It was too good to be true. Beth, alive and nearly unharmed, stood less than thirty feet away, looking straight back at him. She was smart though, kept her lips in a straight line, containing her joy for later. Daryl clenched his jaw, tightened his grip on his crossbow, trying his damnedest to stand still even though all he wanted to do was scoop Beth up in his arms.
He didn't even hear Rick as he spoke with the woman cop across the tile hall. No, Daryl was only focused on getting the two women he cared most about back under his protection. He took notice when the first of their captives was nudged forward, then Beth as well. The tension was so thick it was suffocating, but the first exchange fell through with no trouble.
Rick smiled just barely, placing his hand over Beth's tangled blond hair for a moment then pulling her into a quick hug. As she passed behind him, a wave of relief flooded over the others. One of their people down, just one more to go and this nightmare would be over.
Of course, it was Daryl who Beth found first. Her skinny little body pressed firmly into his chest, arms holding him with strength he didn't know she possessed. Daryl buried his head into her shoulder, his eyes closed, just absorbing the feel of her again. His muscular arms were gentle as they snaked around Beth's waist, one hand taking a fistful of her shirt in his pure, overwhelming joy. He didn't shed tears, but he heard small, silent sobs from Beth as she trembled in his embrace.
Too soon, they broke apart. There were other hugs to receive, but Beth eventually found herself back at Daryl's side, and they continued watching as the exchange was finally complete. Everything had worked out. Was it possible? Could they all really walk away from this hospital unscathed?
"Now all I need is Noah," Dawn's voice shattered all the hope of simply leaving without conflict.
Beth felt her heart drop into the pit of her stomach. Her blood pumped in rage towards that corrupted officer. Noah was not part of the deal. They could part ways now, the trade was done. Over. Nothing could ever remain that simple though, not at this point. So everyone stood still, watching and listening to Rick and Dawn argue over Noah. Then finally, after what felt like years, Noah himself stepped forward. Easily enough, he agreed to return to the hospital, walking by Rick towards Dawn and the other cops.
"Wait!" Beth called suddenly, parting from Daryl to give Noah a final hug goodbye. She felt as though she owned him more. This was all she could give him though. She felt him push a pair of scissors into her cast and knew exactly what was being asked of her. Beth glanced at Dawn only inches away, contemplating how she was meant to murder someone. When she pulled away from Noah, she didn't move for a second. No, she decided, no matter how she hated Dawn and this entire facility, Beth was not a killer. With the scissors still hidden in her cast, she returned to Daryl without another word.
The group left with no casualties, no trouble. Just as they wanted. Daryl lingered, waiting until the others were up in front, and brought up the rear with Beth next to him. A rare smile passed over his face as he looked down at her. She'd become such a tough person, so capable, so strong, and he was beyond proud of her.
"Missed ya so bad, Beth Greene," he murmured. Daryl raised his hand, brushing his fingertips over the two long cuts marking her pale skin.