a/n Here with an all new chapter. Finally the end of the date
Thank you all for the follow and the reviews, it truly means
a lot and it helps me write ! Hope you all will like it.

He worries his lower lip, his eyes diverting as he tries to see if people are looking at him, looking at them. But nobody seems to give a shit. And he doesn't know if it's good or bad.

He's not quite sure what he should say. Her Mum is dead, his too. It's sad and he didn't think that this, huh, well this date would end up like that. Nothing worse to kill the mood than talking about your dead mother. But still, he wants to know and he would have if that stupid as fuck waiter didn't interrupt. But what's done is done and there's nothing he can do about it. For now. She looks ashamed and sad and he wants to wipe that look off her face. People like her don't deserve that kind of shit to happen to them.

"Ah'm glad ya here."

It's pathetic and stupid but it seems to be enough as she returns him a tentative smile. Except it's not enough and soon, her eyes become full of water again. Her eyes keep moving, darting around, everywhere but his face as her fingers play with the sheet. He wants to say something, anything but he has no idea what to say. He's not good when it comes to cheer someone up. An excuse me escapes her lips in a trembling whisper and she's out the door. His blue eyes stay focused on her empty chair for a moment. He wonders if he should blame himself, if he should not have looked at her scar. It isn't his business anyway and he knows that he would have despised her to look at his own scars.

This is not his thing anyway, eating with pretty girls and all that kind of stuff. He knew it wasn't, he knew he would screw up and he did. She's not here, she left. But his brows furrow as he spots her bag. She wants to come back, she doesn't want to leave the date. He keeps worrying his lower lip and he decides that maybe she ran because she was ashamed of her tears, of her weakness like he is ashamed of his. He can't leave her like that, can't leave her alone like he dreads to be. He stands up, puts his jacket on and grabs her thing.

"Leaving, sir ?" asks the waiter.

"Yeah, my, huh, my friend ain't feelin' good."

Daryl doesn't even try to smile gently or reassuringly and just walks to the door, leaving the restaurant and their ghosts behind. He can't find her at the first glance, but then, he sees her mop of blond hair and her pretty dress, she's sitting on a bench, her head buried in her hands, her elbows on her knees, she looks lost. He doesn't want to annoy her too much though, he's not sure what to do but still, he doesn't want to leave her alone. So he goes and sits next to her, not too close but still, he sits and they stay silent.

"I'm sorry for ruining this," she whispers.

A sad smile occupies his lips and he shrugs before clearing his throat, knowing that he needs to speak. He needs to step up and stop acting like a little bitch. She needs him to speak, she needs him to say something and not grunt and growl and shrug.

"Didn't," he whispers back, his teeth mercilessly on the dry flesh of his lip. "How long ya hav' left ?"

She sniffs, her hands wiping at her cheeks before she glances at him. There are still tears on her cheeks and her face is red, her eyes puffy. But she's so raw, so pretty still and she feels so real to him. He sketches the hint of a shy smile and he receives one back.

"One hour and a half," she says, trying to clear her throat of tears, "why ?"

"Cause there's a park not too far, could buy some stuff at the bakery and go eat there," he explains, a blush spreading on the nape of his neck, waiting for her to deny him.

It's a stupid idea anyway. He shouldn't have said a thing. He still doesn't know why he keeps opening his mouth like an asshole everytime he's near her. She makes everything look okay and he can't help but speak like there's nothing he would say that she would judge wrong.

"That would be nice."

And as he focuses on her again, she seems happier and pride makes him warm. He's containing a grin, a grin that would be wide. But she still looks a bit sad and as he stands up, he extends a hand. He waits for her to hold it, he waits for her to take it so he can tell her that he's here for her, that she matters and that her happiness matters to him. But he doesn't have the words, doesn't have the guts to say it so he's extending a hand.

Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at his hand but a wide grin takes place on her lips and she takes it. She stands up and she smiles at him and he stays a bit still before she starts walking, tugging on his hand. Once more, she's taking the lead and he doesn't mind because he doesn't feel like she's taking advantage of him, it feels like they're sharing the power, the power isn't his or hers, it's theirs and it's perfect. He still has her purse and her coat in hand but since she doesn't look like she wants it so he keeps it. They walk hand in hand and they don't speak much but soon, they're in front of a bakery which looks proper and nice and so Beth it makes him hesitate. He's dirty and it looks so clean so maybe he shouldn't enter. But Beth tugs on his hand and soon they're inside. He stays by the door, lets her hand go as she wanders in the shop, looking at the food with curiosity upon her face. His hand lays uselessly against his thigh and he flexes his fingers, missing her touch.

She's back at his side in no time as the girl behind the counter watch them curiously. Probably wondering what a scary man like him is doing with a bright girl like her.

"I found what I wanted. You should look, everything looks very good," she smiles, her blue eyes catching his.

And then, she's waiting, her eyes not leaving his, daring him to say no, daring him to deny her. And he's like wet sand in her hands, she makes whatever she wants of him, she can build castles, Hell, happiness, Heaven, a house with a white picket fence, a trailer with a lonely man and a bottle of Jack. She's building his future with her bare hands and wide eyes and he doesn't even know it. But he knows he's nodding and he's walking around, finding stuff he wants, stuff that looks good.

"What ya choosin' ?"

He glances at her from the corner of his eyes, raising an eyebrow questioningly. She bites in her lower lip before walking closer to him.

"I'll take a muffin with three chocolates and a piece of that strawberry cake," she says sweetly before arching her own eyebrow.

The question is silent but he understands it perfectly. He's not big on sweet things, he likes bacon, he likes meat so he shrugs.

"Gonna buy somethin' salty, ain't big on sweet," he replies, hoping he's not disappointing her

But Beth only nods and goes speaking to the girl. He wants to be good, he wants to do the right thing so he takes out his wallet and tightens his grasp on the handle of her bag before making sure that her coat hides it.

"Daryl ? Give me my wallet, please ?" she asks, her eyes glancing distractedly at him as she watches her food being prepared.

Daryl doesn't answer, just comes closer to her and opens his wallet, his eyes quickly looking for the price. Bills are put on the counter before his wallet goes back to his backpocket.

"What are you doing ?" she asks before shaking her head, putting her hands on her hips, "No way. Daryl, you're not paying for this."

"Well, ah've got yer money, ya want to eat 'n ah ain't gonna give ya shit," he explains with a satisfied smile, "so take the damn bag 'n let's go. I want mah bacon."

She's glaring at him for a few seconds before taking her bag and smiling sweetly to the woman, a thank you escaping her lips before she exits the shop. He wonders if she's mad, wonders if he was wrong to pay for her somehow but as he exits after, she's still glaring but she's smiling at the same time. And now, he's lost.

"This ain't over, Daryl," she threatens, still smiling and he shrugs.

Because she's not mad if she's smiling and it's ok with him if she keeps busting his ass for paying. Whatever.

"Sure, Missy."

They stay silent a bit before Beth turns curious eyes toward him.

"What's your favorite movie ?"

The question catches him off guard and he's not sure what his answer should be.

"Dunno. Like Fight Club, the Godfather, stuff like that," he shrugs, wishing that he could be able to give her precise answers instead of always answering with dunno. Being with her, he hates his inability to express himself, to find words and to be cultivated. His accent is way too pronounced and he always gets frustrated with his stupidity. "What 'bout ya ?"

She seems to blush and he grins a bit as he wonders if she's embarrassed of her choice of movie.

"Didn't really see much movies, we didn't have a tv home, my, huh, my father didn't like it. But I love reading."

Yeah, that's exactly what he is thinking about. She's smart and cultivated and the only stuff he reads is the hunting magazine. He read other stuff before, with his Ma when she was alive. She had been pretty his Ma, she had been cultivated and smart, she went to College his Ma. He still wonders how the Hell she managed to get trapped in that mess his father was. But still, when his Dad wasn't here, she would read him some of her College books, she would teach him how to dance, his feet on hers and they would spin in their kitchen, her laugh like a melody that still rings in his memory.

"There's tons of movie ya need t'see, girls. Ah mean, ya can't live without havin' seen some. Like the Godfather," he says, glancing at her to see a small smile blossom on her lips.

He's relieved that the girl isn't crying anymore and that the black cloud hanging above her head seems to have at least diminish. But he can't really be sure though he would like so much to have brought a smile to her. She's bright, Beth Greene, all bright and pretty. He knows life isn't easy, he knows now that she had tried to kill herself after losing her mother. It sounds weird but it makes him feel closer to her. Because it means that she isn't perfect, that she has flaws too and that she has a scar too. It makes him feel less like he's unworthy of her attention.

"Then I guess I'll make you popcorn and you'll bring the movies."

He hates himself when he nods, he hates himself for telling her that she should watch some movies. Because now, there are images of them in her living room, laughing and watching movies, there's popcorn and a smile like a candle in the living room. He imagines spending so much time with her and he likes it but he's not used to get what he wants and he can't help but think that the more time he'll spend with her, the more he'll be hurt when she'll inevitably let him down, running away from him. He wouldn't even blame her, he's too screwed up. But still, he wants to enjoy whatever time she'll allow him to have.

"Here," she says, stopping as she gazes at a dinner, "they seem to have tons of bacon."

Daryl has to admit that he forgot that they were looking for something for him to eat. He glances at it and nods once more, pushing the door open before making a gesture with his hand, urging her to enter before him.

"And they say chivalry is dead," she whispers, smiling a bit at him as she enters.

He shrugs it away before they sit in a booth, facing each other. He puts her bag and her vest next to him before shrugging his off.

"I'll only take some French fries," she says, her voice soft as she gazes at him, her head resting on her hand, "I still have those pastries to eat."

"Can take what ya want, girl, I'll take some bacon," he nods, a wolfish smile pulling on his lips as their eyes lock.

The waitress is here in no time and it's all so weird and awkward for him, clearing his throat as he asks for bacon and French fries with a plate a French fries and a beer.

"Ya want stuff to drink ?"

"A coke," she says, smiling at the waitress.

He doesn't even glance at the woman, he can't tear his eyes off Beth, really. He wonders how you get back from all of this, how you get back from trying to end your life. He blinks and the waitress is gone, Beth looking at him curiously.

"Do I have something on my face ?" she teases.

Daryl feels a blush creeping up his neck as he shakes his head, mumbling no under his breath before darting his eyes away, anywhere but on her face. What a dumbass, no but really, what's gotten into him ? Staring at her like some kind of creep.

"I like winter," she finally says, her eyes on him still as he's now gazing by the window.

"Really ? Bit too cold for me, ain't a big fan of multiple layers on."

"Oh really ? I couldn't guess that, seeing all those sleeveless shirt you own."

He rolls his eyes, "Smartass. Arms are too big, can't fit in those pansy ass shirt."

"I didn't say I was complaining, Daryl."

"Stop," he mutters, embarrassed as he avoids her eyes.

"Am just saying. But don't you love Christmas ? I mean, I like putting socks on, a hot chocolate in hand, watching snowflakes fall down with a Christmas tree in the corner."

He's in awe of the smile on her face, one which sounds nostalgic, a lingering longing for happier time, for forgotten times. He wonders if she thinks about her Ma. He can't say that Christmas was anything special for him. It was the day his Mother would not go out of her room, wine and cigarettes her only loved ones for that day. His Pa would not be seen, coming back at night, offering fists as if it was presents.

"Never really had Christmas," he mutters and he hates the way her face contorts in something he can't recognize. It's not pity, he knows pity and it's not that. It's something else that he can't recognize.

"Well, you'll have one this year," she smiles before turning her head as the waitress comes.

They eat mostly in silence, Beth saying things here and there about hoping his bacon is good, that the fries are awesome, that she's glad she's here. Most of the time, he's not quite sure what to reply so he keeps quiet, some noise escaping his mouth.

"It's a big moment, I don't know if I'm ready for it."

He stares at her, a slight smile on his lips as her eyes twinkle.

"Just open the damn thin'."

"Shh, you're spoiling my moment."

They're sitting on a bench in the park, the package with her pastries is resting cautiously on her knees and he's amused at the way she's making a big deal out of it. She carefully unties the bow and lifts the top of the box. Contrasting the careful way she handled the box, she quickly takes a pastry and happily bites in it, a small moan of contentment escaping her lips.

"It's super good, want a taste ?" she asks, chocolate at the corner of her lips.

"Nah, bacon was good enough for me."

He doesn't say that she has something on her mouth, keeps looking at it discreetly though he knows that he shouldn't look at her mouth at all. It's bad mojo or something and it will only make him want her. Want more than just this strange friendship they seem to be stuck in. He lets her eat, his legs spread as his blue eyes wander around, taking in the trees, the flowers and the people talking around them.

"Seem like y'all is bein' happy with your choice."

She's wiping her mouth with a napkin, nodding enthusiastically.

"Yes, I'm happy we're here," she smiles at him, looking him straight in the eye.

"Hm, t's nice," he replies, trying not to smile like a dumbass. His eyes go to his watch and he winces, "Have to go though."

She nods, standing up and he hands her her vest, the weather being colder as some clouds appear. She shrugs it on, a thank you escaping her pink lips before she goes throwing her box in the garbage.

"Let's go."

They walk, her purse still in his hand but then, she takes the other one in his as he glances, he sees that she's glancing at him and the small smile she gives him is enough to make him tighten a bit his hand around hers.

They're at her car now and she's toying with his hand, her blue eyes watching their linked fingers as his don't leave her face. She glances up then, smiles at him a bit sheepishly.

"I loved today," she whispers, their eyes locking, "it was very nice."

"Yeah, should do it again," he whispers back before blushing at what he just implied.

"Popcorns and movies," she adds and he nods, like a dumbass.

She opens her door, her hand still in his, her eyes still in his as she takes her purse and throws it on the backseat.

"You'll text me, right ?"

"Hm," he nods, his throat too tight for him to speak.

She smiles brightly at him before pushing on her tiptoes, her lips lingering on his cheek after she kissed it. Beth squeezes his hand one last time before going in her car. He tightens his jaw, trying to not brush his cheek with his fingertips like an idiot. She's driving away and now, he just has to get to his bike.

"So how was your date, buddy ?"

Daryl glares at Zack, Dave's question only being asked because the kid had to open his mouth.

"What ? I didn't know it was top secret, man. But I feel truly honored I was in the confidence."

Daryl flips him off before glaring at Dave.

"Wasn't no fuckin' date so fuck off."

He stomps to his locker, putting his overall on, a secret smile on his lips as his fingertips finally graze his cheek where Beth's lips had been.

a/n Any thoughts for me ?