Daryl let out a grunt as her elbow connected with his diaphragm.

And she quickly darted free from his grasp when his hold loosened in response; tried to circle and come at him from behind but she was too close, his recovery fast, grabbing at her as she moved. But as his hand closed easily around her arm her heel came down against the back of his knee, making it buckle, and she drove her weight against him and sent him to his knees on the ground.

His arm still gripped her tight but she managed to whip around; tried to hook an arm around his neck and lock him in but he anticipated it, used her weight against her and brought her quickly up and over his shoulder, getting her on her back in front of him.

Beth tried to scramble back on elbows and heels but he was too fast; his weight coming down on her in an instant, his legs nudging in between hers and he pinned her to the ground with his waist.

She wiggled and shuffled beneath him, her hands gripping his shirt and pushing back against his chest, making him grind down harder against her with his hips and more of his torso and she quickly became aware of a not-all-that-unexpected reaction from him.

Beth giggled and dropped her head back against the grass; her breaths coming as little puffs at their exertion.

She felt Daryl's hands close around her wrists, pulling them up over her head and he pinned them together there with one hand, as the other moved downwards, trailing a teasing finger down her neck, across the hollow of her throat and then slowly down her chest as he smirked.

"Give up?"

Beth's eyes narrowed at the smugness in his eyes and she ground her hips up against his; gave him friction and was pleased to see the darkening of his eyes in response.

His hand tightened around her wrists, kept them pinned up above her, while his other twisted into her shirt as he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers and his kiss was rough; aggressive with adrenaline and she liked it, the abandon and the dominance behind it, and opened her lips for his, tried to match his pace.

It built fast; didn't take long for the hand holding her wrists to release her, drag down against the skin of her arm, his other hand sliding down her ribcage to her waist; waited there until the other one joined it and then they both moved upwards, pushing up beneath the hem of her shirt, dragging the fabric up with them. Rough palms against her skin and she heard his breathing becoming unsteady as her heart beat faster with anticipation.

She moaned into his mouthed, her own hands slipping downwards; tangling in his hair, trailing down his neck, palming across his shoulders and skimming down his sides. His lips went to her neck and she arched back, offering her throat up to him as her hands went to the back of his thighs.

She ground her hips up against him again as her hands continued to roam about his waist; and then he groaned and drew back, breaking the kiss, and pressed his forehead against hers. The two of them breathed heavily as they looked at one another; her giving him a teasing smile while he attempted to offer one in response but it was crooked, not quite there, still too caught up in the headiness of what they had just been doing.

His cheeks were flush and his eyes dark and unfocused; that same look he often got when they did this, when he lost himself a bit, when he was inside of her.

Beth bit her lip, still smiling a little, enjoy the sight and trailed teasing fingers just beneath the waistband of his shirt.

And then he seemed to get himself under control and he let out a little amused exhale, a puff of laughter, and then he shook his head. He peered up over her head, his eyes skimming the clearing they had come out to to train. And then he glanced back down at her, giving her a slight smile; "Shouldn't be doin' this out here."

Beth could have rolled her eyes at the practicality of his statement; the reminder of the dangers that roamed. Always wary; always cautious.

Beth brushed her nose against his; "All part of the lesson."

Daryl drew back, looking at her with a furrowed brow; "How's that?"

Beth felt a little smile tug at her lips, turned her hand where it was beside him and gently pressed the tip of the hunting knife against his side; the blade she had swiped from his belt as he had been kissing her just moments before.

"Misdirection."

Daryl's eyes sparked with amusement and he let out a small chuckle, shaking his head and leaning down to press a kiss to the side of her neck; "This how y' plan on bringin' down your opponents?" He drew back, raising an eyebrow at her; "'cause I think I gotta object."

Beth laughed beneath him and he grinned, pressing his lips back to hers; playfully this time. His nose nudging hers as he drew back and settled his elbows on either side of her.

"First mistake."

Beth frowned; "What?"

"Where ya got the knife?"

She realised her mistake then, the tip still touching gently to the side at his ribcage. Too high. Too much bone. Needed to be lower. Or higher. Beth quirked an eyebrow and raised her hand so the knife was now in line with his shoulder; pointing dangerously towards his neck.

"Better?"

"Too late now. Woulda disarmed y' minutes ago."

"Like a stab in the ribs isn't going to slow you down."

Daryl grinned and shrugged; "Had worse."

Beth felt a jolt; "You've been stabbed before?"

Daryl only chuckled and she wasn't sure if he was laughing at the suggestion or laughing because he thought her shock at it was amusing but she didn't get to ask, because he leaned down pressed his lips to hers again, kissing her softly.

And when he drew back he looked at her with such adoration that all logical thoughts seemed to leave her. Only for a second, though.

"Second mistake."

Beth sighed, eyes narrowing; "You really know how to ruin the mood, y'know?"

His lips quirked but he didn't smile or acknowledge the statement; "Your punches."

"What about my punches?"

"Ain't throwin' them right."

"You've always had it in for my punches."

"You're holdin' back."

Beth's brow furrowed slightly.

"Y' wanna hit someone, y' hit 'em. And y' hit 'em good."

"We're just training, Daryl. I don't wanna hurt you."

Daryl's lips twitched and he leaned down, touching his lips to her neck again, and then he leaned up and nipped her earlobe, speaking quietly into her ear; "Think I can take ya, Greene."

Beth smiled then, turning her head to face him, as she reached up the caress his cheek; "Maggie said you were going scouting with Rick?"

"Hm."

"But Rick left yesterday."

"Mhm. He did that."

Beth lowered her eyes, then lifted them back; the question there though she guessed she didn't really need to ask. Had a fair idea of why he'd chosen to stay back this time; why he'd sat this one out.

"Michonne wanted t' go," Daryl offered by way of explanation.

"Sounds like the sort of dangerous situations you like going out chasing."

"Don't chase nothin'."

"We're spending all this time training me up; seems like I oughta teach you something back. I'm a pretty good driver, y' know. I could give you some pointers."

"Ain't nothin' wrong with my driving, girl."

"Last couple of times you've shown up beaten down have been 'causa cars," she went on, her grin teasing.

Daryl was scowling and it made her laugh and she shook her head, pulling him down for another kiss. Then she leaned back, glancing over to her side; looked out at the scenery of the location they had chosen to come to that day.

The waterfall.

The one that Daryl had brought her to, some months before, seeming like an age ago now. Back before they knew what they were doing with each other; back before they were sure.

Beth smiled and looked back up at him, reaching up to touch his cheek; "I'll miss it here."

"Hm." Daryl nodded a little, glanced over at the water, then back at her.

"Don't have long now," she went on, speaking quietly; "'till we gotta go."

He shrugged; "Couple a days; give or take."

The two of them were quiet for a minute; both of them seeming to quietly contemplate it. That they were really leaving; moving on. Another place. Another home.

Back on the road again.

But Daryl shook the thoughts away quickly and then he drew back a little, drawing her eyes back to his. He gave her a small smile and jerked his chin at her. Before he sat up and pulled her up with him.

"Gonna train some more?" she asked, when they stayed seated on the ground.

Daryl glanced out at the waterfall; nibbled on his lip for a second. Then his lips twitched a little and he looked back at her, his eyes warm and he shook his head; "Nah."

He reached for her hand, clasping it tight in his, and pulled her up to her feet with him; "Wanna just…walk?"

Beth looked at him; his eyes warm and affectionate on her. And she smiled; figured it wouldn't be long until they couldn't do this anymore. Couldn't just walk and just be; just enjoy each other for a while in this little sanctuary.

Reality was waiting.

She entwined her fingers with him, giving him a bright smile in response, and let him lead; walking them down the bank of the river, towards the falls.

Xxx

"Got these radios. Picked them up while we were out there."

Daryl only half heard the words, his gaze focused entirely on Beth, who was sitting on the porch. Judith was at her feet, holding up a little bunch of flowers and weeds to her, and Beth was smiling and talking; stroked the little girl's hair as Judith giggled. Beth took the flowers she held up to her, then leaned down to press her lips to the toddler's cheek.

Daryl didn't know why the sight made him feel warm inside; Beth and Judith together like that something that he'd seen pretty much since the little girl had been born.

But it did. It made him feel content; made him feel hopeful.

"Daryl?"

He snapped out of his musings to see Rick, Michonne, Abraham and Glenn standing there watching him, expectantly.

Daryl cleared his throat, shuffling a little and crossed his arms across his chest; "Right." Guessed that would cover whatever it was they had been saying.

Michonne had a little grin on her face.

It seemed his response was enough as the others carried on talking. Talked shop; talked strategy.

Rick and Michonne had returned back earlier that day; scouting mission a success. A route mapped out. Supplies were gathered. Weather was good again.

Winter had passed.

And the winter he'd just experienced had been warmer than any summer he'd ever had. Tangled up in little push and pull dances with Beth Greene; not-so-innocent banter and even less innocent tanglings up in blankets in a treehouse.

"Daryl."

His head snapped up at Rick's voice; just as the other man threw a radio his way. Daryl nodded, tucking it away as the five of them dispersed; agreeing to relay the new plans to the rest of the group.

Cars were already packed up.

They'd leave in the morning.

xxx

Soft lips pressed to his forehead, then his cheek as he lay with his eyes closed in the tangle of blankets in the treehouse. Heard Beth murmuring something, didn't catch what, and then her lips against his. He kissed her lazily, eyes still closed, reached up to touch her cheek gently as she drew back.

The sunlight shone in through the little window, illuminating her features and making her hair shine bright as she smiled down at him. She propped up her elbow and leaned her head on her hand, smiling down at him as she trailed fingers against his chest. Her voice was quiet when she spoke.

"Feeling blue."

Daryl tilted his head; "Why's that?"

"'cause this is the last day we get to wake up like this."

"Hm." Daryl reached up to caress her waist; "We'll see about that."

Beth smiled at that; ducking her head a little and snuggling into his neck; "I mean in here. This place. It's ours, y'know." She drew back, raising an unimpressed eyebrow; "Now we're gonna be lucky if we even get a tent to ourselves."

Daryl's lips twitched and he shrugged; "Yeah. Some asshole lost most of 'em when his car went over a cliff."

Beth chuckled and then lay down properly, sliding an arm across his waist as she leaned her head down against his chest. He glanced down, caught her taking in the view of the room they were in. All the little things that were in it.

"Gonna miss it here."

Daryl reached up, squeezed her arm; "Got room in the cars. Can pack it up; take anythin' y' want."

It wasn't exactly practical; they couldn't take everything. Not really. Although, he knew if she said she did want to take it all, he'd more than happily have it out with Abraham to make sure she got her wish.

But he didn't have to.

Beth shook her head, her arm tightening around him; "No." Her voice was quiet, tone soft; "We should leave it."

Daryl drew back a little, encouraging her to look up at him, meeting his eyes. She gave him a smile; "I wanna know it's still here; just like this."

He got it. Got why she didn't want to take the place apart; why she wanted to keep it the way it was. Keep it how they'd remember it; everything it meant for them.

Didn't want to think that it was gone.

"Maybe we can come back someday."

Daryl caught the wry smile on Beth's lips after she said it, as she laid her head back down against his chest; both knew that the chances of that were next to nothing. That they were moving on; that they probably wouldn't even set foot in Georgia again once they crossed that border. That they were leaving this all behind.

But there was a little spark of hope in his mind; surprising him but not really. Because he was with Beth and she gave him that; gave him more than anything he'd even imagined.

And he clung to that little spark and reached up, caressing her hair gently; "We'll find another place."

Beth didn't respond at first. And then she shifted and raised her head to look up at him; a considering frown on her brow, before a smile took over; "That right?"

"Mhm." Daryl nodded, returning her smile with one of his own; "Somewhere better."

And they would. He was sure of it. Knew that anywhere she was, was better than anywhere else; would always be that way for him.

Beth's smile widened and she leaned down, pressing her lips to his again.

"Daryl?"

He sighed against her lips in exasperation; at the sound of the questioning voice calling up to him from outside the four walls of the little sanctuary they were in. Guessed it was appropriate; reality busting in on them, the same day they were to leave the place behind.

Daryl pressed his lips to Beth's temple, before pushing himself to his feet and making his way to the small window; hanging out and looking down at Rick who was standing on the grass down below.

"Y'alright?" Daryl offered in greeting.

Rick gave him a nod, looking slightly uncomfortable, and Daryl realised he was standing there without his shirt on; not that the other man would be able to see much from down there. The window was tiny after all. But he guessed the implication that he had interrupted something was enough.

"Just lettin' y'all know breakfast's up. Abraham's wanting to head out in the next hour. Thought y' might wanna eat somethin' before we go."

Beth stepped up next to Daryl, wearing his absent shirt. She was unconcerned about it as she did, leaned against the sill and smiled down at Rick; "We'll be down."

Rick's discomfort seemed to have dissipated and he just smiled up at the two of them; looking amused and something else, his expression warm. And then he glanced behind himself at the Church and then back up at the two of them. Then he shook his head; "Y'all take your time."

Daryl frowned a little and then smiled; realised Rick got it. And then gave him a nod, reaching out to touch his hand to Beth's shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

Rick flashed them another smile, before he took a backwards step and then turned and headed back in the direction of the Church.

Daryl gripped Beth's shoulder and drew her up from where she was leaning, turning her so she was facing him and pinned her back against the wall next to the window frame, leaning in close.

Beth giggled and grinned up at him, brightly; "You heard Rick. Breakfast's waiting."

"Nah. Y' obviously weren't listenin'. The man just told us t' take our time."

Beth bit her lip and grinned at him, her eyes dropping from his to skim him interestedly, before she glanced back up at him with a coyness that didn't reconcile with the suggestive glance she had just thrown his way.

Daryl rolled his eyes and leaned down, grasping her by the back of the thighs and lifted her up, balancing her on his hips and leaned up to kiss her; intentions clear. And then he backed up and laid her back down on the blankets, much the same way he had done to her some weeks before. The first time they had done this.

And Beth laughed, looking up at him and shaking her head; "Really?"

He could see she liked this; liked him doing the chasing this time. Usually the initiating came from her side. And he felt her hook her ankles around the back of his calves even as she went on; "I don't think we have time."

"Gotta give this place a proper goodbye."

"I don't like goodbyes, remember?"

Daryl bit back a grin, quirked an eyebrow; "You'll like this one."

And then she laughed and it was melodic in the tiny room.

Bright and pure and perfect.

And he leaned down, claiming her lips with his; kissing her softly and holding her tight. Felt happiness and hope and love swelling up inside him; all things only this one girl had ever been able to give him, had ever made him feel.

Even leaving this place behind, he knew that they were going to be fine. That they were taking with them everything they'd ever really need.

Knew that all that mattered and that whatever the damn world may throw at them; they had this.

They had a moonshine shack in the middle of nowhere and a hug.

They had a little house and a piano and candles and oh.

They had a Waterfall and you.

They had a little treehouse and moments and memories in it that he'd treasure forever.

They had each other.

They had this.

A love that was sure and real.

~ Fin ~

And we're done!

It is so bittersweet to finish. I've loved writing these fics. And thank you so much to everyone that has read and reviewed and supported this story and the one before it the past few months. All the sweet comments here and on tumblr and the forums have had me on cloud nine so many times! I love you all!

Thanks again!

Penny x