been wondering why he's holding one arm behind his back until he brings it around, holds it out and says, "Here. Now you got your own helmet."
She embarrasses herself when she lets out a squeal of delight. He loves that she's so excited, and her excitement is contagious, "Oh my gosh Daryl, this is so cool and I'm never the cool girl, but wow, I guess I am now! And pink flames! How did you know pink is my favorite color."
He almost laughs at the question, her little apartment is decorated almost entirely in shades of pink. But he doesn't laugh, he just smiles as he decides then and there, the money he paid for the helmet is the best money he's ever spent.
Once she's gotten herself on the bike and situated, he turns his head to look at her as best he can. He has an impossibly small smile on his lips when he warns, "Alright girl, my job is to get ya there safe n sound, your job is to hang on tight." What the hell has come over him? He'll never know, but he pretends to be quite serious, "I told ya before Miss, the law is the law. Now obey or there could be trouble."
She plays along, saluting him, "Yessir Officer Dixon. You won't have to tell me twice, Sir."
Maybe a little trouble with Officer Dixon wouldn't be such a bad thing, but she just hangs onto him all that much tighter.
The feel of her arms around him, holding him close and almost burrowing her sweet self right into him, well it's all got him thinking this might be the best Saturday of his life. For her part, Beth's pretty sure she's hanging on a little tighter than she needs to, but she' not going to let go until she has to. She'd be perfectly content holding onto him forever.
Her strong attraction to this man does surprises her. Is this what they call chemistry? She has no idea, but whatever it is she doesn't want the feeling to end. Ever.
Daryl can't believe he's been dealt such a perfect hand. It always feels like things don't often go his way. Everything is always some big damn struggle. But that's not how it's been working out with Beth.
It's been crazy from the start. All he was doing that morning was his job. He had no idea when he pulled her over it was going to be the beginning of…the beginning of what? He doesn't really know the answer to that question, but whatever it is, he likes the way it's going so far.
He wasn't even sure why he'd gone to Smuggler's that night. He hates those hipster bars. He was just riding by on his way to pick up a six pack at the quick mart when for some reason he decided to pop in for a cold one.
The last thing he expected was to walk in the joint and see Beth Greene, yet there she was and it felt kind of like she was waiting for him.
Remembering how it all went, and the fact that this woman has her arms wrapped around him much tighter than necessary, has put a smile on his lips. He has no intention of telling her she can loosen her grip, he'll let her hang on as tight as she likes.
There's a certain spot he wants to take her to and he pulls up there, shuts the ignition off and turns as best he can to look at her, hoping she'll be happy with the place, "This is it."
She carefully dismounts the bike and she's grinning from ear to ear, "Oh my goodness Daryl, this is beautiful! It's so perfect it's almost like a painting. The trees, the wild grasses and flowers, and the gorgeous lake. This would be a great spot for a picnic, gosh, I should have thought to pack us one."
He puts the kick stand down, swings his leg around and he's off the bike, all smiles as he grabs the bedroll and soft-sided cooler from the back. He proudly holds the cooler up, "I got the picnic covered right here." He really does feel kind of proud he thought of the lunch idea, and he's really stoked she likes this place.
She helps him spread the bedroll out under a tree, not far from the water's edge. They sit cross legged and side by side, staring out at the calm lake. "You were right Daryl I never would have believed a place like this was only 35 minutes from the city. How did you find it?"
Now comes the truth. He takes a deep breath and spills it, "I grew up on this piece of property, back then it wasn't too nice. There was always a lot of garbage piled up everywhere, ancient appliances, old rusty cars and parts of cars, scrap wood and metal, just a whole lot of nastiness. And there was an old dilapidated shack."
His eyes tell her this is serious stuff and he's opening up to her. She stays quiet and listens as he continues, "That shack was my home growin' up. My Mom died when I was just a kid, then when my Dad died in a bar fight a few years ago, I decided to pay the back taxes on the place, and it's mine now."
"After that, I worked every weekend and managed to haul all that crap to the dump, includin' tearing down the shack. I been saving all the money I can and last week I got my county buildin' permit. I'm gonna start construction on a house in two weeks."
She assumes there's much more to the story, and from what he's shared and his demeanor, she's pretty sure none of it is good. She won't ask. She'll wait until he's ready to tell her the rest. For now, she says, "I'm sorry about your Dad, but I'm happy for you that you have this beautiful spot. Gosh, I can't think of a more idyllic place for a person to build a home. Will you still keep your job in the city?"
"Yeah I got to, I'm usin' every penny I've saved, and then some, to build the house. It ain't too bad a commute, about 35 minutes and I get to live outta town. Besides, I'd be crazy to quit the force. I was 21 when I joined up and I've been on the job 10 years, I'm halfway to retirement. I also happen to like being a cop." Then he smiles adding, "What other job could I find where I ride a motorcycle all day?"
"It all sounds great Daryl and I'm a little jealous." She gives him the prettiest smile and he lets his instincts take over. He wraps an arm around her shoulders, draws her close and this time his kiss is a lot more than just sweet and tender, it's pretty darn hot and hungry.
They're both a little stunned and breathless, but no one is complaining.
He doesn't want to stop what he started, but he also doesn't want to push. He wouldn't want her thinking that's all he brought her up her for. "Ya wanna walk around the area some, check it out?"
"Oh, well yes, I'd love to." She would have also loved it if he had just kept kissing her.
He gets to his feet and holds out his hand to help her up, "I just gotta get sumthin'." He goes to the bike and reaches into a small pack mounted at the front of the seat. She watches as he retrieves a pistol in an ankle holster, and as he's strapping it on he explains, "I'm s'posed to be carrying all the time, whether I'm on duty or not. I just don't like wearin' it on my ankle when I'm ridin' the bike, and I didn't think you'd appreciate me wearin' a shoulder holster or a sidearm for our date."
She can't help herself, "I don't know about that Officer, I think you'd look kind of sexy with a sidearm, like a cowboy."
She's managed to completely embarrass both of them. Her cheeks are bright red but he handles it with a nervous laugh, then takes her hand and says, "You're quite the girl Beth Greene."
They walk hand in hand, content to just make small talk, or stay quiet and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Suddenly, not 10 yards away a small herd of Whitetail Deer come bouncing by. She squeezes his hand tighter at the sight of the animals. When the deer sense them and scurry off she sighs, "Gosh that's the kind of thing I miss now that I live in the city. I haven't seen any whitetail since I moved to Atlanta."
He looks deeply into those big blue eyes and suggests, "Then I guess that's a good reason for you to come out here and keep me company while I'm buildin' the house." He's nervous, is it too soon for him to be saying shit like that? This is only their first date.
She puts his mind at ease when she says, "I think I'd enjoy watching you swing a hammer Daryl." And he could swear her eyes are twinkling.
He smiles back shaking his head side to side, "Damn girl, you're killin' me." He lets go of her hand and places his on her cheeks, letting his fingers slide back and weave through her hair. This time there's no missing his desire for more.
They've just started walking back toward the bike when her stomach growls so loud they both laugh, "I guess I better feed ya that lunch Beth."
She tells him her truth because she wants him to know how interested she is, "I couldn't eat breakfast this morning, I was too excited about seeing you today."
He doesn't know what to say, but his arm slips around her waist as they walk the last few yards to the bedroll, and the grin on his face has gotten bigger. "Sit down and lemme get the lunch. I'm no chef, but I think I make a pretty good sandwich."
She's impressed. He's made the sandwiches on large French rolls that are stacked with ham, sliced swiss cheese, tomato and lettuce shreds. There's a baggie of pickles and one of peppers, and potato chips. There's also water bottles and sweet tea. "Wow Daryl, this is deluxe. You thought of everything. I'm not sure I can eat this whole sandwich, but I'm sure going to try."
He's so damn happy, "Don't worry if you can't, I'm pretty good at cleanin' up leftovers," and he loves that she giggles at his remark.
"I've never had a man fix me a meal so this is really special. While I make every effort possible to eat this entire delicious sandwich, will you tell me about the home you plan to build?"
This time when they lock eyes his look is more serious. He doesn't know much about women, he's been told most men don't, and he's seen a lot of relationships blow up. Maybe it's those things and his general lack of self-confidence, but he's suddenly overwhelmingly concerned she might just be playing him.
Maybe she thinks it'd be fun, like some kind of game messing around with a cop, a guy who carries a badge and a gun and rides a motorcycle. He's been warned about that stuff ever since he was in training at the academy. There are plenty of "badge bunnies" out there, women who chase cops just to add that particular notch to their belt.
He doesn't think Beth's that kind of person. He's sure she's exactly what she appears to be, and he's already crazy about her. It's just that, what if? He doesn't have room in his life for pain. There's been so much pain already. Does he really want to set himself up for more? Shit, he just watched his buddy Rick go through hell when his wife ran off.
"Before I get into all that, will ya tell me sumthin' Beth?"
For some reason his question makes her nervous, maybe it's the tone of his voice or the look in his eyes, but she nods and answers, "Sure."
He knows he's no good at expressing his thoughts, and he damn sure doesn't want to offend her, but he just needs to know, "Are you always like this on a date? Always givin' guys compliments and actin' interested?" He shrugs, "I guess I'm wonderin' if you're really interested in me and what I'm about, or are we just flirtin' around?"
The bluntness of his question surprises her, a lot, and it's so out of the blue. But once again she opts for getting to the truth of the matter. If he's just scared, she gets it. She had her heart played with once. Still, she's not letting him off the hook too easy, "I'm offended you'd ask, and I don't like feeling I have to explain or defend myself for being nice and complimentary. I'm not flirtatious by nature Daryl, and I'm certainly not a girl who goes out on lots of dates. "
She's just getting started and he already feels like a complete asshole.
"I'm embarrassed to have to say this to you right now, but you asked so here it goes. I feel very drawn to you. I was so excited for today and spending it with you. I know I was bold and flirtatious; I suppose I just wanted to be sure you knew I'm interested. So, that's how I feel and I don't expect to be asked a question like that again, and for the record, as much as I like you? Right now I mostly think you're a big jerk."
What a dumbass. The last thing he wants is to blow this with her. Now he gets honest with her, "Nah, I'm worse than that, I'm a dick and I'm sorry. I was outta line. I wasn't thinkin' enough about your feelings cuz I'm too busy worrying about mine. I like ta think I ain't scared a nuthin', but the truth is I'm scared of this. I got no clue what I'm doin' here or how I should go about this thing with you."
He's told her so much already he may as well let it all go, "Hell, I can't even remember the last time I went out with a woman. I ain't very social and I sure as shit don't have game. I go to work and deal with people just fine, all day. No problem. But when that uniform comes off? I'm a different guy."
He sighs deeply, man, this is hard, "The thing is though, I like ya Beth, but we hardly know each other and, well, it feels serious. All I really wanted was to know if you were feelin' it like I'm feelin' it."
"I am. But here's the thing Daryl, if you're looking for an ironclad guarantee you won't ever be hurt you're not going to find one, and frankly, you are sucking all the romance right out of this day. I'm sorry you're scared, but so am I and sometimes you just have to roll with it and see how things go."
Her stomach growls loudly again and he isn't sure what the hell to do next. He leans in, gives her a quick kiss on the cheek and says, "I'm sorry, you're right about everythin', I hope you can look passed my dumbass behavior. I'm gonna just shut up now and let ya eat."
She almost laughs. In spite of how aggravated she is with him she can see he's struggling. He's awkward and he's clueless about what to say. He might be big and strong, heck, he could probably kill someone with his bare hands, but that doesn't mean he's a tough guy on the inside.
They eat quietly at first each lost in their own thoughts. She's sure no one else has a conversation like the one they they just had on a first date. But the more she thinks about that, the more she likes the idea they're not playing games. They've been open and honest with each other and isn't that the best foundation?
He finally answers her original question, "I got the house plans, drawings I did of the house and the blueprints back at my place in town. If you still want to see 'em, maybe we can swing by there when we're done here."
Thank goodness the heaviness seems to have dissipated, "I think I'd like that very much Daryl." She'd also like to see where and how this man lives. Is he tidy or a slob? That tells a tale itself.
He finishes up his sandwich and she manages to get halfway through hers, smiling, "Wow, I did better than I thought I would. It's delicious Daryl. I could hardly make myself stop eating."
"Yeah well, since ya didn't eat all yours I guess that means you don't get dessert. I get all the cookies, unless you want some Chips Ahoy. You can have all a them you want."
She gives him a playful air punch to the stomach and he doubles over like he's been hurt and insists, "Okay, okay I give up, you can have one." They're both grateful to be back to having fun.
After lunch they lay down on the bedroll, his arm around her and her head on his shoulder. They aren't talking, they're just quietly staring up at the blue sky and sunshine being filtered through the big tree branches. The combination of having had very little sleep the night before, full stomachs and the warmth of the day soon has them napping.
He wakes first and it takes him a minute to get oriented. Then she wakes. "Oh my gosh I had a nap! Wow, that makes this the perfect day!" She laughs softly, "I'm so lucky to be in this beautiful place with a nice guy. I've had a walk in the trees, seen Whitetail deer, had a sandwich the size of my apartment and a nap. Yep, perfect day!"
He pulls her closer, "Thanks for overlookin' what a dumbass I am Beth. I'm gonna try and curb that shit." He kisses her forehead and says, "C'mon let's head ta the shed. I want ya ta see them house plans. I'd like ta have your opinion."
It turns out his place is only about three miles from hers. It surprising to her she hasn't seen him around at the various neighborhood cafés, or at least at the grocery. She would definitely remember him if she had.
His house is cute, a small white cottage-style place. The yard is perfectly kept, everything outside is neat as a pin. Her curiosity is further piqued, she's anxious to see what kind of housekeeper he is. They step in the front door and she almost starts to laugh, oh great, he's a better housekeeper than she is.
There's no fancy furniture or big entertainment centers, just very simple, basic furnishings. Sofa, occasional chair, simple wooden coffee table and area rug in the living room. An equally simple wooden table and chairs in the small dining area. It's sparse, but like the front yard it's as neat as a pin. "You probably gotta use the bathroom, I know I'm gonna."
Oh boy, does she ever need the bathroom, and he points her to it. It's just as clean as the rest of the place. Not at all like she'd expect a bachelor pad bathroom to look like. But then, his place doesn't look like much of a party pad.
When they've both taken advantage of the bathroom, he takes her by the elbow and says, "C'mon I'll show you my drawings."
He leads her to the small guest room he's using as an office. There's a desk, drafting table and a two drawer file cabinet. He lays the drawings out on the drafting table, and she's immediately impressed with the detail. Everything is called out, the material specifications right down to the nails, screws and how many and where.
The renderings of the exterior include the landscaping, trees, plants and flowers. She shakes her head, "Daryl you're so meticulous, my gosh, this must have taken you forever."
He shrugs, a little embarrassed by the compliment, "I took drafting in high school and I guess I had what you call a knack for it, I probably should have gone further with that. Anyway, I've had plenty of time to spend on this stuff while I've been saving to build, which is almost as long as I've been a cop. 10 years a cop, nine years saving for a house."
"I'm lucky the well's already there and septic too, and what would have been the most expensive thing of all, the electricity. Those are about the only things I have to thank my Dad for. He made all those improvements one time when he made a killing on some kind of gambling deal. I guess it was what they call dumb luck. Anyway, just to make sure I'm covered I also secured a line a credit at the bank, but hoping since I'm planning to do a lot of the work myself, I won't need that."
"I wouldn't even know where to begin with construction."
He shrugs his shoulders, "I worked some construction jobs while I was in still in high school and my crazy brother, Merle, is gonna help me out. When he's not in jail or shacked up with a woman somewhere, or in a bar, he works construction. He's got talent for it, a lot of talent. If he didn't no one would put up with his dumb ass. He's what ya call cantankerous."
Even though his remarks about Merle are mostly disparaging, the way he smiles and shakes his head side to side when he talks about the man, she can tell he loves his brother, even if he might not always approve of him.
They sit together on his back porch sipping tea and talking about nothing in particular when he smiles so shyly and asks, "When can I see ya again?"
She doesn't mess around, she knows she's already hooked shoot, he probably knows it too, "Today when we were at the lake I kept thinking how fun it would be if we went swimming. I'm not quite to the point where I'd skinny dip with you, but if I would have had my suit I would have been in that lake."
He smiles but it's a nervous smile, and he seems to be thinking hard about something. All this honesty though, maybe it's good to just get it out in the open, "I'd take ya right back there tomorrow, but I got a problem with the idea of you seein' me without a shirt. You might have a problem with it too."
She can't figure out what that's all about then he stands, sets his tea down on the little table, and says. "I'ma show you this now. Get it outta the way. I can't hide it from ya for long anyway, it's a permanent part a me and if I take you swimmin' it's gonna be right there."
What in the world can he be talking about? Her mind is racing and her heart is too. She's shocked when he reaches his hands behind him and pulls his shirt up over his head, and off. At first she thinks it must be the tattoo on his chest, or the one on the inside of his upper arm. Maybe he thinks she'll be offended. Then he slowly turns around and she sees the scar ravaged skin of his back.
She's never seen anything like it in her life. Yet for some reason she knows right away what must have caused it. He speaks more quietly than she's heard him speak before, "Besides a well, a septic and power lines, my Dad left these lasting reminders of himself for me. The department even made me go to a shrink for a while to deal with all that old bullshit, it's old news now. But the scars are here to stay."
"It's awful Daryl, and disturbing to think someone would cause you so much pain, but if you're asking me if the scars are a dealbreaker, stop worrying. I can see passed them."
He's nervously chewing his bottom lip, then he smiles that nearly imperceptible smile and asks, "Ya wanna go swimmin' at the lake tomorrow?"
"Heck yeah I do and it's my turn to bring the picnic."
After just two weeks they were seeing each other nearly every day. They had their own little routine. Her doorbell would ring at 6:45 every weekday morning and as soon as she opened the door he'd ask, "Ya been gettin' yourself ready for work or have you been readin' and dinkin' around?"
He'd be carrying a cup of hot tea for her and coffee for himself and they'd sit together sipping their beverages and eating toast and eggs, or cereal with fruit until he left for morning roll call.
If they could coordinate lunch breaks they'd meet at the park where she usually brought the food, but often he'd insist it was his turn. Evenings they either had dinner at his place or hers, or if the weather was right and the sun stayed up late, at the building site.
No matter how much time they spent together it never felt enough.
He has a campsite set up on his lakefront property and since construction has started on the house all of his free time is spent working on his dream.
Beth spends all of her Saturdays at the site and although she never thought she would be, it turns out she's a big help to him. She run errands for materials and supplies, helps pound nails, sand and varnish. Whatever she 's capable of doing she does. Merle has started calling her "boss lady" and she doesn't mind at all.
Merle's managing to stay off drugs and he's reasonably sober most of the time, and Daryl was right, he knows what he's doing. He's been such a big help to Daryl. Beth was a little nervous around him at first, but she's learned he's all bluster and no bite. At least with her. He's always pleasant with her. And Daryl's friend Rick has come and installed every door and window in the house. He's such a great guy and a wonderful friend.
Seven months after construction began Daryl gives up his place in town and moves into the new house. There are still some loose ends but he's working on those, and the house has everything he needs to get by.
When it's finally complete he asks her if she'd consider spending the weekend there with him. Although they've been physically intimate for a while, it hasn't really been their style to stay at each other's home.
She doesn't have to think about this though, she just smiles at him, gives him a kiss and says, "Sure, I'll bring the cookies."
As soon as he hears her car drive up he hurries out to meet her, grabbing her things to carry in. "I'm so damn happy you decided ta come Beth."
"Of course I came, there's so much to love about this place. There are the beautiful woods, the gorgeous lake and a certain Motorcycle Cop."
He still gets that embarrassed look when she says those kind of things to him, "You always know how to get to me Beth. I love you too girl. Now c'mon in."
The table cloth she got him is on the kitchen table, and the table itself is properly set right down to the wine glasses. They must be celebrating the completion of his new home. "Everything looks wonderful Daryl. What's for dinner?"
"I'ma grill ya a big steak and I got potatoes roasting now. I thought maybe you'd help me with the salads. I got the ingredients you like, but I know you know how to do that part better'n me. I didn't even eat salad before I met up with you."
"Oh I think I can handle the salad part just fine." She'd do just about anything he asked.
He looks at her with that little smirk she loves so much, "Let's head down by the lake a minute before I cook up them steaks, k?"
"Sure, I'm always ready for a walk with a handsome man."
He leads her to the spot under the tree, the one where they had their first picnic. Before she even notices he says, "Damned someone tagged the tree."
She buys it hook, line and sinker, quickly turning to see the damage. She's smiling but the tears have already flooded her eyes, she can't even believe what she's seeing. He's carved a heart in the trunk of the big tree. "Daryl this is so special, you're special."
He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a little box, "Oh shit, wait, I almost forgot," and gets down on one knee, opens the box and shows her the ring, "Will ya marry me Beth, live with me out here?"
Her arms wrap around his neck and she whispers in his ear, "I can't wait Officer."