I have no good excuses for my lateness. Life happens! I hope y'all have stuck with me though! Thanks for reading and as always, I hope you enjoy!

Daryl

The cool air of early autumn filled Daryl's lungs as he stormed out of the house. The chill of the evening made Daryl's too-hot skin pebble up in goosebumps, but did nothing to cool the anger overwhelming him.

Beth had told him about Aaron's visit and the chance to be a recruiter, an opportunity that immediately appealed to Daryl, even in light of his recent mishap from leaving the safety of Alexandria's walls. Daryl knew the risks of traveling beyond the safe zone, knew all the bad things that could happen; but some days he felt trapped by the walls and the people within them. He found comfort in Beth and their family, but the absurdity of everyone else attempting to cling to a normal life got to him sometimes. He needed an outlet, like hunting or supply runs. It kept him sane and, more importantly, it kept him on his toes. He didn't want to get to comfortable here and let his guard down. Recruiting could provide Daryl the opportunity for that temporary escape and the chance to keep his skills sharp. It caused a spark of excitement as he thought of it.

That excitement was quickly stamped out, though, by one Miss Beth Greene.

Hands on her hips and determination in her eyes, she had looked right at Daryl and told him that she didn't want him to do it. That he needed to stay in the safe zone with her and the others. Had Daryl had any sense, he would've realized that Beth spoke out of fear, not anger. Instead, Daryl took her worries as commands and let his defensive nature take over.

"Ain't your decision to make," he spat.

Beth's eyebrows raised a fraction and her mouth turned down in a frown. "I never said that, Daryl," she replied in defense. "I just don't think it's the wisest idea."

"I can take care of myself. Been doin' it all my life, this ain't any different!"

Why was he yelling? Why was he so convinced she was attacking him? He knew he should stop. He could see her getting angry too, that stubborn rage building behind those calm blue eyes.

"We nearly lost you, Daryl, and you wanna go out there for weeks at a time?" she asked, her voice louder than before.

"I don't need you to babysit me," he said fiercely, turning to leave. He didn't even give her a chance to respond as he stalked out and down the front steps. Daryl heard Beth calling his name, but he didn't stop and she didn't follow.

...

Aaron

The rocking chair on the front porch was one of Aaron's favorite places to relax in the evening. Cooler weather was coming in, leaves were changing color, and the sun glowed a bright orange as it set beyond the horizon, all things that Aaron couldn't let pass him by. So, he curled up in his chair, rocking lightly and sipping a cup of tea as the sun sank lower in the sky, enjoying a moment of peace and calm.

He had just finished the last of his drink when Daryl Dixon, looking surly as ever, stomped up his front steps to stand before him. Aaron didn't know Daryl on a personal level as of yet. Daryl hadn't taken kindly to the fact that Aaron had observed them from afar before ever approaching them, watching their every move and interaction. So, Aaron hadn't spoken with him much. He knew he was a good man though; quiet and to himself most of the time, but fiercely loyal to those he loved.

Daryl stood in silence with his arms crossed across his chest, his shoulder leaning against the railing, as he waited for Aaron to speak. He seemed particularly tense to Aaron, though it was hard to tell with someone who hardly ever looked at ease.

"Daryl, hi!" Aaron said warmly. "I see Beth told you I was lookin' for you?"

"Somethin' like that," Daryl muttered.

Aaron frowned, remembering how upset Beth had been when he last spoke to her. Judging from Daryl's mood, Aaron guessed their discussion of the situation didn't go over too well.

"I hope I didn't cause any strife between you two," Aaron said apologetically.

"Don't matter," Daryl said with a shrug. "Just tell me about the recruitin' job."

"Okay then . . . um . . .well, I've been recruitin' on my own for a while now, but I've always wanted a partner to help. I haven't found anyone fit for the job, though, 'til now."

Daryl studied Aaron momentarily before speaking. "Why me?"

"You know how to track and maintain stealth, for one thing. But the main reason is you can read people. You have a great sense for others' motives and character. That's a must when deciding who is safe to bring back. You're perfect for this."

Daryl didn't look completely convinced as he mumbled something incoherently under his breath, giving no distinct answer. Aaron smiled and stood to his feat, setting his empty drink aside.

"Also, I have something for you. Follow me."

...

Daryl

When Aaron flipped the light switch, Daryl's eyes immediately flew to the motorcycle frame propped in the middle of the garage. He glanced across assortment of tools and parts scattered around the work benches and floor in no particular rhyme or reason. It was a mess, to be sure, but it was a sight for sore eyes to Daryl.

"I can't ride one," Aaron said as Daryl stepped forward to take a closer look. "It was already here when I moved in. So, I've been grabbin' parts any time I go out. Don't know if all of 'em are for motorcycles or not, but hopefully there's enough here to make it work. I want you to have it."

Daryl glanced over the bike, taking mental inventory. The tires and body seemed in good condition. The motor could use some work, but Aaron surely had something useful in his mess of a work space.

He grabbed the handles and could practically feel the wind in his face and the vibration beneath his fingertips already. He pictured himself flying down the road, Beth hugging his waist and laughing in his ear as they sped along.

Beth.

The bike would be used for recruiting, but Daryl couldn't picture himself on it without Beth right behind him. All at once, Daryl felt terrible. Clinging to recruiting without even considering Beth and her feelings suddenly seemed very selfish of him. If he was going to keep Beth in his life, he was going to have to take her into account in all he did. He wasn't on his own anymore.

He wanted this bike and the freedom it represented. He wanted to be away from the foolish members of this community. But he wanted Beth more. His mind was made up right then and there.

"I can't take it," Daryl mumbled.

"No really, I'm worthless on a bike. You should have it," Aaron replied with a laugh.

"The recruiting. I can't do it," he said this time. Aaron's face fell slightly but he nodded his head like he understood.

"Beth?" he asked kindly.

"Mmhmm."

"I understand, man. I just thought I'd ask. You can still have the bike."

Right then, Daryl felt less resentment towards the man who had prodded into his family's lives at their lowest moment. Maybe he was one of those good people left in the world Beth had talked about.

"Yeah?" Daryl asked.

"Of course! Someone should enjoy it. You can fix it up here whenever you want, so you don't have to move all the tools and whatnot. I don't mind at all." Aaron insisted.

Daryl managed a half smile. "Thanks."

"No problem. Now, go home to your girl."

...

I hope y'all don't mind my lack of length to these last few chapters. I'll have how Beth takes Daryl's decision (an apology?) in the next chapter.

BTW, did y'all see the preview for season 6? It looks freakin' amazing! And the end, with all the Daryl stuff? I'm gonna be a mess come October, I can tell!

Anyways, have a good evening and hopefully you'll hear from me soon! :)