Inspired by — ("I was nobody. Nothin'. Just some redneck asshole with an even bigger asshole of a brother.")

I.

Once word spread out that Merle Dixon was transferred to another facility hundreds of miles away, the town burst into rumors, confusion, and spats. Once word spread out that it had been a year since, the town grew louder in their opinions and confusion.

Beth didn't blame them considering how small and of hearing distance the town was. It was rare for anything that had Dixon written all over it to leave town without causing a stir.

People didn't find out from a drunkard in a random pub or a reckless customer of Merle's. No, in fact, people found out once his brother became the janitor of a school.

For the first two weeks, every single word or sentence was about him. There were so many questions unanswered. One actually had the gall of approaching the man and asking him outright what the hell he was doing here.

Ever since then, the "bold" teenager avoided the younger Dixon at all costs.

That caused another round of rumors and whispers.

Beth felt for him. She knew what it was like to be the talk of the town. However, it was must be worse for him because of his last name. The Dixons were everyone's target, and she wondered how it was for him when he was younger.

Like everybody else, she was curious, though. How was nobody aware of Merle Dixon transferring to another facility? If someone got pregnant, the town was in a quiet uproar about it. It didn't make any sense.

And what made Daryl suddenly step out from the woods — everybody knew he lived in isolation and steered clear away from his land — and accept a job as a janitor surrounded by teenagers? How could the administration hire him? Surely at least two people would've voiced their opinions about a Dixon tainting the school.

Despite the stir amongst the student body and school admin, Daryl hadn't once caused any problems. He did his job and stayed quiet. His last name and overall demeanor was enough for teenagers to stay away from him. At times, he'd tell a teenager off for horse playing and almost hitting another person or for deliberately creating a mess.

He wasn't even your ordinary janitor. The school didn't have to spend the budget for repairs because Daryl knew his way around tools. It didn't matter if it was a plumbing problem or if one of the desk's legs were loose. He performed his duties well, and perhaps that was why the school administration didn't let him go.

The first time she heard him speak was when Jimmy and his friends were putting each other into headlocks. They accidentally bumped into Daryl who was busy mopping up some spillage.

From her locker, Beth saw Jimmy and his friends freeze up once Daryl slowly turned around to look at them. She felt herself holding her breath and squeezing the locker door, waiting to see what was going to happen.

Even though she was across them, she noticed how broad Daryl's shoulders are. And even though they were all taller than him, for some reason, she knew he could take them on easily.

"Quit playin' 'round and get to class," Daryl grunted out before turning and continuing his task.

Jimmy and his friends nodded and stuttered out an apology. The relief was present in their eyes.

Before Jimmy could offer to walk her to her class, Beth closed her locker quietly and left.

Daryl could've yelled out expletives, slammed the mop to the ground, and roughed the boys up for bumping into him. That was what they expected as well as the surrounding bystanders. Hell, Beth anticipated it.

But it didn't happen.

From then on, whenever she thought of her school's janitor, she didn't think much of him and just went along with her business.

—0—

A fight broke out during the middle of lunch. It wasn't that surprising or interesting since it happened from time to time. What high school didn't have their typical lunch fights?

But it was different because Carl was involved.

As soon as Beth saw the familiar mop of brown hair fall to the ground, she abandoned her lunch tray and maneuvered through the crowd. She even so far as roughly pushed people away to get to the scene of the fight.

When she finally arrived to the front, she didn't realize all the cheering ceased.

Daryl, the school's janitor, the man tainted by the Dixon name, had Carl in a headlock. The other guy was on the floor, broken nose and all.

Carl's eyes met her wide, concerned ones. Hers widened once she saw the iciness and hostility clouding his vision. He shut his eyes tightly. His teeth was clenched, jaw taut.

"I suggest y'all go back to your lunches," Daryl said lowly, but everybody heard him.

Since the entire student body was well aware of Daryl's reputation and personality, everyone complied almost immediately and scampered back to their respective tables. A few remained — some of the other guy's friends, some Carl's — but once they saw Daryl's glare flash their way, they left, tripping over their own feet.

Beth didn't realize she was the only remaining until Carl was standing in front of her. Behind her, Daryl lifted the other guy by the back of his shirt rather roughly.

"Don't tell," Carl pleaded quietly to her. She noticed the black eye forming beneath all the blood. He was clutching his left side.

"Lil' too late there, Rocky," Daryl announced. The other guy was standing next to him, head bowed down. "Principal's headin' over here."

He placed a hand on Carl's shoulder and walked with him. With his other hand, he shoved the other guy forward to get him going. Beth automatically knew which side he was on.

When he passed her, Daryl muttered, "Best sit down already, girl. They gon' think you part a' this."

"Carl's my friend," she argued. Once she said that, he actually regarded her, though fleetingly.

Carl's head lowered even more in shame.

—0—

Beth couldn't listen to the teacher's lecture any longer. She wanted to know what was happening with Carl in the principal's office. She had to see how he was doing. She felt for the boy because he used to be filled with vibrancy and goofiness and was known for his harmless pranks.

Ever since Lori Grimes's death, Carl got into a lot of fights mainly because his classmates provoked him by mentioning his mother and the scandal between her and Shane Walsh, Rick's former partner. Rick wasn't the same affable man he used to be. Nowadays, he managed a smile for show, but at least he wasn't the same man he was as soon as tragedy struck him and his family.

Judith Grimes was the miracle to come out of the sadness. Still within her mother's womb, the doctor had to perform C-section, and once the baby entered the world screaming and crying, relief came. Hope came.

Despite the new addition to his family, Rick still had his off moments. Sometimes he'd stare off in the distance as if he was seeing someone.

She raised her hand, catching her teacher's attention. "May I use the restroom, please?" she asked politely.

The teacher gave her permission. Beth all but jumped off the stool, grabbed the lavatory pass, and made a hasty exit. She headed straight for the principal's office. She saw the other guy exit the office with his parents behind him.

"Where's Carl?" she demanded, paying his parents no mind.

He nodded his head toward the door that led to the baseball field.

Beth saw Carl sitting on the side of the wall about a few feet away. He wasn't alone. She spied a water fountain and hid behind it. From this position, she could hear bits of their conversation.

" … pissed me off," Carl was saying. "He was the one egging me on, Daryl. I had to do something."

"Ain't you, Carl. You're better," Daryl said, smoking his cigarette. Beth wondered how he never got caught smoking on school grounds. "Ya just 'bout gave him the reaction he was aimin' for."

"Yeah, but I'm not the one with the broken nose and split lip."

"Don't act all smug there, boy. 'Specially with you sportin' that shiner."

"He said my mom was a slut."

"Tch, lil' fuck. Shoulda broken his teeth instead."

Carl had a hint of a smile there.

Beth felt a smile on her face, as well. Despite his gruff personality, Daryl had a way with words through Carl.

The door behind her opened, smacking Beth's arm. She cried out in pain and stood up, clutching her arm in the process.

The sound attracted the attention of the males across her way. From her peripheral vision, she saw both of them stand up. Her face burned with embarrassment, and she refused to look their way.

"Beth?" Rick asked, holding the door. "You all right?"

She clutched her arm and nodded. "Yes, Sheriff," she muttered.

"What're you doin' here anyway?"

Beth didn't get a chance to reply because Carl and Daryl were in front of them now. She still didn't look at them.

"Rick," Daryl greeted once.

Rick nodded at Daryl in response before targeting his eyes toward Carl who was staring at the ground rather interestedly. He crossed his arms over his chest.

"Explain, Carl," Rick said seriously.

"He talked badly 'bout mom. I'm not gonna let anybody do that and let 'em get away with it, Dad," Carl said, sighing. "I know. It's wrong, and I shouldn't do it again. I'm grounded for a month and I gotta start watching Judith more and let Beth focus on her studies and hell yeah, did the asshole deserve it."

Rick looked taken aback at his son's reaction. He glanced briefly at Daryl. "Guess most of my work here is done for me. But — " he stepped forward, placed a hand on Carl's shoulder, and leaned down to talk to him properly " — not only do you gotta watch Judy more, you also gotta help out at Hershel's farm."

Carl looked like he was about to complain, but Daryl smacked him on the shoulder with the back of his hand. Beth was surprised he got away with it. Daryl must have some sort of history with the Grimes family, particularly Rick.

"The principal said you're suspended for a week. Supposed to be two, but I told her about you helping Hershel out."

Beth felt like she should've left ever since but still didn't move. She didn't want to attract any more attention. She continued clutching her arm, though the pain lessened, and remained quiet.

"All right. Let's go. Michonne's watching Judy, and she has work soon. But don't think you won't get an earful from her," Rick warned, pushing Carl forward to start walking.

This time, Carl groaned.

When they passed by, Rick gave her a smile and nod of acknowledgement. Daryl was following them, most likely to go back to work.

He stopped when he was next to her.

Oh God, Beth thought, unknowingly clutching her arm harder.

"Your arm all right?" Daryl asked.

"Um, yeah … ," she replied quietly, cheeks burning.

"Hm. Next time, make sure the door ain't next to ya so ya don't get hurt."

He left without another word.

—0—

Ever since the situation with Carl, Beth began getting intrigued by Daryl Dixon. Beforehand, he was just an intimidating, grumpy janitor with an abundance of skills outside his job range, as well as a mysterious background.

During lunch, he finished up mopping the spillage one of the students made and sat down on one of the nearby lunch tables. Since his qualifications exceeded his custodial occupation, Daryl pretty much got away with anything. He grabbed an apple from one of the neglected lunch trays and munched on it.

Beth seized the opportunity and sat down across him.

He stopped mid-bite and eyed her warily. He swallowed. "What'chuu need, girl?" he asked.

"Just here, eatin' my lunch, s'all," Beth said, attempting to be casual. She picked up her sandwich and began nibbling on it.

Beth had no idea what compelled her to approach this man. If anything, she should stay away from him given the rumors circulating him ever since his brother had been incarcerated for one year and counting because of drug possession. However, for the past few weeks, she still saw a quiet, grumpy man who didn't take a teenager's bullshit and did his job efficiently.

He took another bite, apple showing its core now. "Ain't ya gonna sit with your friends?"

"Don't feel like it." She hoped having brief replies would make her come across as ambiguous. She didn't want to be obvious or upfront about what she was doing even though she had no plan. He seemed like a suspicious and observant person, so she wanted to tread lightly.

"How's your arm?"

Beth's eyes snapped up to his face. She would've thought he sounded sincere if she didn't see the slight smirk on his face.

"Fine," she answered curtly.

"No need for the attitude, girl. I ain't the one bein' a Peepin' Tom."

"Look, I'm just here to eat my lunch."

"Why were ya listenin' in anyways, huh?"

She struggled to swallow. "Wanted to see how Carl was doin'."

"Ya could've walked over to us 'stead of spyin'."

"It seemed like a serious conversation. I didn't wanna intrude," she explained herself. She grabbed her water bottle and began downing it unknowingly.

His smirk broadened a little bit. "So ya chose to eavesdrop?"

She stopped drinking and took a bite out of her sandwich. She ignored him. He was putting her on the spot and most likely attempting to make her leave. It was not happening.

"Why you talkin' to me anyways?" he asked, dropping the core on the lunch tray casually.

Some janitor, Beth thought. "There's nothin' wrong with gettin' to know someone, y'know," she stated simply.

"I'm the school's janitor and way past your age, girl. Ya got some hidden agenda or somethin'?"

Beth set her sandwich down and fixed Daryl with a calm look. She knew exactly why she abandoned her friends to talk to this man. "Daryl, I would like to get to know you regardless of your occupation or your age."

"Why?"

She shrugged. "You seemed to get through Carl's head that day. He's going through a lot. Rick asked me to watch Judith more to give him some space and to talk to him, but he's a bit difficult. But you? You managed to get him to talk to you."

Daryl averted his eyes away from her and began biting his thumbnail. She could see he was tense and nervous. "Like ya said, kid's goin' through a lotta shit right now. I can relate."

She shouldn't have asked, but her mouth couldn't keep shut. "How so?"

He narrowed his eyes, and then the bell rang. He grabbed the abandoned lunch tray and hers and walked away without another word.

—0—

Apparently prom was two weeks away. Beth should've been aware of the posters and the abundance of wardrobe conversations among her friends. It wasn't her main concern. She wasn't even planning on going.

She knew Jimmy wanted to, though. He hinted at it every time they had a conversation. Ever since tragedy struck her family, she grew distant from him. It was just her, Maggie, and Daddy. They needed each other especially when it came to the darkest moments of their lives.

Ever since Maggie married Glenn, it was kind of lonely at the farmhouse. She still had Daddy, but he kept himself busy with his clinic and farm work. Patricia and Otis kept her company with Patricia checking up on her and Otis helping her dad out. She wished for her sister's presence because they understood each other and were incredibly close. Beth was glad Maggie found love, but she missed her sister greatly.

Anyway, Beth was surprised Jimmy still stuck with her. She barely talked to him, only during their two classes together and after school. He would call her up from time to time, but she'd keep it sparse and make up an excuse to do chores or something.

She didn't want to go prom.

Jimmy never knew how to take a hint sometimes.

" … got my tux," he was saying as they walked to class. "I'm excited. Are you?"

Beth gave him a slight smile. "No, not really," she replied honestly.

"I noticed you don't seem all that eager when I talk about prom."

She sighed. "I just don't wanna talk about prom."

They entered their Creative Writing class and took a seat. Unfortunately Jimmy sat next to her as opposed to his close friend at the back.

Jimmy questioned, "Havin' trouble findin' a dress or somethin'?"

"Jimmy, I'm not goin' to prom."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "But, Beth, it's prom. You were excited about it before."

Yeah, before. And before Beth could say anything, Daryl strolled in the classroom, looking reluctant and exasperated.

"Your teacher ain't here, said to write your damn prompt. After that, do whatever the hell y'all want — just don't fuck around, all right?" he said without preamble. Without waiting for their replies, Daryl sat down on the chair, leaned back, placed his feet on the desk, and closed his eyes, arms crossed over chest.

That was the most anybody had ever heard him speak at one time.

He has incredible arms, Beth thought with wonder. She felt herself blushing immediately. Her mind began wondering how it looked without the sleeves.

Everyone easily accepted Daryl as the substitute. Chairs scraped around. Conversations began. But the noise level wasn't deafening, and Beth was glad. She spotted the journal prompt on the board and began writing in her notebook after noticing Jimmy left her for his friend.

How does one cope, actually? I'm not so sure, she started writing. After my mother's death, after Shawn's, I didn't cope so well. I even have the scar to prove it.

I don't know how I feel about their deaths. It's been two years already. From time to time, I'm hit with the similar ache I felt two years ago. I'm back in the bathroom clutching the glass and preparing myself for the emotionless state I had desperately craved for. But I stray away from it and think happy thoughts. I think about Daddy and Maggie with her new husband. I think of Otis and Patricia on their second honeymoon right now.

I'm different. My friends are still my friends, but sometimes I want to be by myself. I used to love solitude before, but now I need it and I don't know why.

Shaking her head, Beth crumpled up the paper. This wasn't her personal journal. She tore a fresh piece of lined paper and chose to talk about a childhood memory she had with her brother and mother at the creek near their farmhouse.

It made her feel better.

Once Beth was done, she stood up and walked over to the desk. Daryl wasn't snoozing anymore — either the class got loud or she took quite a while — and he was currently reading some random article on the teacher's desk.

"Here you go," she said, handing him the paper.

He grabbed the paper from her and carelessly put it down, still reading the article.

Daryl released the class about two minutes after the bell rang because some of her classmates made a mess in the back. So, when Beth exited the classroom, the sea of students rushing to class attacked her. In the back of her mind, she wondered why the hallway was suddenly cramped, but she focused on squeezing her way through.

A few times she stumbled, and one time a bag's zipper got caught in the material of her sweater. Walking sideways, she held out an arm to guide her way, her chest rubbing against people's bags and forearms much to her discomfort.

Beth looked to the left because she thought a lock of her hair got caught in her bag. When she faced forward again, she didn't feel an arm, buckle, flap, or zipper of a bag against her chest.

She felt another warm chest.

Looking upwards, Beth saw herself chest to chest with Daryl Dixon, who was struggling to get past the students. She saw the irritability on his face and the tenseness of his broad shoulders. As he managed to find some stable footing to walk, his chest brushed against hers.

A gasp escaped her lips, drowned out by the clamours surrounding her. Cheeks warmed up instantly. Her sweater was made of thin material, so it felt … strange.

For some reason — perhaps he had bionic hearing — much to Beth's mortification, Daryl lost his focus and looked down to lock eyes with her. Once he did so, she didn't realize she was still looking at him and letting the sea of students wave her to shore.

Someone stepped on her shoe hard, and she hissed in pain. He detected that sound as well, because he whipped his head to the left and grabbed the male teenager by the shoulder.

"We're all tryin' to get through, boy, so watch your fuckin' step," he snapped.

The teenager's eyes widened, and he stuttered out an apology.

Beth felt no words come to mind. All she did was continue staring at him.

But then her eyes widened when his chest pressed against hers even more. She was pretty sure he could feel her breasts, as tiny as they were, by the looks of his flushed cheeks. His shoulder pushed forward another teenager that was in front of Beth so he could move in front of her.

The warmth affected not only her cheeks but in every region she had never felt such warmness at. Her breaths grew heavy, and at one point, she felt herself bite her lip. She noticed as he made his way around her — with his chest still firmly against hers — she followed him until her body was facing the direction the current of students was heading, and his eyes never locked away from hers.

And then he cleared his throat. She was shocked that she heard it.

"Mind movin' to the side?" he asked her.

Reveling in the rasp of his voice, Beth felt herself asking, "Wh-What?"

He sighed and gently — okay, wow, his large hands encompassed her arms almost completely — moved her around him. Then, he managed to weave himself through three more students before entering his office.

Beth let out a breath.

—0—

Beth hadn't had an encounter with Daryl ever since that day. He didn't seem as affected by the contact as much as her, so she was probably the reason they hadn't come across each other. She knew he liked to smoke around the area he and Carl spoke at. He spent majority of his time in his office. During classes, he'd be cleaning up — particularly after lunchtime or if there was any major spillage in the classrooms or restrooms. Once it was dismissal, he'd linger around the nurse's office to talk to Ms. Carol and wait for everyone to leave and clean up until the night custodians came.

She didn't realize she practically knew majority of his schedule. Ever since he started working, she'd notice him around from time to time. Her attention wouldn't always remain on him for too long — okay, it did. She was just as susceptible to the mysteriousness surrounding the man. The rumors were outlandish, though; her daddy taught her not to judge anybody you didn't know.

Besides, so far, none of his actions proved those rumors to be true.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize she entered the wrong room.

Daryl looked up once he saw her enter his office abruptly.

Beth froze mid-step and took a quick assessment of her surroundings. She attempted to relax but regained her nerves when he furrowed his eyebrows at her.

"Ya lost?" he asked.

"I … thought this was the restroom," she replied, sheepish.

"So you're lost."

"Well, no. I was just — " She stepped backwards, back hitting the doorknob. "I'm gonna go now. I apologize, sir."

"Daryl."

She stopped and turned around. He was looking at her, and it was like she didn't bravely sit at the table he was at. It was like their chests weren't up against each other too close for comfort.

It was like they were meeting for the first time. The thought had her release a smile.

She nodded. "Beth."

—0—

Bouts of searing pain exploded in her pelvic area. Beth doubled over from her seat, and she hoped her face didn't reflect what she was feeling inside. Thankfully Jimmy was absent today so he wouldn't turn her situation into an emergency, resulting in unwanted attention.

She received enough unwanted attention during those two years already.

Once her teacher assigned quiet reading, Beth jumped off her seat and the pain lessened, though she felt embarrassment grow. Thankfully again, she wore dark-washed skinny jeans just in case an accident occurred. She headed over to her teacher and requested to go to the nurse's office.

As fast as she can, Beth walked to her destination. The pain fluctuated, and she groaned to herself. During her time of the month, her first two days were the absolute worst. She didn't like depending on painkillers because they didn't work, so she hoped the nurse had something appropriately stronger.

The door to the office was closed, so Beth assumed Ms. Carol went to the main office only for a while. She took a seat on the chairs and waited.

After a few minutes, her knee was bouncing. The pain was continuous, and she doubled over again, arms wrapped over her pelvis. Her face contorted from the pain, and she pressed her lips together tightly.

"Hey," a gruff voice called out. "You all right?"

Beth's head snapped upwards and saw Daryl standing in front of her. She was about to say she was waiting for the nurse when she gasped.

"Daryl! Your hand!" His hand was wrapped around a dirty hand towel, which had splotches of red all over it.

He tightened the towel around his hand. "Yeah, just a scrape. Where's Carol?"

A scrape? Is he serious? Beth thought, incredulous. "I think she stepped out for a bit."

Daryl went over to the door and twisted the knob. It was unlocked. He stepped inside, held the door open, and waited for her.

"C'mon," he said.

Beth stood up, ignoring the pinches, and entered the office.

"Just get what you need. I'll tell Carol."

She spotted the locked transparent cabinet containing medicines and below it was a shelf containing gauzes, bandages, and disinfectants. She approached the shelf and began gathering what was needed. After that, she faced Daryl who was rifling through the drawers, keeping his bleeding hand up high and away to prevent a mess.

Placing the supplies on the counter next to him, Beth cleared her throat.

Daryl regarded her and furrowed his eyebrows at the items.

"May I have your hand?" she asked politely.

He took a step back, and Beth ignored that. "Nah, I got it."

Slowly, she took a step forward. "It's bleeding heavily, Daryl. Your towel's soaked, and it looks dirty. Chances are the wound's infected now." She held out her hand. "I've got experience, don't worry. My dad's a vet, and I've helped him out a few times."

"I ain't an animal, girl." But he wasn't as cautious as before.

She waited patiently.

Daryl lost the inner battle he had with himself and held out his hand.

Unwrapping the towel — she was amazed at how tightly and intricately bound it was — Beth began inspecting the wound. It seemed like a scrape if it weren't for how deep and jagged it was.

To distract him — and because of her curiosity — Beth asked, "How'd this happen?"

The man barely reacted to what Beth was doing. She still hoped she was being gentle, though. "Was a dumbass," he mumbled.

She looked up and saw that he looked embarrassed. She focused on the task at hand and waited for him to continue if he wanted to.

"I was fixin' a shelf," Daryl continued. "Luckily it wasn't rusted or anythin'."

Still holding onto his hand, Beth grabbed the alcohol with her other. She noticed Daryl tensed up. Assuredly, her hand squeezed his before letting go to douse clean cotton with the liquid.

Beth gave him a smile. "Are you ready?" she inquired.

He glanced at her once, through the eyes, before saying, "No whiskey?"

She shrugged. "Still alcohol."

He let out a smirk at that before nodding.

While she continued cleaning his wound up, Beth began telling him about her day and how horrible the lunch special was. The mashed potatoes didn't have enough gravy, and the apple wasn't hard and juicy as it usually was, so they must've changed the type of apple they always served.

She didn't realize she was ranting to the school's janitor about food until she saw him looking amusedly at her.

"I'll make sure to tell T-Dog 'bout that," he said while she wrapped his hand with gauze.

"Sorry," she muttered. Once she was done, she patted the uninjured area of his hand and stepped back. "All done!"

Daryl eyed the finished task. "Clean," he commented simply. But she knew he was impressed by her first aid skills.

She giggled. It was strange, though. Just earlier, she was contemplating collapsing on the floor and willing the coolness of the tiles to take her pain away. Now, she still had menstrual cramps, but they dulled and the presence of this man created smiles and giggles out of her.

The pair stood quietly and waited for something to appear or for someone to say something.

"Didn't you come here for somethin'?" Daryl asked. "Ya looked like ya were in pain."

Beth didn't need painkillers anymore, but she still needed one more … thing.

Her face flushed suddenly. "Um, I'll just wait for Ms. Carol," she answered.

"No need. 'Least I can do. Got spare keys for her cabinets here anyway."

She knew she really needed a tampon because she used her extra earlier. She forgot to ask her friends if they had any, but she kept mentally ranting about the food during lunchtime.

A sheepish smile slid on her lips. "Tampons," she spoke meekly.

Daryl looked away, expression turning uncomfortable. He stepped away from the counters and walked over to the cabinets. He slid open the one without a lock and grabbed a box. Facing the young girl, he held it out.

She pressed her lips together to prevent herself from giggling. "Those are pads, Daryl."

"Tch, what's the difference?" He returned the box and leaned in closer to check the labels.

Beth went over to stand next to him. "I am not going to answer that."

He grabbed another one and showed it to her. She nodded, grinning, and opened it. She was about to grab one but stopped when she saw Daryl was watching her.

Daryl stopped watching her when she looked up at him. He walked over to Ms. Carol's desk and grabbed a lollipop from the jar. He unwrapped it and began sucking on the treat.

Quickly, Beth averted her eyes from the enrapturing view and grabbed one tampon. She placed the box back inside and slid the cabinet close. Her hand stuffed the tampon in her front pocket until it was out of sight. She passed by Daryl and exited the office.

Something compelled her to turn around, so she did. The lollipop remained in his mouth, and Daryl still stood in front of her desk, eyes conveying he was in his thoughts.

"Thank you," Beth said softly.

Despite how softly she said it, her voice brought him back to the now and he regarded her. He grabbed the jar, got a lollipop, and tossed it in her direction.

Her reflexes kicked in, and she caught the lollipop. She hesitated before unwrapping the treat and putting it in her mouth. Her taste buds accepted the sweetness easily, and she closed her eyes in delight.

When she opened them, the lollipop was no longer in Daryl's mouth. His eyes were dark, trained on her lips around the lollipop. Beth thought she must've looked like that earlier.

Again, something compelled her to pull the lollipop out of her mouth, eyes locked into his dark, dark ones. She smiled, lips shiny, and walked away.

As she walked away, she felt his eyes burn holes on her back. It made her feel warm, and it made her want to "accidentally" enter his office tomorrow. And the next.

— I was itching to write a bethyl AU, okay?

I need to get through exams, and hopefully I will post Part II afterwards. I started on it already and have some sort of outline laid out.

Thank you for reading. Feedback is appreciated.