Hey folks! So this is my first Walking Dead story ever and since I'm rather notorious for it, I thought, why not to a baby story? Everyone deserves a good baby story in their life! So here's the first chapter! To set a timeline, Beth is around five to six months pregnant at the time of the first chapter (italics are flashbacks, just so no one is confused about an event that may have taken place). Feedback is greatly loved and appreciated! If people seem interested, I'll continue and even post the next chapter tomorrow! Hope you enjoy! -Jen

Chapter one:

It was the light, butter yellow fabric that first caught his attention. It hung, swaying softly in the broken window outside one of the several shops that were left abandoned in the street. The mannequin it once fit was gone, broken into several pieces beneath its surface. And yet, by some sheer stroke of luck, the outfit had managed to catch itself on a stray wire and remain, despite the elements, where it had been left.

Daryl adjusted the bow on his shoulder, eyes fixated for the first time on something other than the environment in front of him. It seemed gender neutral enough, not having any sort of print or pattern to deem otherwise. He exhaled softly, breath forming a white mist in the still air. It was perfect.

"Walkers?" a voice said from behind, causing Daryl to snap from his gaze.

Michonne eyed the archer curiously, uncertain as to what had captured his attention. Her sword was posed just in case, ready to spear the first creature that should emerge from within. But Daryl only shook his head, shrugging as he readjusted his own weapon once more.

"No," he mumbled. "Just window shoppin' is all."

The woman followed his stare, catching sight of the newborn outfit for the first time. She stayed silent for a moment, eyeing the object without much expression. They had gone for a run for supplies-food, drinkable water, ammo-but she also knew why Daryl was now more than ever willing to volunteer for such occasions. And it hadn't involved his need for new arrows or the possibility of stumbling across something of economic value.

"It's nice," she commented after a moment. "Looks warm too. That'll be good come the later months. You plan on taking it?"

He chewed on the inside of his cheek, continuing to watch the ever swaying piece of clothing. It'd be a good few months before it would be of any use, but that didn't mean it wasn't smart to take now. Deep down, a small part of him held the urge to go forth and explore the building for more supplies of that nature, but he knew it was too risky to do right now. Night would be falling soon, and with it, the walkers would be harder to spot.

"Yeah," he muttered, stepping forward to snatch the article from the glass shard hole it was displayed within. "I guess."

The fabric was soft against his calloused hand as Daryl gingerly shoved the object into his worn pocket. He nodded to Michonne, who understood the gesture and moved forward. The air was cool as they took the trail back into the woods, only having to take out a few walkers that crossed their path. Despite this being their first time in the area, it wasn't too difficult to locate the makeshift camp Rick had made out of an old hay barn they had come across early that morning.

"Just us," Daryl called out upon hearing a few clicks from weapons. "All good."

The interior of the barn was lit by a small fire in the aisle-way, its flames illuminating the several figures that either huddled beside or near its heat. Michonne unloaded the satchel of cans they had gathered-enough for two nights-near the blaze. Rick walked forward, gun hanging from his shoulder as he surveyed the supplies.

"How'd the town look?" He asked, thumbing over the dusty expiration dates that sat on the bottom of the tins. "Numbers?"

"Overrun, but manageable," Daryl replied, pulling his bow from his shoulder. "Looked through a good three quarters of it before it became too dark. Mostly picked dry."

"We can try again tomorrow," Michonne suggested.

"No," Rick exhaled, shaking his head. "Tomorrow we move again. Saw a sign, we're closing in on Virginia. D.C isn't much further than that." He offered a small, but tired smile. "But these cans will prove useful tonight. Thanks, both of you."

Daryl inhaled through his nose, absently licking his lips as he watched the sheriff quietly. "Know Washington is safe and all, but here is too. Why don't we just bunker down for another day. People need rest, Rick."

"We can't afford to let our guard down," Rick replied quietly. "Nowhere is safe anymore, but if there is a chance of a cure…" his voice trailed off, eyes locking onto the archer's. "I know you're worried about her."

"I ain't say that," Daryl mumbled.

"But you are," he continued. "Look, we all got things we're concerned about. Beth knows her limits. I'll consider that when we figure in resting periods tomorrow. She's a strong girl, Daryl. She's been through hell and back…we all have. It's just another hurdle to push through."

Daryl didn't respond, only rose from his spot and moved towards the back of the barn. He followed the several rows of stalls, nodding as he passed Carl, the young boy watching him from under the brim of his hat. Finally, he stopped in front of an open stable, hearing the soft whispers from within. He paused, hesitating slightly before he entered the boarded off section.

She sat on the floor, legs crossed together as Judith gurgled from what little lap she had left. Immediately, his eyes fell to the swell of her stomach, wondering if it had gotten bigger since he had last seen her this morning. Upon his entrance, Beth stopped speaking, her gaze lifting from the infant to the man as she offered a small smile.

"You're late," she teased, watching as he took a seat across from her. "I was beginning to wonder if I had to come after you."

Daryl didn't respond, only withdrew the small, now slightly wrinkled onesie from his pocket. The girl reached forward, taking it gently from the man. He watched as she studied it, her fingers softly rubbing the various seams around the collar and sleeves.

"It's beautiful," she murmured, looking up from the outfit to meet his gaze. "Where'd you find it?"

"In a window display," he mumbled, leaning against the wooden wall. "Ain't like nobody else was gonna take it."

Beth smiled, watching as Judith reached curiously towards the piece of clothing. "He's been movin' around a lot today," she said, looking towards Daryl hopefully. "Guess he's kinda like you in that sense. Startin' to even feel him when I touch my belly. If you want to see-"

Daryl looked away, gazing towards where most of the group had begun to gather around the fire for their meager servings of food. "We should go get some," he mumbled, not meeting Beth's eyes. "People ain't much about saving food anymore."

"Daryl," she began to protest, struggling to stand up. "I haven't seen you all day. Can't we just talk? For once?"

The archer didn't respond, merely taking Judith from the young woman's arms so that she had better leverage. The baby cooed, wrapping her arms around Daryl's neck as he reached out to offer Beth a hand. She refused, a look of anger and hurt washing upon her features as she managed to push herself up.

"I'm fine," she muttered, pushing past Daryl as she moved towards the group. "Not that you care to believe that."

Canned corn, plopped onto makeshift plates and bowls, found itself being passed around the circle of people. Daryl handed Judith to her brother, taking a plate himself before going over to join Beth. He didn't meet her gaze as he took a seat, dumping most of his contents onto hers before she could properly react.

"I'm not eating your damn food," she muttered, trying to redistribute what little starch sat on the plate. "Honestly, Daryl, I'm not starvin'!"

"Not hungry," he lied, still not bothering to properly look at her. "You need it more than me anyway."

"This baby isn't gonna get any bigger just by giving me what little meal you have," retorted Beth. "Just eat your own food. You're the one who goes out scouting, not me. You need all the energy you can get."

"Just shut your mouth and eat the damn corn," Daryl grumbled, tossing his plate to the side. "I'm gonna take a walk outside, make sure things look fine."

Beth watched disheartened as the man stood, grabbing the bow that rested against one of the supports as he made his way towards the closed door. He didn't turn back when she called out his name, exhaling as he pushed the entrance just slightly opened before slipping outside.

"You did this."

Daryl had barely a moment to react when the small, but sweeping hand collided with his cheek. He stumbled back slightly in surprise, not expecting to receive such violence from an otherwise small woman. Maggie stood in front of him, brow raised, eyes burning with such a look of hatred, Daryl would have died on the spot if looks could kill.

"I know," he whispered, shaking his head. "I know and I'm-"

"Sorry?" Maggie laughed humorously, her voice trembling as she spoke. "You piece of shit. You goddamn pedophile. She's eighteen!"

"She ain't no kid anymore," Daryl shot back, anger filling his own voice. "And you'd do best to stop-"

"She's my fucking sister, you asshole," Maggie shouted, jamming her finger into his chest. "And you went and knocked her up!" Daryl stood their silently, the woman continuing to lash out. "This ain't no place for a baby, Daryl! You…you have no idea what it was like with Lori! What I had to do! I ain't doin' that again! Not with my sister!"

Daryl was shaking too, anger and shame flowing relentlessly throughout his body. He swallowed thickly, sucking in a gulp of air as he prepared himself for the full onset of Maggie's rage. He deserved it, there was no denying that. He had let his guard down, for one minute. Forgetting everything that was happening, letting happiness run its course. And now the one person he cared most about was damaged because of it.

"I lost my mother and my father," Maggie said through her teeth. "I will not lose Beth too."

"Well what the hell do you want me to do?!" Daryl shot back, finally allowing his rage to slip into his tone. "Take it all back?!"

"I want it gone," she replied, enunciating each syllable. "Before it has a chance to harm her."

Daryl grew stiff, staring at Maggie with both an expression of disbelief and uncertainty. "She ain't gonna go for that," he said quietly. "The pills…I tried to talk to her about the option. She wasn't willin'."

"It doesn't matter if she is or isn't," Maggie replied coldly. "We've all done bad things, Daryl. You do what you have to with the medicine. She'll understand one day."

Thunder rumbled in the distance, a cold wind sweeping through the area. Daryl gazed up at the sky, just where the trees broke into a small opening. Clouds hung overhead, just visible in the darkness of the atmosphere. He inhaled, a drop of rain hitting his forehead as he adjusted his bow.

"Daryl!" a voice called, causing the archer to break his attention.

For a brief moment, he saw a small crack of light flood out of the barn as the door opened, a figure slipping through the entrance before it closed again. He watched as she approached, arms wrapped tightly around her chest as she trudged over to where he was standing.

"Get back inside," he mumbled. "It ain't safe out here."

"Maybe you should listen to your own advice," Beth countered, panting slightly as she managed to catch up to him. "I left you some corn…"

"Told you to eat it," he replied, looking towards the deeper part of the forest.

"And I told you not to give me your ration," she replied, a smile playing on her face. "So we're both even."

Daryl's mouth twisted into a frown as he began to busy himself with his bow. He hadn't the heart to look at Beth right now. To see what he had done. Maybe if they had taken care of it when they had the chance, the young woman's life wouldn't be constantly blinking in the back of his mind as a sort of time bomb. He knew nothing about delivering babies, except that the hospitals were really only equipped for that. And caring for them was a different story. Judith had been an exception. Judith was lucking. For all he knew, his own would be not.

"Been thinkin' of some names," Beth said quietly, looking to the archer. "Wish we had one of those little name books. I don't want to name him somethin' stupid."

"Not like it has to worry about getting bullied out here," Daryl muttered. "It'll be lucky to make it to its first birthday."

He could hear Beth inhale sharply from his side. For a brief moment, it felt somewhat good to hurt her like that. Make her feel the pain he constantly felt for what he'd done. But soon, accomplishment drifted into guilt and Daryl began to regret his words.

"You don't mean that," she mumbled.

"So what if I do?" Daryl said, tugging at his bow string a little too hard. "It ain't like it's not true, Beth. Hell, I could be dead tomorrow for all we know. This ain't the world we once knew. People die constantly, that's life now."

Beth was trembling, whether it was from sorrow or from the cold, he wasn't sure. He inhaled, watching her from the corner of his eye. Guilt began to fester stronger, tugging at the tendrils of his heart. Sighing, he finally turned to her, realizing that he'd gone too far.

"Look," he exhaled. "I didn't mean…"

But he was stopped abruptly when he noticed the look on Beth's face. She wavered, confusion and fear washing over her features as her hands traveled down to the swell of her stomach. Her breathing was heavy, uneven as she spoke.

"Somethin's…wrong," she struggled, swallowing as her knees began to buckle. "Daryl…"

He caught her before her body had the chance to hit the ground. Without even thinking, he immediately scooped her up into his arms, his back slightly protesting from the sudden change in weight. He ran, heart pounding, back towards the barn. The clock in his mind beginning to blink faster as he reached the doors. The onesie slipping from Beth's own pocket as they moved inside, catching in the cold, dying grass below.