To his knees Daryl Dixon falls. Sweat and blood and dirt are matted in his hair, stain his broken skin. His crossbow clatters on the asphalt beside him. Pain is a feeling he's grown too familiar with. It outweighs the minute amount of relief that comes over his exhausted body. It outweighs everything now, even though the group has taken Alexandria and defeated the Wolves, even though his people are safe, together in one piece.

She's gone. And despite all the events that could be considered positives...to him they are meaningless because she's not here. He can't stay like this, vulnerable, for long. Besides, voices are escalating and someone's crying. Daryl assumes immediately a death. Without even bothering to look up, he starts to force himself back to his feet. Boots pound on the perfect roadway, filling his ears, though his gaze refuses to lift.

Suddenly, a strong but small force collides with him. Arms capture him. There's a face tucked against his neck. He knows it's her by the feeling of unkept blonde hair against his cheek. His powerful arms encircle themselves like a protective cage around her, keeping her pressed tight against his chest, but that's still not close enough. His fingers are in her hair and squeezing her hips, bunching her shirts into his fist. She's reached her hands to his shoulders, holding him in the middle of the road, oblivious to any discomfort.

A million thoughts fill Daryl's mind, overwhelming him to silence. He wants to say so much but can't form the words. He just remains on his knees, his head falling to Beth's shoulder. Her fingers brush through his hair, calming him like no one else can. They stay like this for several minutes until someone clears their throat.

Daryl pulls back and stands, reaching one hand to help Beth up. She takes it, weaving their fingers together once she's on her feet again. He finally gets to see her, really look. Scars mark her forehead and right cheek. At the top of her head is the healing bullet wound. Like himself, dirt and blood mingle in her hair. The cast on her forearm is wearing out and a few minor bruises litter her pale skin. Aside from those normal injuries, she's okay. Still his beacon in the darkness of this world.