Not Enough (Now a Norman Reedus story)

The Beginning

Chapter 2—The Beginning

Mia woke up the next morning, still snuggled tightly in Norman's warm embrace. She smiles to herself as she replays the events of last night in her head; their multiple rounds of love making were phenomenal. Even though it was their first time together they were completely in sync with each other; no awkwardness or fumbling, everything fluid and perfect. For the first time in years, she was able to relax and let herself go, something she'd always struggled with before. She didn't have to pretend with him, he was exactly what she wanted; no more fantasizing the person she was with was him. He was here, in this bed, making love to her. She lies there quietly, not wanting to wake him. She knows he's exhausted from not only her but his grueling schedule. Mia closes her eyes again, fading off to a light sleep as she enjoys the warmth radiating off the naked body pressed up against her.

Norman wakes up a little while later, taking a second to adjust to the realization of being in bed with someone. He cracks open one eye, making sure the naked woman cuddled in his arms is actually Mia. Last night was a dream that finally came true; there have been so many mornings that he'd awaken only to realize that it was just a dream, she wasn't here like this. He lightly kisses her bare shoulder as he pulls her a little closer, not wanting to let go. She stirs a little but doesn't open her eyes so he watches her. He's watched Mia sleep dozens of times over the years, hell this isn't the first time she's slept in the same bed as him or that he's woken up cuddled against her. Those times were different; they had gotten drunk and passed out in the bed together, fully clothed or fallen asleep on the sofa while watching movies together. This was what he had always wanted with her and he had to figure out how to make it work.

He sighs a little wishing this had happened before things got so crazy with life as "Daryl Dixon". Ten years ago he had all the time in the world to spend with her but now it wasn't so easy. He was juggling his career, his son and his personal time, and he wasn't doing that great of a job with it. Mingus came first but his career and all the crazy stuff that went with it kept him financially stable. For the first time since he started acting he was able to pay his bills and still have money to do things. He just bought his Mom a house, something that he always wanted to do for her and he needed to keep pushing forward with his acting if he was going to keep taking care of her. He knows Mia understands this; she's as driven as he is and knows all his secrets and worries but is she really ready for this? Norman tries to push those thoughts out of his head and enjoy this one thing that's finally happened for him. He looks down at her and she's looking up at him with those pretty light green eyes of hers.

She reaches a hand up, tracing his jawline with her soft fingertips, her eyes searching his. "Norm, stop worrying about it; we will figure out how to make this work for us" she whispers.

He shakes his head slightly in amazement, "You always know what I'm thinking don't you?"

She smiles, "I've been by your side for twenty years Norman, I know you better than you think."

He lets out a deep breath, "Are you really prepared for my crazy life? I've kept you out of the spotlight as much as possible but it won't last, I'm going to want to be with you as much as I can and eventually someone will figure it out. I don't want you to regret being with me."

She smiles up at him, "I can't ever regret getting what I've wished for; you shouldn't either."

He dips his head down, kissing the end of her nose lightly, "I don't and I never will. I just don't want you to get hurt."

She rolls her eyes, "I'm tough Norm, I can take anything those fangirls throw at me, you know that."

He chuckles, "I know but it's been a couple of years since you were the topic of speculation by fans, things have gotten weirder."