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Losing your voice isn't fun. Beth knew she should have taken it easy on all the singing but she just couldn't help herself. Before, Christmas was always her favorite time of the year. Then after, not being able to celebrate it for the last two years, she missed it. Christmas carols were flowing out of her. Now here she sits, on Christmas Eve, hoarse and unable to utter a single note and she can't even begin to make herself regret it.
Except for the fact that she lost her voice right before the Christmas party. It was the first Christmas party at the prison and everyone was doing their part to pitch in wherever they could. Everyone wanted her to lead them in some Christmas carols. But since she lost her voice, a woman from Woodbury named Annabelle, led the group. She was pretty and had a nice voice so it all worked out. Beth couldn't speak so she couldn't mingle during the party, although she tried her best. But speaking hurt her throat and she eventually gave up, deciding to try and give her voice some much needed rest. Instead she listened and took in the general splendor happening around her.
They had decorated the prison as best as they could. They found all the decorations from the houses nearby. Rick was telling one of his cop stories near the tree they put up in the cell block. A combination of plastic and paper ornaments adorned the tree. The Christmas lights twinkled as Glenn and Daryl laughed while playing a drinking game. The women from Woodbury were over by the stockings admiring Rick and Daryl like they always did. Carol reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to the kids. It was wonderful and she was thankful they had this party.
She remembers when the party got suggested a couple of weeks ago. They had all been outside eating lunch. Beth had Judith and was sitting at a picnic table with Maggie and Michonne. Beth noticed Daryl working on his bike while Rick was out in the garden. She snuck glances at Daryl like she always did.
She didn't know when her crush on the redneck happened. One day he went from Daryl, a member of her family. Then suddenly he was Daryl , the kind, caring, rugged man that would do anything for them. It seemed to happen overnight but she knows that's not true at all. Her crush developed gradually, over time, until she could longer ignore it. Of course, she did ignore it and didn't tell a soul. It was embarrassing. There's no way in the world Daryl would ever give her the time of day. Eventually Maggie figured out her secret and teased her for it but relented because every time she did, Beth's face would turn beet blood red. Maggie was her annoying big sister but she also knew when to give Beth her space.
On that particular day, Daryl got up from his bike and walked over to Rick. They exchanged a few words and headed to get themselves some food. With their plates full, they came and sat with Beth, Maggie and Michonne.
“Afternoon ladies.” Rick said as he lowered himself next to Michonne.
Daryl sat next to Beth. She knew it wasn't because he wanted to sit next to her. He wanted to be next to Judith. Judith was his best friend. “Good afternoon, Lil Asskicker. You bein good for Beth today?” He whispered to the infant. Judith grinned big at Daryl and laughed when he tickled her belly.
Rick scowled at Daryl. “Wish you wouldn't call her that.”
Daryl met his gaze. “Why? It's her name.”
Rick rolled his eyes. “You're the only one that calls her that.”
Daryl shrugged him off, turning his attention to the baby in Beth's arms. “That's cause she loves it. Don’t ya sweetheart?”
Beth heard a collective sigh from a couple of tables over. She didn't have to turn her head to know who it was. The women from Woodbury. There were five of them that were all close and they all were in love with Rick and Daryl who both were completely clueless. Beth's eyes met Michonne's and Maggie's amused gazes. They heard it too. Beth glanced at Daryl and Rick who were too into their own conversation about the next run to even notice.
Maggie watched the table of Woodbury women for a moment. “Looks like Annabelle might make her move today.”
Beth gasped. “Really?”
Michonne looked at the table too. “Oh yeah she's definitely gonna make a move. Look, they are all hyping her up now.”
Beth glanced around the prison yard like she was looking for something, trying not to be obvious that she was spying. Michonne was right. The four other women are talking to Annabelle enthusiastically and looking at their table every few seconds. Beth turned her head and nodded to Michonne and Maggie.
Maggie asked. “Okay, which one is Annabelle into again?”
Michonne and Beth answered at the same time.
“Daryl.”
“Rick.”
Hearing their names, the guys turned their attention to them. “Yeah?” They both said in unison.
Maggie dismissed the guys. “We weren't talking to you.”
Daryl's eyebrows furrowed. “Then why'd ya say our names?”
“We're trying to figure out which one of you Annabelle has a thing for.” Maggie explained nonchalantly.
Both of the men looked terrified by the idea. But Michonne didn't pay them any mind as she looked at Beth. “She's into Daryl.”
Beth shook her head. “She’s into Rick. She is always looking for an excuse to talk to him.”
Michonne narrowed her eyes at Beth. “Then why have I caught her checking Daryl out on multiple occasions?”
Beth rolled her eyes at the weak argument. “They all do that.”
“Who does that?” Daryl asked suddenly.
“The women from Woodbury.” Maggie replied quickly.
“Tracy is the one who is in love with Daryl.” Beth said confidently.
Michonne nodded. “She is but so is Annabelle. Dana is the one who is in love with Rick.”
Maggie chimed in then. “Actually she's been a little wishy-washy. She goes back and forth between the two of them.”
Rick injected. “We are right here, you know?”
All three women said in unison. “We know.” And then laughed.
“How can you be sure they even like us?” Daryl asked in a genuine tone.
Beth gave him a pointed look and said sarcastically. “That's cute.”
“Woman, I ain't cute.” Daryl growled back at her.
Beth knew he's all bark and no bite so she didn’t let it bother her. What did bother her was how he could be so oblivious to these women's obvious attempts at flirting with him. Daryl's a smart guy. How could he not know what they were trying to do?
Maggie interrupted her train of thought. “Guess we're about to find out who Annabelle prefers.”
Michonne glared at Beth. “It's Daryl.”
Beth shook her head harder. “No way. She only has eyes for Rick.”
Michonne asked. “Care to make it interesting?”
“What do you have in mind?” Beth considering her friend carefully.
“If I'm right, you gotta wash my clothes for a week.” Michonne said.
Beth thought on the proposal quickly. “Fine. But if I'm right you gotta change Judy's poo diapers for a week.”
“Deal.” Michonne agreed.
Maggie put on a fake smile and said. “Here she comes.”
A few moments later, Annabelle appearred behind Beth. “Hey everyone.” Her eyes swept over the group before landing on Daryl. “Daryl, thank you so much for getting that deer for us. It was a real treat.”
Michonne looked at Beth with a smug look as if to say see . But Beth helf her ground and barely lifted a finger telling her, wait for it .
Daryl coughed uncomfortably and avoided making eye contact with Annabelle. “Sure no problem.”
Annabelle looked at Rick and smiled sweetly. “Rick. Could I speak with you for a moment?” There was a brief pause before she added. “Alone?”
Rick who was done with his food looked a little stricken but nodded. “Yeah.” He stood up, looking down to hide the flush on his cheeks as gathered his plate and silverware. “Let's go over here.”
He and Annabelle walked away and Beth smiled victoriously at Michonne. Michonne whispered, “That doesn't mean anything.”
“Oh it so does. Did you see that smile she gave him?” Maggie said.
“I saw the smile. And I also see her laughing and touching his arm.” Beth smiled widened in satisfaction.
Michonne and Maggie turned their heads and watched Annabelle flirt shamelessly with Rick. Michonne raised her hands in defeat. “Fine you win.”
“Just in time too. Someone has a dirty diaper.” She said as she passed off Judith to Michonne who was now glaring at her. Still, she took the child and carried her away to make good on her end of the bet.
Beth popped some food in her mouth and looked over to Daryl who was just staring at her. “What?” Beth asked, confused by his expression.
“Do y'all do this all the time?” He inquired with a scowl on his face.
“Pretty much.” Beth shrugged. “It's almost as good as the Bachelor.”
“The what?”
She waved a hand at him. “A TV show from before. You would have hated it.”
He scoffed and turned back to his plate. “Y'all need better things to do.”
She glared at him and quipped right back. “And you need to learn how to tell when a woman is flirting with you. Your cluelessness makes it all the more fun.”
He squirmed under her gaze but kept quiet. Then Rick reappears at the table. Maggie, unable to stand it asked. “So what did Annabelle want?”
“She wanted to get my advice on addressing the council. Apparently Christmas is coming up and her and few other people were talking about wanting to celebrate it and throw a party.” Rick paused. “And she may or may not have asked me to be her date if the council approves the party.”
Beth smiled brightly. “I knew it! And I think celebrating Christmas is a great idea.”
Daryl huffed. “It seems like a waste of resources if ya ask me.”
“It is but it's okay to celebrate and live a little.” Rick advised his friend.
Daryl shrugged. “Well it ain't up to just me. The council will vote on it.”
That was the end of the conversation. At the next council meeting, Annabelle pleaded her case for the Christmas party and it passed unanimously. Everyone was so excited and really got in the spirit.
Everyone except Daryl. He was his normal surly self as usual. Not that anyone expected him to behave any differently. He seemed to not like the idea of Christmas for some unknown reason. Beth knew he had a rough childhood. Maybe that was why. She hoped this Christmas would show him how wonderful Christmas truly was. He seemed to have fun at the party so at least that was something.
Beth smiled at the memory of Daryl laughing at the party as she roamed the dark and quiet cell block, unable to sleep. She was sick of being cooped up inside the prison. It was cold out but she had a thick sweater on. Maybe a midnight stroll might be just the thing she needed to unwind.
She opened the door leading outside quietly and stepped out into the darkness. The air was frigid and she could see her breath coming out in little gray wisps and swirls. Wrapping her cardigan around her a little tighter, she scanned her surroundings. On a picnic table in the outdoor kitchen area, she saw the silhouette of someone. There was a tiny glowing orange light. She realized the silhouette was Daryl and the orange light was the cigarette he's smoking.
She walked up to him, hugging herself tightly to stay warm. “Hey.” Her voice croaked.
He winced at her greeting. “Beth what're you doin’ out here. You'll catch your death. You already sound like shit.”
She glared at him. “Gee thanks.”
His eyes softened apologetically. “Sorry.”
“I couldn't sleep.” She admitted with a rasp. “Plus I'm sick of being stuck inside.”
He nodded. “You wanna go for a walk? I’s gonna do a perimeter check after I'm done with this.”
Beth smiled at the invitation and instead of saying yes, she simply nodded. He nodded in return and finished his cigarette. They didn’t talk for a long while as they began their walk but it was a comfortable silence.
Daryl eventually broke it though. “I don't think I've ever heard ya this quiet before.”
She narrowed her eyes at him and almost smarted off to him when he held up a hand. “I didn't mean it bad. I’s just sayin’.” He kicked some rocks and continued. “Did ya have fun at the party?”
Beth looked over at him and smiled. “Yeah. You seemed to be having fun too.”
He smiled sheepishly. “That wasn't me. It was all the alcohol.”
She giggled and they fell silent again. A few minutes passed, then Beth's curiosity got the best of her. “Can I ask you something?” Her voice broke in the middle of the question and she blushed from embarrassment.
“I don't know. Can you?” He quipped at her. She shot him a dirty look and he huffed a laugh. “Sure, go ahead.”
“Why do you hate Christmas so much?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, but she could tell he heard the question all the same.
His expression darkened and he looked away from her. “Christmas wasn't a big to do at my house especially after my ma passed. My piece of shit dad didn't ever give us nothin’ and I sure as shit didn't get anything from Santa Claus. It wasn't the most wonderful time of the year for me. It was just another shitty day.”
Imagining young Daryl going through that made her sad. She knew he had a rough home life but she can't imagine his daddy not caring enough to even get his kids a present for Christmas. But she remembered the farm and when he got hurt. He had scars like her Daddy's. She knew his dad or someone in his life beat him so hearing all this isn't exactly a surprise the more she thought about it.
“Sorry.” She looked down ashamed to have asked him in the first place.
“It's alright.” He dismissed it so easily. Then he said shyly. “Sorry you lost your voice.”
She grinned up at him. “It's okay. It's my own fault. Christmas was always my favorite time of the year. I sang so much that I quite literally made this a Silent Night for myself.” She joked and his lips twitched. “At least Annabelle helped lead the Christmas carols at the party.”
“She can't sing as good as you.” He said quietly.
She gave him a curious look. “I thought my singing annoyed you.”
If she didn't know any better and if it wasn't so dark, she could have swore he was blushing. He shrugs. “Well there ain't no jukebox so…”
A shiver ran down her spine and Daryl noticed. “Here.”
He shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. Beth felt her face flush but quickly righted herself. She mouthed a thanks to him and he gave her a simple nod for a you're welcome. They stayed quiet until they were back inside the prison. They were in the common area where the party took place and stopped at the cell block entrance.
Beth handed him back his jacket. “Thanks for letting me borrow your jacket. And for the walk.”
He took the jacket from her. “No problem.” He hesitates before adding. “Anytime.”
She looked up at him as he stared back at her. The air had shifted from something comfortable to electric. Her eyes landed on his mouth for a brief moment, then she looked up and away quickly so he wouldn't notice. Then she saw it. Hanging directly above them. She blushed.
Daryl caught her change in mood and asked. “What?”
She shook her head, embarrassed. “It's nothing.” Still, she found herself pointing up as she avoided his gaze.
Daryl looked up, seeing the mistletoe for the first time. “Oh.” He coughed and shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably.
Beth looked anywhere but at him and whispered. “We don't have to.”
Daryl was quiet for a long moment then said. “But it's bad luck if we don't, ain't it?”
Beth's eyes snapped to his in surprise. She didn’t answer him with words, but she nodded yes, too afraid her ugly voice would ruin the moment. She watched his eyes track the movement. It was like he could see right through her with those piercing blue eyes of his. Did he know how she felt about him? How big of a deal this was for her? To her knowledge he hasn't been with anyone since the start and if watching him with the Woodbury women, he seemed pretty clueless and disinterested in any sort of romance.
Don't make this a big deal. It's just mistletoe. It's just a kiss. He's not actually interested in you.
He leaned down and her back found the cold stone wall behind her. Suddenly he was in her space. She was aware of how big he is compared to her and she felt small, safe. His hand was on the wall beside her head and he seemed to be everywhere. His eyes closed and she gasped when his free hand lifted her chin to him. Her lips met his and began to kiss him back tentatively. Her lips parted slightly and Daryl groaned when their tongues touched. She was overwhelmed by all the sensations. Their lips and tongues moving perfectly together. Daryl's scent of nicotine and woods filled her nose. She melted when he moved a hand to her lower back and brought her even closer to him. The kiss was slow and sure. It was the best kiss she's ever had in her life. If this were a movie, there would be fireworks. She couldn’t believe this was actually happening.
Eventually he pulled away so they both could catch their breath. He seemed just as affected as she was. His lips were swollen and he watched her carefully. She smiled at him and he smiled back.
“Merry Christmas Daryl.” Beth said breathlessly. Unable to help herself, she kissed him again. She pulled away and blushed again for the millionth time tonight.
“Merry Christmas Beth.”