I am strong

❝----So you do still think they're good people around. What changed your mind?❞

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

The closeness that they’re sharing is all foreign territory. The gap between them is so small that a deep breath could fill it. Her arms still halfway wrapped around him, and his around her, and it makes everything warm. He doesn’t know if it’s the evening air that hasn’t cooled down or something else, but all of it feels like a rush his head still needs to catch up with. Daryl’s almost convinced that something is going to ruin it. Something is going to round the corner, and take it all away from him.

But he’ll never let anything take her away from him. Not again. He went such a long time not knowing whether she was dead or alive, whether he’d ever see her again or not, and Daryl knows he couldn’t take that again. When she’s this close, close enough to kiss again, he knows more than most what he has to lose. And it terrifies him - he’d always built himself up on the idea that he never had anything worth taking. No one could hurt him, but now everything can. It’s not as hard to deal with when his eyes flick down to look at Beth’s face, and he sees a small smile.

“Least you think so.” His voice is quiet, careful to make sure that he’d be hard to hear for anyone but her. If he’s joking or not, Daryl doesn’t even know. He’s come to care about the opinions his family has of him, but none as much as Beth’s. His eyes moves back down, feeling heavy under her gaze, but the weight just gets a whole lot heavier when he takes in just how close they are. But it’s not a bad weight. It’s a reminder. His hands rub gently against her sides for a moment, trying to get used to all this in the time they have. Daryl’s pulse skips once or twice when he forces himself to look back at her. “Look,” he starts, wishing he had all the right words, “I dunno what to do ‘bout all this. I just know how I feel.” The prospect of telling everyone seems daunting, but he’s not going to ask her to keep it a secret. There’s no point, and he doesn’t want that. “Just want a life with you in it, that’s all.”

[singing-beth]

At this point she’s pretty sure the blush in her cheeks is there to stay permanently, the sun is starting to set but all she feels is warmth even though it’s starting to cool down outside. The two had been interrupted so many times, whether it be Aaron or something bad going on--she too was afraid that something was about to happen and take this moment away from them before they’re able to finish the conversation though. She doesn’t want anything left unsaid, she had already laid out all her cards on the table--multiple times and now it was his turn.

Of course she would think so, Daryl was worth the wait. She knew he had a rough life, before all this with the marks on his back and deal with an asshole of a dad--and brother. Though in his final days at least Merle began to prove himself, and even though he didn’t always show it, Beth could tell that Merle loved his baby brother. More than anything she wanted Daryl to feel cared for, like he was worth something--because he was. He was a major asset to the group and Beth was sure they wouldn’t have made it this far without him.

Her gaze flickers back up to meet his, this was by far the closest they had ever been--and for the longest as well. She could get used to this, honestly this was something that she had been craving for so long and now that she had it she didn’t want to lose it. She felt her own heart racing in her chest at his words, the goofy grin not disappearing from her lips anytime soon. Honestly she didn’t need a label--Daryl felt like much more than a boyfriend. There wasn’t really a single word to describe what Daryl was to her, he was a best friend and more. Beth didn’t want to make a big deal about it either, the last thing she wanted was for people to pry and scare Daryl off. She knew she’d have to tell Maggie though--the rest of them could figure it out, they would see the two of them together and they could put the pieces together themselves. “That’s all I want too--”She began to say, reaching her hand up to gently cup his cheek as her gaze met his. “All I need is you, and ‘m happy.”She murmured softly, wanting him to know that it didn’t matter if they told anyone. If Daryl wanted to keep this a secret she’d do that for him, she’d do anything for him. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

His head is stuck in a haze, but a better one than he’s ever felt. He’s still catching up to the fact that they just kissed, even if he was the one who closed that gap. The one that remains between them now is still small, and he wants it to stay that way. Daryl’s hands are against the small of her back, holding her close. It goes against everything he’s shown everyone else. It goes against him keeping his distance, both emotionally and physically. It goes against against everything he’s even told himself.

But he doesn’t care. His heart swells when he looks down into Beth’s eyes, and then sees her smile. He took more time than Beth deserved to wait through, but it’s only now does he realize the importance of not being too late. He could have missed a moment like this if he kept up the act he was putting on. It had gotten to be such a staple of his that he couldn’t imagine it any other way. He couldn’t, not truly, imagine having Beth this close. But she was close all along, and all he had to do was take the leap she had months ago. It feels right. 

The kiss she leans up to plant on his cheek send another warm wave of heat over him. She’s so small, so strong. He’s known that for a long time. Daryl’s known he’s had feelings for her nearly just as long. “Just needed to… sort it all out.” His voice is low, and while it’s just in his nature to want to check over his shoulder for anyone who may be watching, he doesn’t turn his attention away from Beth. He doesn’t know where the two of them will go from here, but the last thing he feels is shame or worry about it. He might get a stern talking-to from Maggie, but ultimately, Daryl doesn’t think they can go anywhere but up from here. It adds a levity to his shoulders that he hasn’t felt in years. “Ain’t too late, am I?”

[singing-beth]

Beth knew what she was getting into when she had fallen for Daryl, it wasn’t like you had a choice--you couldn’t help who you fell for. Sure he was older and he had been closed off but he had come such a long way since the two of them had been on their own, before she was taken. She knew from the beginning that it wasn’t going to be easy, that it would be a lot of work and in the end she may never get what she wanted but it was worth it--every single close moment the two of them had shared had made all the hard times worth it.  

Her heart is racing in her chest and she feels a rush of relief to know that his feelings are returned, even though deep down she knew that---it was nice to get a verbal confirmation without getting interrupted. She was nearly convinced that Aaron would come hopping out of the nearest bush but there was no one around, it was late and the only people were out were those who were doing a shift change or doing a night check as their family was inside unwinding after the party. 

Her arms moved to wrap around his waist as she rested her cheek on his chest letting out a content sigh. She could stay like this all night long, just standing in the middle of the sidewalk pressed up against him. She didn’t know when she’d get a moment like this again, she wasn’t sure how he would act when they were back home with the others. “I understand.”She said softly, and she completely understood that he had things to sort out. A small smile tugged on her lips as he asked if he was too late, she would have waited forever for him. He gave her feelings that she didn’t even know were possible, those kind of feelings that those girls talked about in romance movies she used to watch with Maggie. “You’re not too late, you’re worth the wait Dixon.”She added, wanting him to know that he was special and worth waiting for. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

And just like that, he felt braver than he ever has before. Daryl Dixon had only ever acted out of lust in situations like these. He could initiate it without so much hesitation because it just didn’t matter. He never felt anything for those women the way he does for Beth - and Daryl doesn’t think he ever could have. There’s something different about the girl in his arms, who’s had such a large hand in shaping him to be who is he today. He’d be lost without her, and that he knows for a fact. His life was shattered when she was taken from him. His last hope, the last glimmer of sunlight. Blown out.

Daryl knew he had feelings for her back then, but they hadn’t sunk in until lately. They hadn’t really lit a fire underneath his skin, like their kiss does to him now. His fingers loosen their grip on her wrist so his hands can rest on the swell of her hips. He can only imagine what would happen if someone were to see them right now, but that’s not his priority. It’s the furthest thing from his mind, and nothing is even a close second to Beth. She’s his first, second, third, everything. It certainly feels that way in this moment as their lips overlap, pressed together as the moment extends.

He doesn’t realize he’s holding his breath until his lungs urge him to remember. It doesn’t interrupt for long, and one of Daryl’s palms move to cup Beth’s jaw. Time is racing and standing still all at the same time, and he can’t string his thoughts together anymore. But their kiss slows, his thumb ghosting over the curve of her neck, before he pulls away. His lips are left buzzing, his lungs tight, and his eyes flick back open. The light of the moon makes her glow, and he’s quiet. “Should’a done that a long time ago.”

[singing-beth]

She knew that anyone could walk by at anytime but honestly, she couldn’t care less. She had wanted this for so long and she didn’t want to wait another second now that she knew what kissing him was like. Beth had wanted this for a long time now and he was so hard to read, finally she was putting together the pieces that he might have been into her but every time she tried to talk about it they were interrupted and she felt like it was never going to happen. Now here they were, off by the fences checking the perimeter and kissing. 

Her heart felt like it was going to leap out of her chest, it was racing wildly as she leaned into his touch, her arms wrapping loosely around his neck as her fingertips gently stroked the back of his hair. The kiss was loving and perfect and she could honestly say that she had never been kissed like that before. While she didn’t want it to end they both needed to breathe--she hoped that this first kiss wouldn’t be their last and her eyes slowly flickered open as he pulled away slightly so they could both catch their breath. 

She could still feel his lips on hers even though they were gone, her lips tingled slightly as she ran her tongue across her lower lip as she tried to collect herself. Her mind was all fuzzy and her knees felt weak and she still had her arms wrapped around him because she wanted him close but also because she was sure her knees would give out on her at any moment now. A shy smile tugged on her lips, her cheeks tinted a light shade of pink at his words. “Yeah you shoulda.”She said in a matter of fact tone, she was only teasing and she was all smiles. She was grateful for his words--that he wasn’t running off or making up an excuse but instead he was here with her. “’m really glad you did that.”She murmured, bouncing up slightly on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

It’s hard to imagine the next couple of years, because he knows what it will bring: more of the same. There are people he cares about right now that won’t be here forever, and it’s a fact of life that he’s still got a problem with. He can’t imagine a life without everyone in their group right now, but he’s felt that way from the start. The pessimist in him always always made sure that he knew the worst, but it’s still hard to grasp. Even then.He couldn’t imagine Sophia really being gone. He couldn’t imagine not getting Hershel back, safe and sound. He couldn’t imagine Tyreese not making it after they amputated his arm. But all those things happened.

And they would keep happening. It makes him feel like an idiot for keeping his distance from anyone. For pushing them away any chance he got - and for what? To make it hurt less if they go? It’ll hurt no matter what. He repeats that in his head, and two more times for good measure. His heart skips a couple of beats at Beth’s own version of ‘I told you so’, and he’d smile if he wasn’t so caught up. No matter how far he pushes Beth away, no matter what he keeps from her, his heart will still break if he ever loses her.

So he decides, right then and there, to let it all go. His footsteps slow to an inevitable halt, and he doesn’t let himself talk him out of this. Daryl’s hand reaches out to catch Beth’s, to slow her down with him. It’s a silent static for a moment, his eyes looking carefully into hers, before he moves forward. He closes the space that has always laid between them, his lips pressing gently onto hers. His skin ignites with warmth, and he doesn’t remember the last time he kissed a girl, but kissing Beth is easy. Easier than he ever could have thought. And better than he could have imagined.

[singing-beth]

She had been drunk when she told Daryl that he would miss her when she was gone, she hadn’t expected to leave so soon either. Beth had no idea that a couple short days later she’d be kidnapped, sure the dead roamed the earth but the people were just as big if not a bigger risk than the dead. The thing was she had missed him too, the first person she asked for when she woke up in the hospital bed was Daryl, he was the last person she thought about when she shut her eyes in that hell of a hospital and all she could do was hope and pray that he was alright and that he made it out of the funeral home in one piece.

The entire Grady experience had taught her a lot but the big lessons she learned was that no one was promised tomorrow, one moment you were there and the next you could be gone just like that. She had been lucky that her family had found her, that they had all made it out of there and now they had this place--Alexandria, she wrote about a place like this ever since the prison and it was now real and it almost felt too good to be true. Beth notices that he’s quite but she figures it’s because of the whole miss you thing and maybe she had pushed him a tad too far, she did that from time to time and noticed how he shut down sometimes when she opened up emotionally. 

Beth stops in her tracks when she feels his fingertips gently tugging on her wrist and she turns around to face him, her brows furrowing in confusion and she’s about to ask him what’s going on---but she doesn’t get the chance. Her breath hitches in her throat as she notices he’s looking at her lips and she could put the pieces together about what was about to happen. Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest as he closed the gap between the two of them and her arms wrapped loosely around his neck as she stood on her tippy toes. She returned the kiss, it was soft and gentle and--loving. She had kissed Jimmy and Zach before but they were nothing compared to this kiss with Daryl. Her fingertips entangled in the back of his hair as she pressed up close him, not wanting this to ever end. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

These days, he goes back and forth about believing in stability. For months they thought the prison was going to be the rest of their lives. That, despite the iron bars, it would be home for everyone who needed it. That it was a place that could continue to grow and thrive. The prison was every single one of those things until it wasn’t. And it wasn’t a fault of their own - what happened was something they couldn’t have prepared for. In the back of his head, Daryl’s always wondering just what it’s going to be this time. What’s going to tear down this place when the time comes?

But he’s still living on the cusp of all that. Trying to even himself out, and the reason for his trying is walking right next to him. “Yeah, yeah, seen her do that.” She’s getting less clumsy all the time, and maybe it is luck that brought them to this place in what feels like just in time. “It’s good we’ve got this place.” And not just for Judith’s sake. For Beth’s, and his, and everyone’s. If anything, he mostly said that to assure her that despite how it looked a little while back, he’s not going anywhere.

The air drops back down to silent, the only noise stemming from their shoes on pavement until he finds the words to say. Daryl’s glad that she feel the same way, his stomach twisting at the thought of something changing. Her next few words, just three of them, freeze him up. His legs keep moving, but his mouth has some trouble. “Yeah, me too. Missed you, too.” With all of the time this group has spent together, he always finds some discomfort in being away from anyone. Separation anxiety - something stupid like that. With Beth, it’s a little different. He doesn’t want her far away, ever.

[singing-beth]

Beth nodded in agreement, she didn’t know what they would do if they didn’t not only for her sanity but for the others as well, especially Judith. It would be hard to take care of baby on the run--she wasn’t sure how Tyreese and Carol were able to do it after the fall of the prison. A baby cried when it was upset and didn’t care if there was walkers around, she wasn’t sure how they did it but she was sure grateful that they did everything they could to keep that baby alive. “Maybe she can have a normal childhood--even if ‘s just for a few years.”She said softly, she hoped that for her. She hoped that she’d get a few years until she had to go through gun training and learning about the world. Once that happened she would grow up, just like Carl had to. 

It came as a relief that he had said that, she remembered when he said he was thinking about leaving and it felt like her entire world would fall apart. She was so afraid she’d wake up one morning and his things would be gone and so would he. She was glad that he found comfort in this place now, that he was going to stick around because honestly she didn’t know what she would do if he had left. 

Beth had gotten used to the silence that came when she hung out with Daryl, with others she tried to make some sort of small talk but she didn’t want to force that with Daryl. She enjoyed the silence and just being around him and she wouldn’t push for some silly talk about the weather or what they ate for dinner. A small smile curled on her lips as he had said that he had missed her too, it made her heart swell up in her chest and her cheeks tint a light shade of pink. She could tell it took a lot for him to say that and she appreciated it, she leaned in slightly bumping her hip gently against his own as they walked. “Yeah well--I told ya you would.”She teased with a small smile on her lips. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

Daryl kept his eyes on high alert as they circled the inside of Alexandria. Sasha was in the watch tower - overworking herself as usual these days - so he figured an outside perimeter check could wait. They’d take up one of the perches when they were done, and then they could turn in after a few hours. Despite being slow to really take to this place, Daryl has to admit that having a lot of people doesn’t hurt. There’s always someone ready to swap shifts, even if that’s all they’re good for. The walls don’t hurt either. Sturdy, and fifteen feet easy. Should be able to withstand just about anything.

It’s what he’s hoping for. He wants this place to be what the prison should still be. A safe haven, and a place to keep building up. Daryl wants that more for Beth and the rest of his group than he does for himself. At the mention of Judith, who’s real close to walking, having an actual home is the best thing for her. Some semblance of normalcy, even though she’ll grow up thinking that all this is exactly that. “She’s gettin’ big.” He can’t tell who she looks like more - Rick or Lori. Those thoughts fade just as quickly as they came, his pace casual as they start their first lap around.

He asked her out here, and it still falls silent. Talking to her is easier said than done, and he just feels like a goddamn idiot when the quiet extends. His heart starts pounding again. “Thanks for comin’ out,” he finally speaks up, catching just a glimpse of her. Daryl isn’t often one to speak his mind, but he’s trying his best to fill silences. “Been with ya’, just the two of us, for so long that it’s strange when I’m not seein’ ya all day.”

[singing-beth]

Ever since the fall of the prison Beth had been dreaming of a place like this, she had been naive enough to think that the prison could last. She opened up to Daryl, about how she thought her father would die of old age and Maggie and Glenn would have a baby--instead she watched her father die and her family running for their lives. There was gunfire and chaos, that was the last time she’d see Lizzie and Micah--she couldn’t think about that, she needed to move forward and appreciate those who were still here with them. 

“She is, she’s already standin’ a lot--grabbin’ tables and pullin’ herself up, won’t be long till she’s walkin’.”She said with a grin on her lips. The little girl was already fluent in gibberish, she knew it wouldn’t be long until she spoke actual words. She was growing up and Beth was appreciative that they found this place, a place that was safe for a toddler to run a muck. The road was no place for a baby and now she had four walls and a roof--hell, they had a whole town here. 

Beth has grown used to silence around Daryl, before it had made her nervous. She’d want to fill it with mindless chatter of silly things that she was sure annoyed the archer but now--now she was comfortable around him where she could deal with the silences. Of course she was glad when he spoke up, a small smile curling on her lips as she shifted her gaze to look up at him. “I know what you mean--”She began to say, it was strange not spending all her time with him. Her cheeks tinted a light shade of pink as she knew it wasn’t easy for him to open up like this, “I miss you.” She added. It probably sounded silly because she still saw him around, but it wasn’t the same. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

Daryl didn’t bother with returning any looks this bought him. He felt a couple stares, and could see a couple of small smiles out of the corner of his eye, but he didn’t entertain any of it. As it stood, Daryl didn’t know any more than they did. All he sought out to do was keep watch over Alexandria, and he wanted Beth as company. She spent a lot of time with the kids here, teaching and looking after them, that Daryl didn’t think she did much when it came to keeping watch. A part of him felt that it might be better that she take on Carol’s tactic. Make the people here underestimate her, so that when the time comes (if it does), she’ll have the upper hand.

But the longer they stay within these walls, the more he’s starting to see through it. There aren’t a whole lot of people within Alexandria who really know what they’re doing, but Rick seems convinced that they can learn. It’s only a matter of time before things change, but there’s no telling how they do. He just wants to make sure that Beth and the rest of them are prepared for it. But even that is only half of the reason why he asked her to join him on watch duty. The other half he’s still getting around to.

Beth distracts him from that train of thought when they get outside, and her first instinct is to take in beauty. They live in the ugliest world possible, and Beth always somehow sees the good in it. He looks up toward the sunset himself, nodding as they walk over toward the metal walls. A few perimeter checks, and they can probably set up on one of the empty perches. “Weren’t up to anythin’ in there, were ya?” It didn’t look like he was pulling her away from much in there, but he asks anyway.

[singing-beth]

It was nice to be asked to do something other than watch the children. While she enjoyed the kids and loved spending her time with them she needed to be prepared for more. If it wasn’t for Daryl teaching her things when they were on the run together, she didn’t think she would have survived Grady. She would have been too weak to fight Norman off, she wouldn’t have had the guts to kill him before he got too far. He had taught her a lot but she wanted to learn more, she wanted to be able to protect this place if the time ever came to having to do so. The last thing Beth wanted to do was sit back while her family fought for this place, her left cowering in a corner with the residents of Alexandria.

After a few moments Beth snapped back into reality and realized that she was probably boring Daryl with her talk of beauty when the world around them was so cold. She shifted her gaze to him and picked up the pace so she could keep up with him, walking to the large metal walls that held this place together. She was still in awe that they were able to build up these walls and they had withstood not only walkers, but the Georgia storms as well.

It was a beautiful night and she was glad that she hadn’t brought a jacket as it was far too warm for one, her attention shifted back over to Daryl as she shook her head. “Nope, just put Judith to bed and after reading ‘the dog and the frog’ twice she fell asleep.”Beth said with a small smile tugging on her lips. Beth didn’t make any other plans for the evening because she wanted to spend her time with Daryl. Maggie had asked her to play a board game but she knew it was just out of kindness as her sister really wanted to spend time with Glenn so she didn’t feel bad for blowing her off. Once they reached the fence she tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear and looked around, feeling around for any weaknesses in the heavy metal as she was really unsure as to what perimeter checks entailed. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

“Mmhm,” he hums, nodding once or twice before Beth disappeared upstairs. Despite his best efforts, his heart continues to hammer in his chest, his mind overcome with the hours ahead of them. For the most part, Daryl doesn’t know what he wants. He’s not so sure he ever has. All he’s ever had were goals, and those suited him just find. Goals to find supplies, goals to find a safe place to stay the night. He had more than he could imagine back at the prison, where every day kept getting busier. He was grateful for that, though.

Now, his goals aligned more with fitting into Alexandria. Finding his place, even if he was well on his way. By the time the sun starts to set, turning the sky into pinks, oranges, and dark blues, he knows that Beth is more of a want. She’s not a goal - she’s never been. He only ever wanted to keep her safe. Then to find her. Nowadays, he’s not so sure. Or it’s hard to really admit to himself. Either way, he knows that he wants her to remain a fixture in his life. That thought helps him stay true to his word, heading back inside now to find Beth. Shifts were just about to change, and he told Abraham that he’d cover the night shift today so that Glenn and Maggie didn’t have to.

She looks ready to go by the time he sees her, changed into something more comfortable. He never paid much attention, and truthfully it’s still not one of the things he focuses on, but Daryl thinks that her preferred style of clothing has changed since they were back on the farm. “Hey,” he greets her, walking up from behind. Daryl knows how this will look, especially after they caught some hell not too long ago for how close they’ve gotten. He doesn’t care. “Ready?”

[singing-beth]

A few people were downstairs, unwinding after an exciting party and lost in mindless chatter but Beth couldn’t bring herself to join in. She was anxious at best and couldn’t help but think she was going to get blown off. It wouldn’t have surprised if her if he did blow her off, especially since the house was filled with people and she knew how it would look if he were to come get her and the two were going to go off on their own. Maggie had already given her curious looks but Beth had done a good job at avoiding the subject of Daryl whenever the two Greene’s talked. They had other things to worry about, besides--Beth had no idea what was going on with her and the archer so how was she supposed to explain that to her sister. 

Beth spun around as she heard Daryl behind her, a shy grin tugging on her lips as she offered him a nod, “Mhm, ‘m ready.” She said. Even though the two of them had hung out plenty of times this felt different--it felt like the old world when she was about to go on a date. It was a strange, nervous--exciting feeling and she wished she could tell the butterflies in her stomach to go away. It was still a nice feeling though, even if for a few moments she could pretend that the walkers and bad people didn’t exist. That it was just the two of them going for a stroll through the quiet town.

She nodded toward the front door, the conversations quieting down and she could practically feel Maggie’s eyes burning a hole in her back as she moved to swing open the front door. She didn’t look over her shoulder at her sister but instead waited for Daryl. Her cheeks tinted a light shade of pink as the living room was quiet as the pair walked outside. She quietly shut the door as she walked down the steps of the porch appreciating the colors of the sky for a moment, “’s beautiful out here.”

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

Daryl knew that settling into someplace new, someplace where their group didn’t really have the reins, was going to be difficult. Not just for him, but for everyone, even if all those reasons were different. Everyone was struggling. Rick, trying to listen to a bunch of people who don’t really know what it’s like outside their walls. Sasha, still grieving for Bob. Carl, just being a kid trying to grow up in a world like this. And Beth, who despite her cheery appearance, must still be reeling from her time in Grady. Daryl doesn’t know the whole story, but he does know there’s more to it. He knows that, and it still twists his insides up in knots.

If Beth ever wants to tell him the rest, he hopes she knows that he’ll listen. After all the time they’ve spent together, she has to. Right? Beth pulls him back out of his own head, his eyes flicking back to hers. She’s always been good with kids, practically being the sole caregiver to Judith for months, but a part of him thinks her skills are being wasted. On the other hand, he’s glad that she’s as safe as safe gets, behind these walls. It’s selfish of him, but for that thought, he lets himself be. “Yeah, I bet,” he nods, wondering how the next few months will pan out.

He can’t dwell on it, though. There’s no planning anymore. No knowing what’s going to happen. They just gotta keep going, keep moving. His heart leaps at the word progress. That’s all him and Beth have made, and they’re still moving forward. A part of him is tired of pushing it back. “Good to have company out there, sometimes,” he speaks lowly, shrugging his shoulders an inch. It’s in his nature to try and downplay everything, and it’s a habit he wants to break. “You want me to come find you when I head out there later?”

[singing-beth]

Daryl normally enjoyed being alone, she noticed that ever since the farm. Slowly she had pushed herself into his space and finally they got to a point where he would stop rejecting it, where he let her invade his bubble. At times she thought she annoyed him but she couldn’t help but to be selfish--whenever she was around Daryl she felt safe and she enjoyed that feeling. After being at Grady and being away from her family she had nothing but time to dwell on the fact that she may have never seen her family again. Being at Grady it made her realize that life was too short, if you wanted something you had to go out and get it and that’s why she had pushed so much with Daryl. She was done pushing though, she didn’t want to push him away so she’d settle for being his friend or whatever he wanted to be. She wanted more but she’d take whatever he’d give her. 

“Yeah, ‘m just gonna shower and change.”She said as she played with the hem of the sweater she was wearing, she was dressed for a party--a summer dress and cardigan and she wanted to change into something a bit more comfortable. “I’ll see ya in a bit--”She said before disappearing up the steps. Beth took a quick shower, changing into a comfortable pair of jeans and a plain gray tank top and by the time she had finished the others returned from the party. She took care of Judith, feeding her dinner before tucking her into her crib for the night so Rick would be able to relax. 

It only took two bed time stories before the little girl finally closed her eyes and Beth smiled softly, leaning down to kiss the top of the little girls head before taking the baby monitor and placing it in Rick’s room for when he got out of the shower. She moved toward the room that she slept in, tugging on her cowboy boots so she’d be ready to go when Daryl was. Though she wouldn’t have been surprised if he changed his mind and went off on his own.  

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

“Feels like all I’ve been doin’ is takin’ breaks.” Maybe that’s not quite the truth, but it’s just about how he feels. He’s used to the nonstop. To always looking over his shoulder, to always having to be doing something. Because if he’s not, and something goes wrong, it’s on him. That’s how he lost Beth. They were inside that funeral home, doing nothing but talking and eating, and it all went right to shit. The walkers ganged up on them. The people from Grady were able to grab her. He hadn’t done enough to stop any of it. All he had to do was listen before he opened the door. Look out the cracks. See that they were being surrounded. Instead, he let them all right inside.

Daryl tries to pull himself out of that train of thought when his eyes lock back on Beth’s. She’s alright, he assures himself. She’s alive, right in front of him. It’s all that matters. He rubs his forehead with the back of his hand, shifting some hair out of his face. The warm air gets it to dry faster, leaving it messy and wavy. “Good you get a night off, though.” His voice is low, and he nods once afterward. Beth has been doing her part in Alexandria, carrying her weight and then some. She already seems so involved, and always with a smile on her face. 

Just looking at her stirs up his nerves. He wants to shake the jitters out of his muscles, but he stands stiff and still. Daryl almost keeps what he says next to himself, but at the last minute he spits it out. “Can keep watch with me later if ya want. Go on a walk… or somethin’.” He means the latter more than anything. He doesn’t want to tire or bore her out with watching a point, he wants to spend some more time alone with her.

[singing-beth]

The blonde couldn’t help but to roll her eyes slightly at the mention of him taking too many breaks, that had to be a joke. He worked harder than anyone here, but then again they were used to life on the road. They were used to running non stop and only getting a couple hour break--if that, for some much needed rest. It felt nice to finally have a place where they could have some normalcy, where they could gain their strength and get their rest so they could be prepared for whatever was next. Back at the prison, Beth had been far too naive thinking that it would last--that her daddy would grow old and they could all live out their days there. A lot had happened since then, Beth knew better--while she was comfortable here in Alexandria she still knew that anything could happen at anytime and it could all be gone in the blink of an eye. The more prepared they were for that, the better. 

“Yeah, don’t get me wrong--I love the kids but it’s nice to get a little break from them.”She said with a small smile on her lips. The adults were busy, whether it was going out on runs or keeping guard duty so she regularly kept to the children--having conversations about cartoons or silly things that didn’t really matter. It was nice talking to Daryl, she had missed him though she was hesitant to admit that to him. She’d probably keep that to herself, it was safer that way. 

Beth could tell that he was nervous--or anxious but she couldn’t place what it was about, she didn’t have much time to think about it before his next words came. “Yeah--I’d like that.”She said, unable to hide the goofy grin that tugged on her lips. Not only had Beth wanted to help out more, doing more than just helping out with the children but she wanted to spend more time with Daryl--and it seemed like he wanted to spend some time with her as well. “It’ll be nice to get some fresh air.”She murmured softly. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

His heart thumps so loud during the quiet that he could swear that Beth might be able to hear it. It beats harder and louder than it does when he’s up against a swarm of walkers, all coming straight for him from all angles. Out there, his breathing is steady. He knows what he’s doing - he’s got it all under control even if the chaos outside is anything but. In here? Inside these walls inside of walls, Daryl’s out of place. He doesn’t know what he’s doing or what he should do, all he knows is Beth is in here with him. They’re alone, just the two of them, a common theme. She’s looking at him in the way he’s seen more often than not lately, and it stirs up a bunch of different emotions in him.

Just the way it did when they were lost in the woods, breathless and tired when she told him her feelings for him. That she was falling for him. No girl’s ever said anything like that to him before and it’s still left him reeling. Even after all this time. Daryl’s unsure if a day has passed by without him remembering that, but keeping it to himself. He’s still never said anything back, not really. Truth be told, he doesn’t know what the hell to say. 

“Not a whole lot,” he mumbles in his usual speech pattern, rolling his shoulders once. He expects the door to creek open. For it to be Carl or Michonne maybe coming back with Judith sleeping soundly in their arms. Anything that would pull them out of the quietness they have together right now. “Figure I’ll take a point when night rolls around. See what else there’s to be done.” It’s nothing out of the ordinary for him, just a lot of necessary busy work to keep everyone he cares about safe. “What’a ‘bout you? Got things goin’ on?”

[singing-beth]

Beth was usually pretty good about reading people, before the world ended she could tell when a boy was interested in her in class by the way he acted around her. That’s how boys were, they were mean to you if they liked you but Daryl---he was different. She had revealed her true feelings for him before only to be interrupted and the conversation hadn’t come up again. She was far too chicken to bring it up once more in fear of rejection because when it came down to it first and foremost, Daryl Dixon was her best friend. The two had spent a lot of time out there together and she had opened up to him and he had opened up to her. She’d rather have him as a best friend than nothing at all and she was always afraid of pressing with him, afraid that one day she’d press too far and he’d just be gone. 

She should have assumed that’s what his answer would be, he never really took a break. He never really took time for himself and often went out finding things to do to stay busy and she really couldn’t blame him. Everyone needed to rest though, Daryl would just work and work until he ran himself ragged. “You should take it easy tonight--”Beth began to say, “You deserve a break.” She said softly. Beth couldn’t help but figure this whole mentality was from back on the farm, he was always trying to prove himself worthy. Now he had, he had gone past showing that and had showed that he was a vital member of the group---without him they would fall apart. 

She shook her head, “Nope don’t got anythin’ goin’ on, was just gonna take it easy.”She said, taking care of Judith and the other kids was her primary job but since Judith was with the others as well as the other children at the party---she had time on her hands. Ever since they had gotten to Alexandria she often found herself with too much time on her hands, but right now she wasn’t complaining because she was with Daryl and it felt like the way things used to be. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

One thing that hasn’t changed when the world did is the simple fact of adaptation. Daryl’s always had to adapt to one thing or another, and so did everyone else before the ground collapsed under their feet. No matter what is was, people always had to grow and roll with the punches. Sure, they might be a whole hell of a lot more common now, but it’s always been that way. Daryl always had to adapt to his father’s wildly shifting set of emotions, his brother’s unpredictable way of living, and the change in himself with every passing day. Now they have to adapt to living closer to the end. Never knowing if they’re gonna be here one more day, or somewhere else. Never knowing who is gonna be with them when that happens.

If asked on day one, back on that farm, Daryl would have never of guessed that it would be Beth that he’d be with a majority of those times. A small girl at his side, growing and changing before his eyes. I wish I could just… change. Those words, in Beth’s soft voice, replay in his head. She did change. She always is. So’s he. So he better get used to it. Just because everything from Alexandria to this moment the two of them are captures in are different to him, new and something he’s yet to adapt to fully, doesn’t mean he can’t. Doesn’t mean he won’t. Her words pull him out of his own head, his eyes flicking back to hers when she mentions the color of his. He’s quiet for a moment.

“Pft, yeah,” he shrugs off, using the back of his hand to shift some wet hair out of his face. It mostly falls back into place. “Wasn’t that bad, was it?” He knows it probably was. He was coated in dirt from being out on the road. Some of it blood, some of it oil. All gone, now. Daryl shrugs a few seconds later, eyes glancing toward the door like he expects someone to walk in. It wouldn’t be a surprise, not with how often that’s happened. “Guess it might’a been.”

[singing-beth]

She notices his silence and she can’t help but to worry slightly, had she pushed too far? Beth was constantly pushing the boundaries with Daryl in order to get him to open up, she had done it outside the moonshine shack and few and far in between. The only reason she did it was to get to understand him better, because she did that she knew more about the archer than anyone else in the group. She was proud of that, she considered Daryl to be her best friend and in this world she needed someone like him around. Of course she had Maggie but Maggie had Glenn now and while Maggie still loved Beth she still spent a lot of her time with Glenn. 

Beth shook her head lightly, “Wasn’t bad.” She insisted, she had gotten used to the dirt and grime and it never bothered her. What bothered her was the fact that he was sticking to his old ways, that he had thought of leaving and the fact that he took a shower sort of cemented the deal that he was going to try here. That she wouldn’t wake up one morning and he’d just be gone but now he actually wanted to try to fit in here and that meant everything to Beth. 

The blonde notices the shift of his gaze to the door and she can’t help but wonder if he’s thinking about leaving or if he’s worried about someone coming through. Her eyes lingered over his face probably for a moment too long, she always knew that he was handsome but usually his hair was completely covering his face along with the dirt and grime. Now it was all completely visible and she couldn’t help but to sneak looks at him. She was a bundle of nerves, always a chatterbox but now she couldn’t find the right words to say---the last thing she wanted to do was scare him off. She clamped her hands together, fiddling with them as it was a nervous habit of hers. “So what have you got planned for the rest of your evening?” It was a stupid question but she needed to fill the silence. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

She wanted to be here. There’s a thousand reasons for that, Daryl knows it, but it still shifts some feelings in the pit of his stomach. At least the spike of worry that he initially had is crushed under her explanation, and Daryl’s shoulders relax with the disappearance of that tension. Some still remains (he seems to always have a little when Beth is near), but as long as everyone he cares about is safe, that’s all that matters. Daryl didn’t know what he might have done if he learned that his group was in trouble while he was getting squeaky clean in some 5-star hotel bathroom. Before he can let himself get all torn up over the thought, he thinks a quick reminder. Everyone’s alright. 

Beth is evidence of that, with her smile and the way she takes a few steps forward to close some space between them. It feels braver than he could ever hope to be in this situation, but he tries to match her courage by climbing down the last two steps, now on even ground with the blonde. All of this is unfamiliar territory to him. It’s a huge step out of his comfort zone - enough for him to liken it to miles. Before the turn, none of this happened to him. He never felt anything for a girl other than fleeting lust, and that always faded after a couple nights. Daryl never cared to do anything any of them would ask of him. He was his own person… when he wasn’t being molded by Merle.

The thought tells him something that he’s been fighting with: he isn’t being anything other than true to himself. There is nothing and no one forcing him to do anything here. It’s all him and his own decisions, and even if it was Beth who gently suggested a few of them, it was still his choice to go through with it. “Mmhm,” he hums quietly in reply to her gratitude, and all the while he’s unsure of where to put his eyes. His gaze wavers back and forth between Beth, the door, and the windows. But they never seem to leave her porcelain complexion for very long. “Yeah, guess you did,” Daryl shoots back, giving her a bit of a look that’s partnered with just a hint of a smile. There is a lot of things that Beth has opened him up to do… and none of them bad. “Hell, I don’t think you did when ya first saw me.”

[singing-beth]

She didn’t flat out say it but she wanted to be there because she wanted time with him, time alone with him. The two had spent so much time alone when they had got out of the prison and then again once he had gotten her back from the hospital, she had grown used to spending time with the archer. Now they were in a safe place, which she loved the town but she couldn’t help but miss those moments when it was just her and him under the stars eating ground snakes and drinking moonshine. Those were memories she’d cherish forever, those were the time where she kept the faith and broke down Daryl Dixon’s walls and that’s when she realized her feelings for him were a lot stronger than she had originally thought. 

Since they’ve been in Alexandria moments like this didn’t happen too often so she decided to take advantage of it when she closed the gap between them, she felt her own heart racing slightly as he took the last few steps down the stairs. Both of them are being quite brave but she loses her nerve once she’s a few inches away from him and doesn’t move any closer. She’s sure if she takes that last step forward he’ll be able to hear the sound of her heart hammering in her chest so she fiddles with her hands for a moment to distract herself. Her eyes flickered up to him from the floor feeling that nervous butterfly feeling once more, the feeling that she had grown to love and felt anytime she was in close proximity of the archer. 

She notices his gaze shifting but every time it returns to her the blush only darkens slightly on her porcelain skin. A quiet laugh escaped the blondes lips at his words, “Yeah I almost thought I had the wrong house but I’d recognize those blue eyes anywhere.”She murmured shyly. She was almost testing the waters with the flirting, seeing how he’d react. If she’d get another small hint of a smile on him, flushed cheeks or see him running for the doors. She didn’t know what she was going to get and part of that excited and scared the hell out of her all at the same time. Even though he was all cleaned up she still knew he was the same person, the same hard headed, kind hearted man that she fell for back at the funeral home.

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

The smell of shampoo lingers in his face, dripping off his wet hair that had begun to wave and curl messily. For a split second he was thankful for the way it hung in front of his eyes, obstructing some of him from view. It was hardly anything to hide behind, and Daryl reminded himself that there was no damn reason to hide. Beth had seen him at his most vulnerable. As it stands, she’s the only person in this group who knows the most about him. About what his life was like before this mess, and about the quiet moments in between. She took it all in stride. She never judged him for a second of it, and Daryl realizes that it might be exactly why he feels as exposed as he does right now. If anyone else had walked in, he probably would have brushed off any ensuing comments before walking out the door. 

But Daryl isn’t going anywhere. He’s planted at the bottom of the steps, eyeing Beth behind dark brown locks. “Somethin’ wrong over there or somethin’?” He asks, his first instinct always pointing him toward trouble. A part of him doesn’t want to process the end of what she says, that she came back here to see him. It boils a heat in his stomach, but the feeling the the furthest from anger. It’s something he couldn’t describe no matter how hard he tries. But none of this throws him off as much as her compliment does. It stirs two of three things up inside of him, and he shifts in his usual fashion. Handsome. He’s never been called that once in his life, and Beth just said it. 

“Stop,” He murmurs familiarly, and not in any harsh fashion, before his gaze shifts to his feet. Just socks on a carpet. Daryl never lived in a place that had carpet. He’s never had someone invoke such a spectrum of emotions within him either. No one has provoked as much feeling in him as Beth has. From the good to the bad… and even the bad just led them to more good. The memory of her forcing him to come out with his feelings after they lost the prison flashes through his mind before he looks up. Back into those big blue eyes. “Figured I’d take your advice. Try.” Alexandria and the people inside it weren’t going anywhere. Neither was Beth. Neither was he. “Not so bad.”

[singing-beth]

She wanted to make sure to put his mind at ease, let him know that she only came home because she didn’t feel like being at the party anymore--because she wanted to see him and that there was nothing to worry about. She shook her head, “Nope nothin’ wrong, everyone’s still there havin’ a good time I just...wanted to be here.”She admitted a bit shyly, the old Beth would have jumped at the chance to go to a party to feel normal for a change, but now? Things were different now and over the past few months she had grown up a lot and going to parties just didn’t seem like fun anymore. Of course she wanted to spend time with her family but that didn’t have to be in a party setting, it could be in a small group setting or a one on one setting like she currently had with Daryl. Right now she couldn’t think of anywhere else she’d rather be than right here with him.

Beth’s cheeks heated up slightly as he told her to stop, she could tell that there was no harshness in his tone and that being called handsome was just something that he probably wasn’t used to. She had to bite down on her lower lip gently to hide the huge grin that was threatening to form on her lips. She noticed him stopped at the last stair and she took a few more steps forward, trying to close some of the gap in the distance between them. She then realized in that moment she had never felt more normal, the two of them in a house together--a clean house both of them showered and wearing clean clothes. It felt like the old world, for a moment she almost forgot about the walkers outside the walls that were ready to feed on them at any chance they got. It felt nice to feel normal again, it was also nice to feel butterflies filling in her gut as her eyes lingered over him for a moment. 

She remembered the conversation the two of them had when they first got here, Daryl talking about leaving because he didn’t think he’d fit in here but now he was trying--maybe they could make this place their home and make it last. “Thank you, for tryin’.”She said softly as she didn’t know what she’d have done if he wanted to leave, she’d go with him that’s all she knew. “See I told ya it wouldn’t be so bad.”She said with a grin as she stepped closer to him moving to gently shove his shoulder with her hand, part of her just yearning to touch him. Her breath hitched in her throat as his blue eyes met hers and she held his gaze for a moment before she had to look away because she knew the blush was only darkening on her cheeks. She quickly shifted the subject, “I don’t think Judith will even recognize ya.”She teased lightly. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

[nowyourejustyours]

The unusual quiet of the home they had been given within the walls of Alexandria left Daryl feeling a mixture of peace and loss. This place wasn’t foolproof. He knew that before they got inside, and it was only proven as true a few days ago. Bodies had littered this place. Blood still stained the pavement despite a few people wasting water and effort trying to wash it away. And yet, even after all that, the place still stands. Everyone he’s learned to care for are still inside these walls, and Daryl reminds himself that it’s good enough. No matter what he does, Daryl will always stick out inside this place. It’s just something he has to accept. 

But that process is a slow burn, and the the archer is looking forward to his next run outside the walls with Aaron. He can’t bring himself to go to that party that’s being help in memorial of the people they lost, because it wasn’t his people. Maybe that’s wrong or cold-hearted, but it doesn’t change anything. He’s still here while the rest of his group are at that meet up, probably scoping out what they can. Seeing who’s who, and what they’re going to do about it. Daryl figures that’s a good thing, but he’s mostly counting on heading toward the wall soon to see what he can see. Maybe take a trip outside - and he almost heads straight for that idea when he sees a basket of clean laundry on the bench near the front door. It’s clean clothes in all sorts of sizes and styles, and what Beth said just last night rings again in his head.

The kiss she planted on his cheek is still warm, and Daryl shifts nervously as he tentatively approaches the laundry, going through it to see if anything might fit him. He doesn’t count on it - deciding that he’ll probably just put it back and head outside. But he doesn’t. He finds a dark blue shirt and a pair of black jeans. Both items free of rips, tears, and stains of dirt and blood. It’s just impulse that has him carrying it upstairs before he disappears into the bathroom, turning on the shower. Soapy water washes dirty clean off of him. Off his skin, and out of his hair. The warmth of the water helps the ache in his muscles, and when he emerges to dry off, he feels different. Daryl can’t tell how, or why, but he does. He pushes that feeling aside before getting dressed, and all the while he tries not to think about how people are going to look at him now. Everyone out there, they all still know what he is. What he can look like. He isn’t so sure a fresh change of clothes is going to fix that… and he’s nearly grateful for it.

Daryl only spares a quick look in the mirror to check if it fits okay, but never being one who’s that concerned about his physical appearance, he turns away before too long. His shoulders hitch uncomfortably, feeling exposed in something different than what he’s been wearing all this time. Fresh clothes, just socks on, his wet hair hanging in front of his eyes… it’s an adjustment. But when he’s at the top of the stairs and he hears the door open, followed by the sound of Beth’s voice, he freezes. What’s he going to say to her? He can’t answer his own question by the time he’s walking downstairs, reaching the bottoms steps and slowing when he spots the blonde. “Hey.” His voice is rough. Just the same, he reminds himself. “Why ain’t you at the party?”

[singing-beth]

She heard the sound of footsteps coming down the steps and she let out a sigh of relief, the last thing she wanted was to be alone in this big house. As of recently she didn’t like being alone, back at Grady she had to stay in that hospital room by herself and was locked in there until she could be trusted--until they gave her a job. Being alone meant being alone with her thoughts that made her think about things she pushed aside, made her think about her father and how horrible his death was, about how he’d never have grandkids and never see her and Maggie grow up. The sound of the footsteps coming down the stairs put her mind at ease that she wouldn’t be alone, in fact she could spend some time with Daryl just the two of them and as nervous and anxious as that made her--it excited her as well.

She walked toward the staircase but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw him reach the bottom of the stairs, in fresh clothes and clean. It took everything she had in her to keep her jaw from dropping as her eyes lingered over him for a moment. “H-hi.”She said in response, her voice small in comparison to his--a blush dusted over her cheeks as suddenly she felt very warm. Of course before all this she was attracted to him, God she was attracted to him but it wasn’t just his looks--it was his personality and everything that the two of them had been through together that had drawn her to him. She could practically hear her heartbeat hammering away in her chest, it was so loud that she swore he could have heard it as well. She did her best not to stare at him, quickly averting her gaze to the floor as she felt completely flustered, glad that he asked about the party so she could try to at least think about something else.

“I just--didn’t wanna be there anymore, thought I’d come home and see ya.”She said softly. She was grateful that she didn’t come back with anyone from the group because they would have caught her all flustered and blushing over Daryl. She finally let herself look up from the floor and back up to him, “You look good.”She said quietly, “Not that you don’t always look good it’s just now--you just look handsome.”She said, she realized she was rambling and she sunk her teeth into her lower lip to get herself to shut up. It wasn’t just the fact that he had gotten cleaned up that got her all flustered, but because he did it for her. All she can do is think about kissing him, something that she had been dying to do for months but has been so afraid to take the leap because of how he would react. She didn’t want to ruin whatever it was that the two of them had built over all this time, but she couldn’t help but think that him doing stuff like this was his way of saying that he cared about her just like she cared about him. It was more than caring though--the way she felt about Daryl she had never felt about any guy before. 

[singing-beth]

kiss → 014

It felt strange to have a party after everything that had happened the previous few days, Deanna insisted that it was important to have happy times amidst the bad and celebrate rather than mourn the lives lost. Beth agreed to go because Maggie had practically begged her, her sister picked out a summer dress for her to wear and everything. The entire group went--well all except for Daryl but that was to be expected. She couldn’t remember the last time she had worn a dress--probably back on the farm and the entire thing just felt strange. She was in a room full of people smiling and having a good time and all she could think about was last night on the porch with Daryl. She had kissed his cheek when she had really wanted to press her lips against his, she still felt like maybe she had been a bit forward, maybe she had scared him off.

She had hoped to get a chance to speak with him this morning but she had chores to do as did he and she just didn’t see him before the party. She had a sinking feeling in her stomach as she couldn’t get her mind off of him, her fingertips playing with the golden pendant around her neck as Maggie gently nudged her to get her to snap back into reality. “Hey I think I’m gonna head back I’m not feelin’ too well.”Beth told her sister, it wasn’t exactly a lie because her mind wasn’t here at the party but back at the house with Daryl. She said her goodbyes to everyone and moved to grab her sweater, slipping it on before walking out of the house. She knew once she got back to the house she’d lose her nerve and not talk to him about anything she was thinking, but maybe she’d get some time alone with him and it’d be nice to not have any prying eyes on the two of them. 

She walked down the empty street, her eyes scanning over the pavement still seeing some blood stains on the pavement and she forced herself to look away, trying not to think about what had just happened here. She quickened her pace and moved to walk up the steps of the porch before pushing the door open and shutting it behind her.  Beth then moved to slip off her cowboy boots leaving them at the door before her eyes scanned around the living room where they usually all hung out during the day but it was completely empty. “Daryl?”She called wondering if he had left, maybe he went to do a perimeter check because surely he didn’t decide to make an appearance at the party. She kept quiet listening for any signs of life in the house, it was almost eyrie with how quiet it was. 

[singing-beth]

close → 013

[nowyourejustyours]

Since day one, Daryl’s never had anything really constant in his life. His mom died when he was young. He was able to count on his dad’s beatings, but that died when he did. Sometimes Daryl was even able to count on Merle, but he was in and out of jail and then the military for it to really count. In and out of the drugs, too. Then he died. In this new world, as chewed up and spit out as it is, it’s the most constant he’s ever had. With people dying every day, with never knowing what your last breath is gonna be, a lot of people around would probably disagree with him. But then again, stuff like this was never anything he’d say out loud. Stability isn’t anything they can have anymore, and Alexandria is just a false hope of it. The walkers are always out there. The people willing to kill over a box of ammo, they’re out there too. The people he’s come to know better than he’s known anyone else… they’re all liable to fall out of being constant, too. 

But the stars? Those never change. He realized that when he was just a kid, and he’s thought about it from time to time ever since. It’s easy to remember, these days. But it’s just another reminder that that’s it. It’s just the stars. Nothing else is going to stay the same, no matter how much he wants it to. The way Beth once told him she’d be gone someday still haunts him. He dealt with that for a long time. Longer than he wanted to - but shorter than he thought he was going to have to. Because she’s back. She’s alive, and now that she’s standing next to him again, he’s all too aware of that. “Don’t gotta be,” he replies back to her apology. In his usual fashion, he gives a half-shrug at her question. “Yeah. M’alright.” Daryl will never get used to being the center of any attention, gossip, or teasing… but it happened. Now it’s done.

There are bigger things for him to be dwelling on, like how to keep this place standing for everyone in the house behind them. But those thoughts don’t last more than a half a second when Beth approaches him a few more steps, pointing out a tear in his shirt he hadn’t noticed until just now. It’s a rip across the seam and nothing he isn’t used to by now. Every article of clothes he has is all torn up in some way or another. It just doesn’t feel right to put on some fresh detergent clothes when everything else around them is dirty and bloody. Why pretend he’s anything else? “Yeah, sure there is,” he counters, his gaze not sure where to go. It bounces between the yard in front of him and the blue of Beth’s eyes. “I’ll let someone else have ‘em.” He isn’t unaware of how this would just spark that much more about the two of them if anyone caught them together, just a foot apart. But Daryl doesn’t move.

[singing-beth]

She felt a rush of relief through her as he heard those words spill from his lips, he was alright. That was all that mattered right now, those comments hadn’t pushed him away and the teasing hadn’t scared him off. He didn’t go running off to go be by himself but he came out here instead to be with her, to check on her. It would all blow over soon enough and everyone would be going to bed soon, tomorrow would be a new day and the next thing to gossip about would be among them.·“Alright, just checkin’.”She said offering him a small smile, a real genuine smile. She was happy, just these little moments she had with him made her this way. Of course she wanted more, she craved more but she knew better than to push him as she didn’t want to scare him off--she didn’t want to be selfish.·

Her fingertips toyed with the tiny tear in his plaid shirt, she could feel her stomach twisting in knots as her fingertips gently brushed across his chest through the material of his shirt. She noticed his gaze shifting and she does the same, shifting her gaze from his eyes to the ground for a moment as she did her best to collect her thoughts. She tried not to think about how close they were right here in this moment, about how if someone were to come outside and see them like this they would assume they were much closer then they had been. She knows she should pull away but she doesn’t, she wants to be close to him.·“This is our home now..”She said her voice soft as her gaze finally fixated on his dark blue hues.·“But I understand if you wanna stick to what you know, just wouldn’t hurt you to put down some roots here.”She suggested softly as part of her was afraid that he was still thinking about leaving because he didn’t belong here.·

“But if you wanna stick to this shirt I can sew it up for you if you want.”She offered with a small smile finally dropping her hand from his chest and letting it fall back to her side. She had picked up sewing from Carol and while she wasn’t the best she could always use the practice and she was sure Daryl wouldn’t mind a less than perfect patch job on his shirt. She couldn’t believe how much she was rambling, how she was trying to convince him this place was perfect so he didn’t have thoughts of leaving.·“Anyway--we should probably get back inside huh?”She suggested as she was sure there was some sort of rumors circulating about what was going on on the porch, even though it was all innocent. Her gaze shifted from his eyes to his lips for a moment before she forced herself to look away. She hesitated for a moment before she leaned up to press a gentle kiss to his cheek--her lips lingering their for a moment before she pulled away. Her eyes widened slightly as she wondered where that nerve came from and her cheeks flushed,“I---goodnight Daryl.”She said softly before making her way toward the door.