Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead.

Summary: Beth gets through the last day of school, whilst Daryl gets through his first day of work. Things had been going slow for Daryl until the youngest Greene daughter comes back from school and starts her shift.

Warning: Language.

News traveled like a wildfire in King County.

"One of the Dixon brothers are working for the Greene family?"

"What's Hershel thinking, letting Daryl under the same roof as his family?"

"I bet Hershel's drinkin' again an' moved onto somethin' stronger than just alcohol. 'bet that drug bust wasn't only 'cause of the Dixons."

"Those poor girls, God help them."

Beth hated all the rumors that were being spread. She wasn't used to all of the attention either. When she got to school her friend, Amy, was the first one to confront her about the situation. When Amy tried to pry for information, Beth gave her some small details, but by lunch, Annette apparently had been having a secret affair with Daryl Dixon, and she was baring his demon kid. Beth almost laughed when she heard that rumor, but the temptation soon diminished when she heard about the other rumors. She had known Daryl didn't have the best reputation in town, but she was raised to believe there's good in everyone no matter what rumors circulate.

Beth wasn't surprised when accusation regarding Hershel's drinking problem came up. She had expected it. Hershel used to be a big time alcoholic, but after seeing what was on the line with his family, he had quit. Everyone in town knew he was sober, but people couldn't help themselves from re-circulating that rumor for the hundredth time.

The school year was almost and Beth couldn't be happier. She had finally landed her first real job at the local library. Sure, she had worked at her family's clinic, but she didn't really count that as a job. Real jobs pay you. When she asked Hershel about getting paid, he said he would reward her until she was able to find a real job. I finally get the surprise! Beth thought. She was ecstatic.

As soon as the bell rung, she hardly paid her friends any attention as she rushed to the bus.

Daryl had spent the day preparing Beth's surprise.

No clients showed up, which made his job a lot easier. Hershel had told him about he and Beth's deal, and how she got her first job as the librarian. Daryl didn't dwell on how Beth would be sticking around the house more, he just focused on what Hershel had told him to to. Damn girl got a fuckin' puppy, Daryl thought. He had spent the day building a doghouse, while babysitting the pup. The dog had been giving him hell since that morning.

Finally, he had finished the doghouse. Hershel told him to hide it in the barn with the puppy until Beth got home. Daryl busied himself with tending to the horses when the King County High School bus pulled up, letting Beth off. Daryl took a small glimpse of Beth running up to the farmhouse, letting his gaze linger on her for a bit before turning his attention back to the horses.

He was the first Beth spoke to. She had a wide grin on her face as she said, "Hi there, Daryl, how was your first day?" Daryl shrugged.

"'s alright." Beth nodded, assuming he didn't really want to talk.

Hershel had come out before Beth got to talk again and said, "Hey, Bethy, how was your last day of school?" Beth shrugged and kept the grin on her face.

"It was just fine. I ran all the way from the bus to um, well…" She remembered her manners and decided to leave it up to Hershel to bring up the surprise. Hershel chuckled, catching her slip up. Hershel sighed.

"You can get excited Beth. Daryl's been workin' on your surprise all day," he looked Daryl's way, "Open the door to the barn door, would you?" Daryl nodded and slid the farm doors open, revealing the tiny Australian Shepherd. It's dark brown eyes were enough to make Beth's heart melt. Beth squealed and engulfed Hershel in a bear hug. After uttering thank you ten times, Beth kneeled down on the ground and let the puppy give her butterfly kisses all over her cheeks and fingers.

Beth exclaimed, "He is so adorable, daddy, thank you so much! What's his name?"

"All up to you, honey. He's a she." Hershel smiles his cheeky smile.

Beth beamed and said, "Oh, yes! Is Scout too cliché? Maybe Dixie. I'm not sure. Whatever it is, it has to be perfect!" Hershel chuckled at her excitement and told them they should both to get to work.

Beth felt bad because she had been so focused on her new dog. After they fed the horses, they led them back to the field to let off some steam. Beth and Daryl leaned against the fence and watched as the new pup run around with the horses.

Beth bit her lip and looked up at Daryl. It's as if she wasn't there. He kept his gaze forward and observing the horses.

Beth sighed and said, "I still can't decide what to name her. She's so beautiful. A pretty girl deserves a pretty name. Hmm...what do you think about Annie? That's a pretty name." Daryl shrugged. Beth tried to spark some conversation and said, "Have you ever had a dog? Maybe a girl? Now that you're working with us maybe we can name her after-" Daryl cut her off.

"Look, blondie, I'm here to work an' hopefully clear my name. 'don't need you blabbin' off the whole time." As soon as the words came out of his mouth, he instantly regretted it. Beth could feel her eyes water. She turned on her heel, refusing to stay with him any longer. As she walked back to the farmhouse, her steps quickened into a run. The pup followed her.

Daryl mentally cursed himself. She probably ran off to tell her dad on him. Fucking teen. He allowed himself to wonder how old she was. Definitely young enough to still be in high school.

He thought about his brother and how he would've had his way with her back in the barn when they were getting the horses ready. Daryl huffed. Even though his brother was an annoying motherfucker, he still loved him whether he cares to admit it or not.

As the sunset, he led the horses back into their stables and closed up for the day. A voice from the porch called his name. Annette. He turned around as he was walking to his motorcycle.

"Hey sweetie, you wanna stay for dinner? 'fixed an' extra plate for 'ya at the table." Daryl huffed. He just wanted to go home. Like he could say that though. He balled up and walked to the porch.

Giving Annette a nod, he said, "Thank you for havin' me." He took his hat off as he walked in and went to the dining room. Everyone was sitting. He looked around and saw Hershel, Shawn, and Beth talking about their summer plans. Daryl nodded at all of them before sitting down at the chair next to Shawn, the other chair obviously Annette's. Soon, Annette came in and they said grace. When they closed the prayer, everyone went back to their chatter.

Annette said, "So Bethy, have you decided what you're gonna name the lil' munchkin?" Beth shrugged, her shoulders slumped. Daryl could tell it was because of what he had said earlier. Annette didn't pay much mind to her daughter's lack of enthusiasm and turned to Daryl, "I hope you like beans an' mashed potatoes. I'm glad you're here to try out our family chicken. It's my mama's secret recipe." Daryl nodded, already having taken a big bite of chicken out of his portion.

"Yes ma'am, it's all very good. Thank you 'gain for having me." The dinner went on without a hitch and when everyone finished, Beth took care of the dishes in the kitchen. Daryl was the last one to bring the dishes to her. Hershel and Annette were upstairs getting ready for bed and Shawn was in his room doing only God knows what.

Beth avoided making eye contact with Daryl as she took much longer to scrub off a small stain on a plate as he stood there.

He cleared his throat and said quietly, "Bit." Beth looked up at him questioningly. He continued, "You asked earlier if I ever had a dog and what its name was. 'was 'bout seven when Merle came home with her. 'looked kinda like yours. I named her Bit, since she had quite the bite." Beth's frown slowly turned into a smile as he finished his story. Daryl knew he had made it up to her and redeemed himself. Why do I care? Daryl thought. He didn't know the answer to his question and he didn't really want to confront it now.

Beth said, "Well what happened to Bit? She still 'round?" Daryl shook his head, not wanting to answer her first question. Beth took the hint and carried on, flashing her pearly whites. "Alright well it's settled. Her name's gon' be Bit," Beth beamed.

What the fuck am I doing?

Author's Note: I'm truly blessed from all of the positive responses! Thank y'all so much! I hope you all have enjoyed this second installment. Please leave a review telling me what you think!