Disclaimer: I own nothing.

––

"Get off me," Daryl growled at Merle, but Merle grabbed his ankle and hauled him off the bed. "What the hell, Merle?" He glowered through his bangs.

"Get off your ass."

"The hell for?" He kicked the fallen pillows out of the way. "Ain't nothin' goin' on."

"That senior prom," Merle reminded him. "Get your ass in the shower and get dressed."

"Why? So I can get stood up?" He balled the blanket up and tossed it onto the bed. "No, thank you."

"Whinin' like a pussy ain't gonna get you a date. Now up. You spent good money on that tux and tickets. You're goin'."

"Tsk, hell I am."

Merle grinned. "Fine." He grabbed the bucket beside him and sloshed it on Daryl, Daryl felt an venomous rage boil through him as water dripped down his face, and Merle tossed a bar of soup and a towel at him, and Daryl shot up and went after Merle.

In the end, Daryl got in the water if only to get rid of the nasty scent Merle tossed on him, and Merle waited outside. He'd promised Amy, and he was keeping his word. Merle saw more of that girl than any girl he'd seen in his whole damn life. Jesus.

––

"Merle!" Amy ran over to him from down the block and across the street. She hurried over to him, he stared in confusion at her, and she caught her breath, holding onto his sleeve to keep him in place. "I—I need—need you to—Ah, cramp!" She gripped her side. "Cramp!"

He pried her fingers off. "What the hell do you want now?"

"You," she panted. "I want you—to get Daryl..to go to the d—" She panted. "God, I am out of shape."

"What the hell are you sayin'? I can't make out pants from words."

She swallowed and met his eyes. "Daryl, senior prom, you."

"You want me to get Daryl to prom? Why?"

"Just do it!" She paused. "Please. It's important, Merle. Promise me you'll at least try?"

He groaned like it was a hassle. "Fine."

"Yes! Thank you!" She hugged him, not caring about the people watching them. "I'll call you tonight with details." She released him and ran back up the street.

He tilted his head and watched the way her jeans hugged her thighs and ass. Damn, that girl could wear jeans. He shook his head and left. What was he supposed to do? Right, get Darylina to prom. Wonderful.

––

Amy sat on her bed, picking at her shoes, not making eye-contact with Andrea as Andrea paced the room, waiting. It'd gotten back to her—all the rumors about her and Merle and apparently Daryl and some random streetwalker. Andrea wanted the whole story, and Amy had to tell her.

"You can tell me anything, Amy." Andrea sat at Amy's desk, looking at her with love and concern, like their mother used to. "I'm just worried. If they aren't true, we can go to the principal and deal with—"

"It's not true," Amy cut her off. "The me and Daryl and the streetwalker thing isn't real."

"Good. I knew it wasn't. You're smarter than that, and kids are just rude..." Then her smile faded. "Wait, you only—"

"I did have sex with Merle." She met Andrea's eyes.

"What?" Andrea gaped.

"That night when I stayed over, we had sex."

"That son of a bitch took advantage of you. I'm going to kill him!" She stood up. "Did he hurt you? Are you all right? Was it forced?"

"No, Andrea, listen to me! Listen to what I'm saying." She grabbed her hands and pulled her onto the bed. "We were playing cards, and...he asked if I wanted to. It was my choice, and I said yes."

"Amy..."

"I'm sorry if I disappointed you, but he was gentle, and we were safe. He didn't hurt me."

Andrea stared at her then shook her head. "You didn't disappoint me, Amy. I just... I thought you would show better judgment."

"Who? Shane? I don't love Shane."

Her eyes widened. "You love Merle?"

She giggled at Andrea's expression. "Calm down. I'm not in love with anybody right now."

"Then why Merle?"

"I don't know. I guess it was just a part of me felt that it was right. I can't explain it either, but I don't regret it."

"I guess that's all I can ask for—and that you're not pregnant." She looked Amy over. "When did you grow up on me?"

"I don't know. When did you start curling your hair?" She reached over and touched a curl. "It's cute."

"Thanks." She smiled. "All right, now that we're done, we should get ready. Prom's in a few hours, and I'm chaperoning. Do you have a date?"

"Nah, but I'm okay going alone." She slid off the bed. "What about you?"

"Dale's my date."

"Can I borrow him for my pictures?" Amy teased.

"We'll see."

––

Amy waited by the door as the graduating class and random underclassmen went inside for prom, some of the kids who were on yearbook staff stayed out to take pictures, and Amy waited for Merle to show. She didn't have a date, so she didn't have to wait on anybody. She hoped Merle came with Daryl, because if Daryl tried to leave, only Merle could stop him. She was too small and in heels, so that wasn't going to work.

She groaned softly in frustration as the rush of people slowed. Where the hell are they? She waited for an hour more then went inside and scanned for their faces. She was stopped by Sasha and Maggie and dragged out to dance. She was upset that Daryl didn't come, and she was upset that Carol didn't come, but it was her senior prom, so she might as well make the most of it.

As music filled the room, Amy got lost in it and she began to let herself forget about Merle and Daryl and Carol. If they were coming, they were coming. She couldn't force them to do something they didn't want to do...again

––

Daryl continued to grumble even after Merle pushed him into the event room where prom was being held, and Merle was tempted to get that bottle and either drink it or bust it over Daryl's head. He wasn't sure which, but he knew that one of them was likely to happen tonight if this kid didn't put some pep in his step.

Chronicles Of A Fallen Love by the Bloody Beetroots played.

"Why am I in this goddamn monkey suit?" Daryl seethed. "She ain't gonna show."

"Then stand there and look pretty."

Daryl adjusted the cuff and noticed Merle was still there. "You ain't stayin'."

"Says who?"

"Me. Go."

"Not happenin', baby brother." He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.

"Asshole." Daryl walked away, trying to find an exit out of this shithole of loud music and horrible dancing. He had a lot of plans for tonight, but he didn't plan for this to happen. He should've. This happening now proves what a joke his life is. Why would Carol show? She made her intentions clear when she avoided him and continued to avoid him. Figures. He should've listened to that voice in the back of his head. He should've stayed the hell away from her. He wasn't her type of people. They were different levels. Tsk.

He turned and ran a hand through his bangs as he sat down in the back. He ran his hands over his face and chewed on his bottom lip. He knew this wouldn't work out. Deep down, he knew that Carol would do something like this. Was it Ed? Was it her own choice? Was she using him as a human stress ball? What the hell was she doing? She couldn't have done what she did with him...and not care. She wasn't the person, was she?

He pinched the bridge of his nose, seeing her face in his mind. He couldn't see her having a mean bone in her body, so what was this? A solution to the Dixon problem? Goddamn it he needed a drink. He didn't even care what it was at this point. He wanted to get shitface drunk, like before. Before Carol, before this pain in his chest, before everything went to hell. It was better that way. It was better when it was just him and Merle. He didn't have to worry about school or any shit like that. He didn't have to think about passing and going to college and making something of himself to keep Carol from stressing. It was better.

He leaned back and groaned into his hands. No, it wasn't. It wasn't better. It was a nightmare, and he lived day to day. He needed Carol, he wanted Carol and only Carol. She knew that, and yet she was screwing with him. He was a goddamn pussy, worrying about some rich bitch who used him and lost him. Tsk, he had his head in the clouds. That life with Carol would never happen. He wasn't that guy, she wasn't that girl, and this wasn't that movie. There was no point to sticking around. She wasn't coming. She was returning to her perfect like, only without Ed. Hell, maybe she had Ed back now too. Who the hell knows? He didn't give a damn anymore.

He had to make himself not give a damn.

––

Carol sat in bed with Karma in between her legs, eating caramel popcorn while watching a documentary on birds. Lori was asleep on the couch beside her with Rick on the floor in front of her asleep as well. Some movie night, she thought to herself. Carol knew Lori was only trying to take her mind off the prom. It's all Carol could think about. Daryl all dressed up for her...

She stuffed her mouth full of popcorn, but it didn't make the pain go away. She was being a bitch. After all that happened over spring break and she couldn't get her fat ass out of bed to at least talk to Daryl. She wanted to go, but...

She drew her legs in and groaned. Not going was only going to make her feel worse and make Daryl feel worse. She was hurting him emotionally and herself as well. She needed to talk to him, to hold him, to forget that the world exits for just one night. Why was she sitting here, eating and watching some boring ass documentary?

She looked at Karma. "Go or don't go? Bark on—" Karma barked once, and Carol smiled. "Why'd I even ask?" She set the bowl on the dresser and went through her closet. She would be late, but at least she would be there.

––

The number of people was thinning after the king and queen were announced, Merle saw Daryl in the very back, and he was glad he saved the bottle. Daryl would need one when they left. He was genuinely surprised that Carol hadn't shown up. Amy wasn't the best talker in the world, but it doesn't take much to sway Carol. He hoped their talk didn't screw with her head. The boy needed her right now. Where was that ginger?

I stand in the distance. I view from afar

Should I offer some assistance? Should it matter who you are?

We all get hurt by love and we all have our cross to bear

But in the name of understanding now, a problem should be shared

Confide in me. Confide in me

Daryl officially had a headache. Screw this. He stood up and saw a mass of people in his way again. He was so ready to push through them. He didn't even care at this point. He needed something strong to drink and hopefully made him forget this evening.

Merle noticed someone in the crowd for the first time, and he decided she looked good both in and out of her clothes. He admired the way Amy's dress hugged her body, and he noted she was dancing with her friends. She didn't have a date. That was another surprise. What the hell was going on with the universe today?

I can keep a secret and throw away the key

But sometimes to release it is to set our children free

We all get hurt by love and we all have our cross to bear

But in the name of understanding now, a problem should be shared

Confide in me. Confide in me.

Confide in me. Confide in me.

Merle glanced over and saw Carol walk through the double doors, and he walked over to her. He grabbed her by her forearm and hauled her to the side, demanding to know what delayed her so long. She just looked at him then pulled away and scanned through the people, smiling when she found Daryl.

Stick or twist, the choice is yours

Hit or miss, what's mine is yours

Stick or twist, the choice is yours

Hit or miss, what's mine is yours

He could feel the music pulsating through his forehead, making his headache worse. He saw an opening and took it, heading for the nearest exit. He exhaled deeply and lifted his head, pausing momentarily at the sight of Carol. She was wearing a stunning black dress with a lack back—it was her type of dress—her hair curled with some braid in the front. She looked amazing. She was so going to pay for being so damn late.

We all get hurt by love and we all have our cross to bear

But in the name of understanding now, a problem should be shared

He walked over to her and gathered her up in his arms tightly, she buried her face in his neck, and she smiled even more. She'd almost forgotten what he smelled like. She tightened her grip, and when he pulled away, he kissed her. He kissed her hello, good night, angrily, lovingly and longingly at all the same time, and distantly, the music abruptly changed.

"You owe me a dance," he said by her ear.

"That I do," she agreed.

He led her toward the remaining bodies, Enchanted by Owl City began to play, and he wrapped his arms around her, wanting her close, and he smiled at the sight of the cross dangling around her neck, sparkling and familiar.

Merle smirked a little and shook his head, turning to leave when noticed Amy standing by the door alone. He wondered how she ended up there when she was smiling and dancing two minutes ago. He frowned. She looked so happy, but now she's so sad. He had a soft spot for this...woman. He walked over to her, and she came to attention, looking up as he stopped in front of her.

"What are you doing here?" She noticed he wasn't in formal wear and there was no way Merle was chaperoning. He wore dark jeans and black button-down shirt. It looked nice, but why was he here?

He didn't say anything.

"Merle?" She dropped her arms. "Are you all right?"

He took her free hand and led her toward the others, she was astonished when he spun her around and grasped her other hand, leading her in slow dance. She was so confused, but she liked it. She hadn't dance one-on-one with anybody, and she wanted to. It's her senior year, and she wanted to make a lot of memories. Merle certainly helped her with that.

Andrea spotted Merle and Amy dancing, and she sighed, but not angrily. Amy was smiling, not alone by herself, and that was what mattered. Karen was a different matter. She walked over to where Dale was, and Andrea wondered what Dale would say.

"Isn't that Carol Jenner?" Karen asked in a soft tone.

"Carol?" Dale looked directly at Carol and Daryl. "No, she's shorter. Wasn't her hair blond too? Or was it brown?" He pursed his lips. "Hmm. I can't recall. I could be too old to remember her face." He paused. "Who are we talking about?"

Karen blinked then walked over to Andrea. "I have a question."

"What about?" Andrea crossed her arms.

"Two, actually. Are Carol and Daryl dancing? And Merle with Amy?"

She glanced over. "Huh, is that Merle? I forgot my contacts. I can't really tell. I should see if Dale knows." She walked away and left Karen with her mouth open. She sat by Dale and smiled. "Did you?"

"Yes."

"Even with Amy and Merle?"

"As long as I keep my eye on where his hands are, I'm fine with it." Amy was a big girl, and he couldn't play father forever. If Merle got any closer to Amy, however; he would have to piss Amy off.

She crossed her legs and checked her watch. "Thirty minutes."

"Are you sure? I thought it said til nine." He winked at her.

"It could have," she agreed.

"Come on." He stood up, taking her hand.

"Dale?" She narrowed her eyes.

"Consider it practice." He led her to the middle of the room and set his arm on her hip, taking her hand.

"Practice?" Andrea asked.

"I've noticed." She didn't met his eyes. "Do you want me to spell it out? You're dating Phillip."

"And why do I need practice dancing?"

He simply smirked.

"Dale."

"Lighten up, Andrea," was all he said.

Please don't be in love with someone else

Please don't have somebody waiting on you

Please don't be in love with someone else

Please don't have somebody waiting on you

Carol nuzzled her face into his neck, the music, the people were nonexistent, and Daryl held her so close. His arms were so protective and strong, and she knew she'd made the right decision. It hurt to get there, but they were there, and everything would be okay. She knew everything would be okay. Daryl was here, she was here, and that was the only important part right now.

Amy nearly lost her balance when Merle spun her, and she wanted to know how he knew how to dance, how to hold her and where to move. There was more to Merle Dixon, and she wanted to know what was there. She wasn't going to ask tonight, but one day, she would. She had a feeling Merle would be in her life for a long time. Maybe not directly, but he would be there.

"Do you mind telling me why?" Amy asked.

"I mind."

"Oh, come on." She curled her arm around his neck. "Tell me."

He dipped her. "I could always drop you."

"Merle," she threatened, "so help you God, if you drop me, I will—"

"Relax." He jerked her up.

"Tell me, and I will." She locked eyes with him.

"No." He flicked her nose and walked away.

She wasn't alone long, Andrea had to go to the car to get the umbrellas as the sky opened up outside, and Dale offered to be her dance partner. She accepted, remembering when she used to bug her dad to dance with her when she was little and loved tutus and tiaras.

Carol pulled away from Daryl before Andrea came back and backed up toward the double doors, Daryl followed her, and she stopped by the door and removed her heels as he caught up. She waited until he was close enough to touch then ran out into the rain, and Daryl chuckled low in his throat as he followed her.

She stopped in the middle of the parking lot, almost goading him with her eyes, and he gathered her up in his arms and kissed her. It was horribly romantic and wet, and they both laughed when they pulled away.

"It's cold," Carol shuddered. "This was better in my head."

He chuckled.

"My place." She took his hands in hers. "I want to make memories."

"What'd you got in mind?" He searched her eyes.

"Come on." She smiled.

He slowly smiled himself as she led him across the parking lot to her car, and he wasn't worried anymore. Whatever happened next happened, and he knew Carol would be with him. He could see it in her beautiful eyes.

I'll spend my whole life wondering if you knew

I was enchanted to meet you too

'Cause you were all of my dreams come true,

and I just wish you knew

I was so in love with you