Ok, so I know I said I had this written when I posted 11 but damnit I just didn't like it. And every time I went back to re-write I'd get distracted or frustrated. So after some convincing by Jill and Stacey and some poking by my husband (NOT THAT KIND) I finally got it together. Hope you like it.

Beth's eyes were sore from crying when the sun finally broke through the window and into the solemn house. She sat up and rubbed her face hard and tried to forget the fact that their friend lies dead on the floor in the other room. Maggie emerged from down the hall and wiped at the fresh tears forming at her eyes. She looked aggravated, likely by the emotions she's feeling due to the pregnancy and walked out the front door quickly and without word. Daryl watched Beth watch Maggie.

He puts an arm around her and kisses her shoulder to get her attention. "Go talk to her. I'm gunna help with Bob." Beth gave him a sad smile and stood and headed for the door.

Beth found Maggie sitting on the porch swing and staring off into the sunrise as Beth approached and sat down next to her. "Maybe we should go for a walk. They're gunna bring Bob out soon." Maggie glanced her way and dipped her head in acceptance and walked off the porch without looking to see if Beth will follow. She can understand her frustration. Things haven't been easy on her since they were all reunited. Beth hopped off the porch and ran to catch up with her, her hand on her knife and her senses alert.

"Maggie, I'm sorry-" Beth starts but Maggie turns on her, anger in her eyes.

"Is this payback for me protecting you?" She snapped bitterly.

"What are you talking about?"

"You treating me like I can't take care of myself. I know what to do out there. I protected you when we were on the run for months! I helped clear and defend the prison! I was kidnapped and molested and still came back with my wits about me!" She turns around and throws her arms in the air as she does. "You live a few months alone with Daryl and I'm pregnant and suddenly no one trusts me to do anything!"

"Maggie, I think you are over reacting."

"I'm not dead weight. I can protect others. Rick was so quick to tuck me away and Bob died. I could have protected him if I was given the chance!" Fresh tears fell from her eyes at the mention of Bob and her lip trembled. Beth grabbed her hand and pulled her down with her on the grass. They both pulled their knees up to their chest and wrapped their arms around them. This was how they always talked back on the farm and it felt familiar. Beth spoke slowly and gently, needing Maggie to understand.

"I don't think you are weak. We've been doing things for the past few months that have worked and I'm sure Rick was just being cautious when he didn't put you out in formation. It's all very calculated. When you cleared the prison you put yourself and the others in danger and I know Rick remembers that. I was so terrified when I saw you go off on your own when Rick said stay together. Glenn stayed with Rick. He trusted him. There's more at stake now than just your life. He was the same with Lori when we were on the run."

"He barely spoke to Lori when we lost the farm." Maggie spat.

"But he still protected her and Judith. Don't feel like you're worthless. We just want you and the baby safe. I'll tell you everything and you can protect our way. It's worked well…" Beth trailed off.

"Up until last night." Maggie finished for her and Beth's shoulders slumped in defeat.

"There were too many. Daryl is scared about another baby. He's afraid that after what happened last night this will happen again with the newborn. I think there's a desperation now to find somewhere safe for you, Judith, Carl, everyone."

"Is this what you all talked about last night before everyone went to bed?"

"We didn't have to. I've been around him enough to know what he's thinking. Although when we got out last night he did have a bit of an outburst about the situation. Threw the walkie." Beth mumbled and rubbed her leg over the sore spot by her ankle. Maggie rolled her eyes.

"Some things never change."

"Some things do." Beth whispered. Maggie ran a hand through her hair and groaned.

"Beth, I'm glad you are able to look out for yourself now. I'm proud of you that the group depends on you for more than just raising Judith and washing clothes. It makes me feel better knowing that if we get separated again we can find each other again."

"Sasha told me about you searching for Glenn. About how you found each other. I asked her if you looked for me, asked about me, cared if I was alive or dead…" Beth looked away from her, anger and hurt in her eyes.

"Beth, I'm sorry. I told you I'd come back for you but I didn't. I let you down."

"It was probably the best thing that's ever happened to me." Beth said quickly. Maggie looked at her in shock. "Daryl and I getting out together, I mean. If I had gotten out with you I'd still be weak. Hell, I'd probably be dead. Daryl taught me how to track, hunt, use his crossbow and I helped him put his past behind him." She didn't mention how his past came crashing down on him again after she was kidnapped. That wasn't for her to tell. "When we found each other again he saved me again. I was stronger after working so hard to put the skills he taught me to use to keep Gabriel and I alive but I will still naïve. I still believed that there was more to this life than just killin' walkers and surviving. I was attacked and fell hard on a rock. Gabriel thought I would turn but Daryl never left my side. After that, after we began to head north, he taught me how to balance the hope and the strength. I never let the hope blind me but never fully lost it. I never lost hope that we would find you." Maggie was crying again.

"Seems I owe Daryl more than just a thank you." Beth smirked knowing he would never accept a thank you or anything else for that matter if it meant a show of gratitude. "Ya know, I always thought Carol and Daryl would be something. I never assumed my little sister would end up fallin' for him."

"He's an amazing person. He's letting go of his demons."

The sound of the front door opening caught their attention and they stood and watched them bring Bob out to the tree where they were sitting. Sasha was sobbing silently and Tyreese had his arm wrapped around her shoulder as Rick, Daryl, and Glenn carried him out. Abraham came back from the truck with a shovel and began to dig. The men set the body on the ground and Daryl crossed the small space to Beth.

"Sasha wants ta bury him here." Beth nodded and looked at the beauty under the shade of the large tree.

"It's a good spot." Maggie walked over to Glenn and he wrapped her up in a tight embrace. Beth heard him ask how she was feeling and she smiled when she told him she was better.

"Ya'll good?" Daryl asked. Beth nodded her head and scanned the clearing as if it was second nature. Nothing was out there but them. It seemed like the world was giving them peace to mourn.

"It's beautiful here. I wish we could stay."

"Rick doesn't want ta leave right away. Wants to wait til everyone's ready before we move on."

"When are we going to stop?"

"Not til' we're safe." Rick overheard and responded. "We can't let what happened to Bob happen again." Beth remained quiet after that. Daryl watched her carefully, closely, for any sign of defeat. He helped dig the grave with Abraham and Rick and once everyone was gathered they lowered his body into the shallow hole. Tyreese and Sasha spoke for him since they were closest to him.

Once everyone had silently paid their respects everyone set off to busy themselves. Maggie and Carol set out to clean the sleeping areas and Glenn, Rick, and Michonne went out looking for a few supplies in a nearby town. Father Gabriel stayed behind to pray for Bob with Sasha. Tyreese took watch with Carl and Tara sat with Rosita, Abraham, and Eugene while they discussed new routes to take.

Beth settled on patrolling the back side of the house to make sure nothing snuck up on them again. She sat down with her back against the house and held the binoculars over her knee. Her mind wasn't in the watch but she was vigilant regardless.

"Come here often?" His husky voice broke her from her thoughts of death and despair and she smiles in spite of herself.

"As a matter of fact I'm new to the area." She played along.

"What brings ya to this neck of the woods?" He grunted as he sat down beside her.

"This crazy redneck thought it'd be a good place to stop for the night. Little did he know the place was a disaster. Internet reviews were horrible. Upkeep is non-existent." He chuckled a bit.

"Ya' doin' a'right?" He nudged her shoulder and her smile fell.

"I feel like I'm always jinxing us." She pulled up a blade of grass and nervously twisted it through her fingers. "I said you'd miss me when I'm gone and then I was taken. I said we couldn't be that lucky for this long and we lose Bob…" Beth ran her hand over her face and rested her forehead on her palm. Daryl didn't have any words of comfort for her. Instead he just kept watch until she was ready to speak again. This was the only way he knew to comfort her right now. It's what he did when Hershel died, it's all he knew.

"We're going to find some place safe. We have to. Maggie needs to have her baby surrounded by people that can help her. There has to be others left like us. Judith needs to grow up without waiting to die."

"Sure there is. An' we're gunna find it." She nodded slowly and watched the sun move across the sky. After what felt like hours he finally smirked and said, "I never finished high school." Her head snapped towards him and she grinned in return.

"Nothin' to drink." She murmured.

"Better this way. Yer turn." She nodded.

"I never skinned a snake."

"I never prayed before I met ya." She realized where he was going with this. This was his way of trying to open up.

"I never want to be alone again."

"I never want ya to either." He reached over and put his arm around her shoulder and she moved closer to him. She rested her head against his chest.

"I never knew how strong I was until you."

"I never felt this way with anyone before ya." His voice was soft as he whispered in her hair. She didn't move.

"What way?"

"Ya know." She grinned into his chest.

"Oh." His grip on her shoulder tightened as he knew she understood what he couldn't outright say but said every time they parted. "Me too." She lifted her head and kissed him soft and brief.

"We'll find what ya need. What Maggie an' lil ass kicker need." He reassured her.

"We all need it. We don't know when it'll be over for us."

Michonne rounded the corner of the house and smirked at the sight of them. "You two get cozier every day." Beth laughed at how Daryl quickly retracted his arm from her. Daryl Dixon, gentle and sweet but forever shy.

"Startin' to think ya were a spy before the turn rather than some city lawyer." He growled at her.

"Rick wants to talk to you, Dixon." She didn't want to return the banter and Daryl hadn't heard them return in a car. He was on his feet in seconds and following Michonne's retreating form in the dusk light. He found Rick standing on the porch next to man he'd never seen before. Daryl pulled his crossbow off his back in precaution. Beth came up behind him and put her hand on her knife. Rick watched them approach and spoke softly.

"It's ok. He's here to help us." Beth and Daryl looked at the man who was grinning at them and the rest of their family who looked seemingly relaxed given the stranger's arrival.

"Ain't no one helpin' no one anymore." Daryl spat as he glared at the man before him.

"He's a scout for a town. A place called Alexandria."

"Run by a dick like tha Governor?"

"We are a self-sustaining community run by one man, yes. But he takes council with others on decisions that will impact the group as a whole. Everyone has a job and we all pull our part. The town has solar electricity, running water, and fences. It was built for some big shot government folks before the turn and modified to fit our needs. It's a paradise in a world full of hell. No one has died in four months." The man beamed.

"And you're looking to take people in?" He nodded to Beth's question. "Why?"

"You don't trust easily." The man smirked.

"Lady asked ya a question." Daryl growled. Rick put his hand on his shoulder to pull him back but Daryl shoved him off.

"What's the point of living if we lose our humanity?" Beth was struck by his words and turned to look at Daryl. His eyes were dark. 'Don't trust em', they said. "We're about a two day walk from the safe zone. I have other members of my party I need to meet back up with tonight otherwise more will come looking for me. I'll give you guys some time to think about my offer and we'll meet up again tomorrow." He said looking at Rick who just nodded as the man walked off the porch and away from their house.

"You just gunna let him go? He could bring his people back here an' kill us!" Daryl's voice was low but grave as he got close to Rick.

"We'll double up on watch tonight. When he comes back I think we need to send a few people to scope this place out. If it checked out we'll come back and get the others." Rick said calmly. "We can't keep running. Not now." His eyes darted to Maggie.

Daryl accepted defeat and looked to the rest of the group. They all looked hopeful except Beth. Rick started giving orders again. He and Michonne had first watch, Abraham and Rosita would take second, and Daryl and Beth last. In the morning, they would decide who would accompany the stranger back to Alexandria.

The rest of the day was spent in silence. Daryl and Beth did sweeps across the back of the house looking for anything that might raise suspicion. When the sun finally began to set Beth stopped him as their paths crossed.

"Let's get back to the house. I heard Carol cleaned out a few bedrooms up stairs. We might be able to snag one and get a good night's rest." She looked at him pleadingly. She could see the trepidation on his face and wished he wouldn't worry so much. But she'd never make that request. It was like asking her to stop breathing. He nodded, shouldered his crossbow, and followed her to the house. Carol asked them to join them for dinner the minute they walked into the house but neither felt like eating. They excused themselves and headed upstairs to find a vacant room.

Three doors down on the left they found a room that was practically empty with the exception of a bed and blanket. Feathers were still strewn across the room as though someone had ripped it to pieces. Beth kicked off her boots and unhooked her belt and knife. She placed it on the floor next to the bed and sat down while looking over the room.

"I know you don't think this is a good idea. But what if it's an honest safe place?"

"Hard ta believe we'd find a town full of good people just waitin' to take in more people." Daryl mumbled as he sat his crossbow down and took a seat next to her.

"There are still good people. There are bad. If it doesn't feel right we leave."

"You say that like yer going to check it out."

"They might ask me." She looked down at her hands waiting for him to tell her she was stupid or crazy. He sighed and laid back on the bed with a flop.

"I'm not going to tell ya not to go. But I'm not going to let ya go alone." She smiled and nodded slowly. The room was dark now, the sun almost completely gone as the sky turned black. Thick clouds could be seen covering the hints of purple and orange.

"Storm is comin'." Beth muttered as she turned and curled into Daryl's side. "Gunna make it easy for someone to sneak up on us if they wanted. Can't hear shit in a Georgia storm." Daryl's lips turned up in a grin.

"Who taught ya to cuss like that?"

"Some guy I know. He's a bad influence, but I couldn't live without him." Daryl wasn't expecting her thoughtful response and his witty retort fell from his mind as he looked down at her. She felt his shift and raised her eyes to meet his.

"Why?" He asked without thinking.

"I could give you a hundred reasons why. You'd never believe any of them." She smiled as he dropped his head in agreement. She climbed up the bed and hovered over him. Her eyes drifted down to his mouth and that was all the signaling he needed to put himself into action. He reached up and cupped the back of her head and pulled her down to him, their mouths dueling for dominance over the other. Beth moaned softly when Daryl's tongue slipped past her lips and he felt his control slip slightly.

Without much thought he pushed himself up and her down simultaneously so he was now hovering above her small frame. Her hair haloed around her and she looked like a goddess. He dipped his head back down to kiss his way down her neck and collarbone.

"Daryl?" She stopped his decent and he looked up at her. "You ok?" He knew what she was asking. He just nodded. "All the more reason I need Alexandria to be a place for us." He smirked and returned his mouth to her neck. She wiggled beneath him and moaned when he found a sensitive spot. His hands ran from her hips to her ribs and back down again as her hands played with the hair at the nape of his neck. She hummed softly and pulled him back again.

"I don't want to be interrupted again. We agreed we'd be safe first." He looked at her through his curtain of hair, his eyes blazing and understanding all in one stare.

"We will be soon." He rolled off her and pulled her back to his chest. "Get some sleep." She nodded against him and closed her eyes.

"I'll see you soon." She whispered against his shirt.

AN: Don't hate me but I couldn't get busy knowing people could come beating down my door and I'm taken completely by surprise. Don't worry, it'll happen. Please leave reviews! I love them all!