Author's Note: I want to say a special thanks to DarylDixon'sLover, Maykits, Shanweener, and the guests that reviewed my last chapter :) I know Daryl is slightly OOC, but Beth brings out the best out of our favorite archer hunk ;) so he will be more talkative with her. When Beth was shot it was an emotional day for him, so he needed to talk those out, which is something Beth taught him to do. So I hope you enjoy this chapter and please review!

Beth woke up before Daryl the next morning when the sun was peeking through the blinds of the hospital window. She readjusted her position carefully onto her other side so she could look at him, careful not to wake him. She was still sore all over, it was difficult to move. He looked so peaceful as he slept. So childlike. He wasn't worried about anything. She loved watching him sleep.

"Ya know it's a bit creepy to watch someone sleep," Daryl told her with his eyes still closed.

Beth gasped, "How long have you been awake?" She playfully slapped at his arm.

Daryl chuckled and opened his eyes to meet hers. "Ya were shaking the whole bed trying to change position. Ya can't be sneaky even if yer life depended on it, girl."

Beth smiled at him. "Hey, I can be sneaky. I do remember that I was tracking better than you, Daryl Dixon. Yep, me, Bethany Greene. Tracks better than the famous Daryl Dixon. I also remember telling you that I wouldn't need you at all." She said laughing.

Daryl tucked a hair behind her ear that was in her face, "Ya don't. Ya take care of yourself."

Beth replied just above a whisper, "But I do need you, Daryl."

Before Daryl could respond, he heard the door to the room being opened, and he stood from the hospital bed that he had shared with Beth. He didn't want anyone from the rest of the group to see him act to intimately with her. Daryl was never a fan of PDA.

Maggie steps in with Glenn right behind her, "Bethy! How are you feeling? Thank God you're okay!"

"I'm still a bit sore, but I'm fine. I heard I gave everyone a bit of a scare." Beth replied.

"You sure did. Everyone was so worried." Glenn told her while Maggie leaned down and kissed Beth on the cheek. Beth smiled at him in response.

There was a knock at the door, and in came the rest of the group to see Beth alive and well.

"Hey guys!" Beth exclaimed.

Everyone said their hellos and one by one they came to give her a hug, and tell her how glad they were that she was still with them.

Carl was last to walk up to Beth with Judith in his arms. Judith squealed at the sight of Beth. Beth was equally excited as she scooped the baby up in her arms and placed kisses all over her chubby face.

Judith laughed her baby giggle and touched Beth's face.

Daryl smiled at the interaction between the two. Beth was basically Judith's mother. Beth stepped up without being asked and took on the role of being that child's caretaker. She was the big asskicker, and Judith was the 'lil asskicker. He smiled at the thought.

There was one again a knock at the door. Beth looked up to see Noah peeking his head through the door. When Noah saw that Beth was awake, he smiled widely and opened the door wide enough he could bring a tray of food in for her.

"I thought you might be hungry," Noah told her while setting the tray beside her bed.

"I'm famished. Thank you!" Beth replied showing her gratitude.

Everyone began to say their goodbyes so Beth could eat. Carol stood back while everyone did this staring between Daryl and Beth. She couldn't help but not like the bond that was forming between the two. She eventually walked forward, forced a smile, and took Judith from Beth's arms.

"Daryl, we have to go on a run soon. Ya comin'?" Rick asked.

Daryl felt torn. As one on the council, he needed to go on runs and scavenge supplies. He was still responsible for those things. But on the other hand, he didn't want to let Beth out of his sight. He hadn't been able to protect her last time and the guilt still ate at him. Beth looked into his eyes and knew what he was feeling in an instant. That's one of the things he loved about that girl. No one else was able to read his thoughts or emotions, but little Beth Greene did. She knew with just a look.

"Daryl, I'll be alright for you to go on a run. You don't have to stay. I'm a big girl." Beth laughed, even though she was scared shitless that he was going to leave her.

"I'll stay with her." Noah smiled.

Daryl grunted. He knew that Beth had developed a friendship with the boy, but he didn't feel comfortable with him alone with Beth. He had never felt this emotion before, but he didn't like it. It made him feel angered, threatened. He didn't like it at all. But he also knew that the boy wouldn't hurt her. He swallowed it down and nodded his head.

"So it's settled then. Ain't gon' get yerself hurt while I'm gone are ya?" Daryl asked her. Beth could see the fear in his eyes.

Beth shook her head. "No Daryl, I'll be alright. Just come back. Promise?"

"I'll be back, girl." Daryl grunted and strode past everyone else in the room leaving Beth looking confused.

"We'll be leaving in the next hour. Make sure ya eat and rest up, Beth. I'll make sure Daryl comes back in one piece." Rick laughed and kissed her on the forehead.

Please review y'all! I love seeing your thoughts and comments :)