Disclaimer: Nope, they're not mine.

Last chapter!

567 Miles

Beth was usually good at picking up whispers. The skill came naturally when an older sister liked to sneak boyfriends into her bedroom. It was crucial to have a secret weapon when it came to tattle-telling and getting away with mischief. With the dead walking, she felt it gave her the unique ability to read the tension in a room, even if she only picked up a few words.

Except today.

No doubt Daryl and Carol were discussing valid concerns in the front seat. The car just passed the sign for Richmond and turned onto the street Noah had pointed to. Tara added something to the conversation, Daryl grunted in response.

At this point, Beth let their murmurs get lost in the hum of the vehicle. She fisted her shorts and stared at Noah with wide eyes.

"Are you scared?"

He swallowed the obligatory 'no' and focused on the clear roadway over her shoulder. It irked her that they had put this off because now it was all crashing down on them at once. At the same time, she couldn't bring herself to regret this carefree road trip. She bit her lip and waited.

After a moment, Noah grabbed her hand and said, "Yes."

All the difficult admissions they had toed over the last few weeks were wrapped up in that one word and small gesture.

Yes, I am scared.

I don't know what will happen if my parents are there.

Or are not there.

I need you with me.

Him admitting it let her expel the breath she had been holding. Traversing this together, even if they were both afraid, made it bearable. It made her admit it.

"Me too."

Noah offered a hopeful smile and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Their hands remained clasped as they turned forward to face their destination.

They perched on a gentle rise, the defensive angle of the cars second nature at this point. It never took long to adapt in the apocalypse, quick uptake was a necessity. However, it did take a long time to get anywhere.

Fallen trees, flooded waterways, walkers, unexpected storms. At just over two weeks they finally reached the point on the map. Yet, even with all those miles and obstacles traveled, sometimes the greatest accomplishment was closing the space between two people.

Carol reached out to grab Daryl's hand and was comforted by the familiarity of his calluses.

From their view atop the car, Richmond sprawled before them. Or, at least, Noah's family's suburb. The lack of burnt out roofs was promising; the lack of movement had yet to be labeled good or bad.

Daryl readjusted his crossbow and the car sunk and rose slightly. He broke the silence.

"Made it."

"Journey's not over yet." Carol steadied herself on his knee and then slid off the vehicle. With a sober nod, he joined her and stabilized himself with a hand to her lower back.

They've come a long way since the hospital.

They've come even a longer way since the quarry.

Gun clips clicked into place. With a swoosh, Michonne beheaded the nearest walker. Sasha and Rosita backed her up with their knives. Rick pocketed a flare gun; if they ran into trouble, that was the signal for Tyreese, Rosita, and the rest to drive the cars in for a rescue.

At first, though, the group would go in on foot. Noah leading the way, Beth, his shadow. Rick and Michonne, Sasha, Daryl and Carol were to follow. If they were lucky, Noah's parents would be alive and well. Luckier still if their walled community remained as such, a community. The idea of a bed soothed Carol's aching shoulder.

She tucked away other blooming ideas into the back of her mind with a grin. It was reassuring how easy she could envision the future now, especially one so promising. Another home, a place for their family to thrive. They could take their chances, seize the day, but still dare to hope for something better.

As the final preparations were completed, Carol grabbed the front of Daryl's shirt and pulled him down to her. The kiss was soft, but surprised and pleased, he laughed unevenly. She savored the sound and hoped to hear it again.

A part of her was certain she would. That was much more than she could have said two weeks ago when he carried her out of that deadly hospital.

"Alright. I'm ready now," she chimed and drew her weapon. With a nod, Daryl's footsteps fell in time with hers as they walked down the street.

Author's Note: That's all, folks! It's extremely satisfying to finally finish it. Thanks for reading and going on this trip with me!-randomcat23