Loving Without Fear

by eReedus

"Claimed! She's mine. I saw 'er first." While out hunting one day, Daryl and Beth run into trouble in the form of 'The Claimers'. Can Daryl save her? How far will he go to protect the only good thing he's ever known? Can they ever go back to who they were before Beth was 'claimed? Can they find a way to love without fear, when fear has been keeping them alive? SEE WARNINGS IN A/N

4. Chapter 4 Love

Loving Without Fear

Chapter Four

"Love"

It was only a short while before they reached the safety of their home, Daryl somehow once again managing to carry Beth's battered and bruised body upstairs. She clung onto him almost as tightly as he was clinging to her. The knowledge she needed him to be strong was the only thing pushing him through the pain that had been radiating through his entire being for the past hour.

Relief from knowing they were safe and finally alone together was slowly sinking in, but it didn't stop their need to hold each other. In this moment, it was the only way they could be sure they'd really made it. They knew they'd never been as grateful for the security and comforting familiarity of their little home as they were right now.

Daryl was in a bad way; deep cuts to his face, huge angry looking bruises on almost every part of his body, swollen and split knuckles, a broken and bloodied nose and what he thought were a couple of cracked ribs. None of that stopped him from taking care of Beth though. Nothing short of death would stop him from taking care of her ever again.

Daryl reluctantly sat her down on the counter in the bathroom as he lit a few candles. Beth stared blankly into the flames as they burned brightly in the darkness, hypnotized by their dancing and flickering. He turned on the faucet and a sudden gushing of water began to splash and echo in the otherwise silent bathroom.

As the bathtub began to fill with hot water and the room began to fill with steam, he added a few drops of the sweet jasmine scented bubble bath Beth had found on one of their early supply runs. Being his usual jackass self, he'd told her she was stupid and childish to care about such trivial things while they were living in a bloody zombie apocalypse. Beth had shouted right back, telling him this new world wasn't going to change her and it was these 'trivial things' that allowed them to stay the people they once were. Of course, he knew she was right, but like the stubborn ass he was, he hadn't apologised.

As Daryl glanced up at her, perched on the counter like a lost soul, he regretted not apologising, or at least not telling her she was right. He knew now there wasn't one thing stupid or childish about Beth Greene. She was beautiful and kind and strong. She was smart and pragmatic...always knowing just what to say and do. She was brave and fearless, and maybe if his stupid ass had been just as brave and fearless and had done what she'd asked of him, they would've been fine. It wasn't as if he hadn't wanted to. Who the hell was he to act all chivalrous, like some kind of gentleman with morals and a conscience? When really all his worthless redneck ass had wanted to do for as long as he could remember was claim her for himself, same as those bastards outside. He knew if he hadn't been such a pussy and had told her how he felt weeks ago, none of this would have happened, Beth would have been just fine right now.

He limped back over to her, grimacing as he held his ribs, the pain pulling him from the self-deprecating thoughts that were starting to seep into his mind. He traced his rough fingertips along the side of her face as softly as he could, to try to pull her from her trance.

"Beth. Baby. Get in the tub. Soak fer a while... it'll help with the soreness and achin'." Daryl turned off the faucet, leaving the room in that deafening silence once more. Beth didn't reply, she didn't even look away from the candles.

Daryl headed towards the door, to give her some space… some privacy. He didn't think being just one more man gawking at her naked body right now was really going to help matters much.

"Don't!" That one word hung heavy in the steamy atmosphere of the bathroom. Beth had forced it out in a blind panic at seeing him walking away.

"I don't wanna be on my own tonight… please…don't go." Beth's usually sparkling bright blue eyes were now dull and grey as they sought out his. They were devoid of that constant verve for life she always displayed so openly. Although it had once annoyed the crap out of him, it was now the one thing he longed to see more than anything else. He knew he had to stay, he knew he would do anything she asked.

Daryl nodded his head and grunted an answer.

Beth winced as she shuffled down from the counter and tried to remove Daryl's vest from around her body. Her arms were stiff, feeling like lead weights, her back ached, and the bruise now stretching across her abdomen and ribs hurt each and every time she moved. She couldn't do it, she didn't think she'd have the strength for anything ever again. She dropped her head to her chest in defeat and closed her eyes to stop the tears that were about to come, willing herself not to be so weak and pathetic.

Seconds later Beth flinched and gasped at the unexpected, but somehow comforting warmth of Daryl's big hands as he slid them over the bare flesh of her shoulders.

"S'okay, I ain't gonna hurt ya." His vest fell to the floor allowing the hot steam to envelop her now naked torso. Beth's eyes stayed closed as she tried to relax. Daryl's warm strong hands slid hesitantly over her body, slowly peeling away the boots, jeans and panties from her tender flesh.

"C'mon…I gotcha." Beth opened her eyes as Daryl took her hand and helped her into the tub. She sat down quickly, curling into what was now her signature defensive pose, of arms wrapped tightly around her legs and knees pulled under her chin.

Daryl started towards the corner of the room, moving into the shadows cast by the dancing flames of the candles. He needed to sit down before he passed out, he was sure his body was about to give up. He was surprised it had lasted this long, although he knew it had been running on pure adrenaline, the knowledge Beth needed him keeping him going. He couldn't remember a time in his life when he'd been in such a bad way, even after taking a bolt to his side and a bullet to his head. He thought how those times had felt like a fucking picnic compared to how he felt now.

Daryl only managed to shuffle a couple of steps before he was stopped again. Beth's small dirty hand urgently grabbing for his from her place in the tub.

"Don't leave me! Please?" Beth sounded terrified she was about to be left on her own, her fear filled eyes shooting upwards and her fingers threading trough his.

"Ain't leavin'…just givin' ya some space." Daryl was sure Beth was in shock and had no idea what was happening right now.

"Daryl… get in. Ya need to sit before ya fall… they hurt ya too." Daryl stopped for a second, knowing what she was saying was true. He did need to rest, to have that warm water soothing his battered and broken body...but more than that he needed to be near her. Now they'd finally found one another, he didn't ever want to be without her again, not even for one second.

Daryl moaned and winced as he slowly undressed, his tattered and blood stained clothes falling one by one to the floor into a heap next to Beth's until he was naked and the warm steam was nipping deliciously at his throbbing flesh. The sensation of the water lapping at his tender skin as he held his ribs and climbed into the tub behind Beth was nothing short of heavenly. He closed his eyes and let his legs slide down either side of her, groaning out as his body began to relax more than it had in years. The pain and the tension, the angst and the fear of the last hours, beginning to melt away into the healing warmth of the water.

Neither spoke nor moved for a long time. It was enough that they were here together and alive, both breathing and both beginning to heal in some small way.

Daryl was the first of the two to pull himself from his thoughts. "Baby, ya gotta clean yer wounds. Stop 'em goin' bad. Here..." Daryl gently bumped his arm into hers as he reached around and held out a wash cloth and bar of soap. Beth didn't move or attempt to take it from him, she was still lost in thought and curled up tightly. He tapped her arm once more, but nothing.

Daryl gave up and decided to wash her himself. He grazed his fingers lightly across Beth's neck, trying not to startle her and scooped up her dirty matted hair, placing it over one shoulder. He lathered up the wash cloth and gently placed it against Beth's back. He started to rub in small circles, cleansing her skin, washing away the dirt and blood. Washing away the stench of those men and their filthy grasping hands.

Daryl knew he could scrub clean what they'd done to her body…that would be the easy part. The wounds could be washed and they would heal, eventually fade from view altogether. It was what they'd done to her mind that killed him inside. And as much as he wanted to, he couldn't wash that away with soap and water… however much he wished he could. Beth needed to learn to live with it, to conquer the fear and hatred and move on. But one thing he knew for certain was that she wouldn't have to do it on her own, he would be here for her, every single second of every single day from now on.

As Daryl washed Beth's body, he took the time to look at it, really look at it, and could see properly for the first time the extent of what they'd done to her. He could see every single awful mark that marred her beautiful porcelain skin. Bruises, dark black and blue in colour, some in the shape of handprints. Grazes and cuts and bloodied and weeping bite marks. They were what turned his stomach the most. How could someone do that? How could someone do something so awful to someone so beautiful in the name of entertainment?

Daryl scooted forward until his chest was touching her back. He delicately kissed the ugly bite mark on the back of her shoulder, lingering there before moving his mouth to whisper against her ear. "Yer ma girl, Beth… I'm always gonna take care a' ya. I meant everythin' I said. Shoulda said it a long time ago is all." He wanted her to know his feelings hadn't changed, that nothing those men had done or said could ever make him think any less of her. He'd meant every single thing he'd said to her in that tent. So whether she hated him, blamed him or just didn't want him anymore, it made no difference. He would always look after her.

Beth snapped her head around to look at the man behind her. The sting of Daryl's chapped lips touching her sore skin and his bold declaration had her stunned, pulling her from her reverie. Her eyes were wide and full of confusion…shame even, as she looked at him in disbelief.

Daryl wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pressed his lips to her temple. "Y'all always be ma girl… what they did Beth, it don't change nothin'. How I feel about ya… I'm gonna look after ya." Daryl's instincts told him Beth needed reassurance that she hadn't done anything wrong. He knew she was probably feeling ashamed, dirty and weak, full of guilt for not being able to stop them sooner and anger that they'd hurt and humiliated her.

Beth carried on looking at him, blinking back her tears as she let her eyes roam across his face and body as she took in every mark there. She wanted to sob at the pitiful sight before her, because she knew it was all her fault. The archer was utterly broken, covered in horrific injuries and painful cuts and bruises, yet through all that he was still only concerned with looking after her.

Beth unfurled her arms from around her legs and swivelled to face him, kneeling between his legs in amongst the mass of fragrant bubbles that were now sloshing around between them. She suddenly realised all she wanted to do was look after him too.

"Daryl… let me clean these cuts, they're deep. I might hafta stitch this one." Beth gently traced her fingertip over the still bleeding cut above Daryl's eye as she let a hesitant but loving smile pull at her lips. "And I think this is broken." Beth delicately ran her finger over the bridge of his bloodied nose as Daryl winced and pulled away from her touch.

"Nah, m'fine. Ain't worth yer worry… shouldn't a' defended me back there neither Beth. Ya shoulda been takin' care a' yerself," Daryl stopped as he watched Beth's face crumple, her eyes beginning to fill with tears once more as she looked away like a child being reprimanded. He cupped his hand under her chin and brought her eyes back to his, his voice now a soft whisper. "Jus' meant I ain't worth it is all. Don't think I didn't appreciate it, cause I did. What ya did out there though… standin' up ta those men, beggin' an' fightin' 'em even though ya knew what they'd do ta ya…ain't no one ever done nothin' like that fer me before… ain't no one ever thought I was worth it."

Beth almost cut him off in her protestations. "Ya are worth it Daryl… you're worth everythin'…to me. I'd do it again, all of it… Look what they did to ya because of me, they almost killed ya. Ya saved me, ya stayed when ya didn't hafta… and look what they did…I'm so, so sorry." Beth collapsed her forehead against Daryl's good shoulder and he braced himself for more wailing and thumping, but all that came were soft shuddering sobs. His heart broke for her as he cradled her head and stroked her hair. "C'mon baby, that's it…let it all out. I'm right here…ain't goin' nowhere."

Beth curled her fingers into his long hair and he could feel her tears as they dripped from her eyes onto his shoulder. He could feel her lips as she grazed them across his collarbone in soft kisses. He closed his eyes and pressed his lips to her temple as he shushed her and murmured softly.

"Ya an' me, we're gonna be jus' fine. Ain't gonna let a few cuts an' bruises break us, huh?"

Beth sucked back a sob and pulled herself from Daryl's embrace. She didn't answer him. Instead she wiped her eyes and gave him a half smile before turning away. She picked up the soap and wash cloth and started to clean her man's wounds. Because that's what he was now in every way that counted. They'd both declared their feelings and they'd claimed each other. Although she might not have been ready right now to give herself to him in the way she'd wanted to before, she was ready to let him take care of her whilst she took care of him. And for now, that was enough.

Daryl watched Beth's beautiful face intently as she concentrated on cleaning his cuts. He hardly felt anything as her small hands gently and deftly tended to his beaten body. He'd never let anyone see him this way before; vulnerable and weak…because he'd never trusted someone enough to expose himself like this. Daryl felt an intimacy with Beth which he couldn't explain. He'd never felt this way about anyone. Not the women he'd slept with, even the ones he'd dated for a while, not family, not anyone else back at the prison… no one. As he watched her, he realised what it was. It was an intimacy that was nothing to do with sex or them being naked, but was everything to do with the fact she was bearing her soul to him, it was the fact she trusted him even after what she'd been through, it was the fact she wanted to be near him and was caring for him despite her own pain and suffering. Beth had seen inside him, seen him at his worst, and instead of being repulsed and scared like everyone in his life before had been, she was here with him.

As Daryl continued to gaze at her, these new and strange feelings raced around his body until he thought he might explode. He had a sudden urge to kiss her, to take her in his arms and tell her everything he was thinking and feeling. He gasped out her name but as soon as it was out of his mouth, he regretted it.

He wanted so badly to kiss her and tell her that he'd wait for her until she was ready to be with him, for forever if that's how long it took. He wanted to tell her he needed her, that she was his life now, his home… but he couldn't tell her anything. She didn't need to hear it, not after what had happened, she needed time and space, not pressure. She definitely didn't need a stupid half assed redneck declaring feelings he didn't even understand himself.

"Mmmm." Beth didn't look up from the cut she was cleaning on Daryl's side. She didn't seem to sense his current state of turmoil.

Daryl started to panic, his mind going into overdrive about what to say next.

"Urrhhmm…Michonne…she was the woman that escaped. They had 'er for a while before she got out." Beth's eyes shot up to meet his.

"How do ya know? Did they tell ya?" Beth had stopped what she was doing and was staring at Daryl, eyes filled with hope, waiting for an explanation.

"Len… Made him tell me 'fore I ended the bastard." Daryl hadn't planned on telling her just yet but he knew if she asked, he'd have to tell her the whole truth, however painful. He didn't want secrets or lies between them, she deserved honesty.

"Where is she? Is she okay? Did they… what happened? Daryl?" Beth's voice went from hopeful to fearful in the space of a second.

Daryl held her face in his hands and stroked his thumbs across her cheeks for a while. "He said they'd had her for 'bout a week an' that they'd… taken turns ta…" When it came to it, he couldn't say it, but Beth understood anyway. She'd always known that's what had happened, it's what would have happened to her if she'd been captured alone. If she hadn't had Daryl to save her. She was only glad that Michonne had escaped before it was too late.

Beth could see how hard it was for Daryl to talk about it, how it was hurting him just as much as it was hurting her, and she desperately wanted to help him. She cupped one hand under his jaw as the other lovingly smoothed through his dishevelled hair. Mindful of his broken nose, she leant in and pressed her mouth into his, in a chaste but loving kiss that took him by surprise.

"S'okay, Daryl. I know… I'm glad ya told me. Thankyou." Beth almost whispered her soft words against the archer's lips.

"Beth, it don't mean she's dead, she got out. She's strong, jus' like ya, ya took care a' yerself, so did she. She'll be okay. She's the toughest chick I ever met. They don't get ta break us, none of us. We're survivors, yer a survivor… and we'll see 'em all again one day. I swear Beth, we're gonna find 'em. We'll be a family again." Daryl tried his best to give Beth back some hope.

The blonde couldn't take any more. She slumped forward in exhaustion and defeat, pressing her cheek against Daryl's chest as her arms snaked carefully around his waist. She listened to the soothing rhythm of his heart pounding fast and steady against her ear. Daryl curled his arms around her, his fingers playing in her golden hair, desperate to prolong the comfort he found from being held in Beth Greene's embrace.

They didn't speak again. They finished grooming each other and tending to each other's wounds as best they could with what they had by way of medical supplies. It was a more comfortable silence now at least, and the lingering glances and gentle touches they exchanged told Daryl that there was hope that everything, in time, could return to how it had been between them… maybe even better than it had been.

After they'd finished; the water cold and the air cool, they stood wrapped in towels, staring into the huge mirror above the sink. Daryl curled his arms around her waist and kissed softly along the curves of her shoulder until his mouth was buried in the warm soft spot behind her ear. He pulled her close and murmured words of encouragement, reassuring her things would be okay and that he would never leave. Somehow he found the strength to scoop her into his arms and carry her to bed. The way she clung to him as he laid her down told him she didn't want him to leave. He wasn't planning on going anywhere though, so propped himself up behind her, his own body collapsing in exhaustion against the headboard. Within minutes Beth was asleep, her soft sweet snoring filling the quiet darkness. Daryl was utterly shattered and wanted nothing more than to lie down, press himself against Beth's soft curves and drift off to sleep as he inhaled her sweet fragrance. In reality he knew all he'd be doing tonight would be sitting here watching over his girl as she slept safely next to him. He swore to himself he would make sure she was never on her own again, that he would protect her and care for her for as long as she'd let him.

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More than six weeks had passed since that night and just as he'd promised, Daryl hadn't let her out of his sight. He'd done his best to take care of her too, but if he was truthful, it had been Beth doing most of the caring. His injuries had been worse than he first thought and Beth had had to stitch two cuts and had pretty much confined him to bed for two weeks due to his cracked ribs and the severe bruising to his abdomen, which she wasn't entirely sure wasn't internal bleeding. And while his own injuries were in plain sight and easily treatable, Beth's weren't, and he hated that he had no idea how to help her. The wounds on her body had soon disappeared but the ones inflicted on her mind were much deeper. After six weeks of watching night after night as Beth tried and failed to rid herself of her demons, Daryl began to think they might never leave her.

During daylight hours, Beth was to all intents and purposes her usual self. She would keep the place clean, wash their clothes and cook whatever was available, usually what Daryl had managed to bag while on one of his ultra-short daytime hunting expeditions. Beth was trying to get back to how she once was, but she refused to leave the house and he knew she wasn't even half way back to being her old self. Her fire, her faith and optimism were no longer there. But it was when darkness fell that Daryl realised exactly how much harm had been done to her.

The archer had only dare sleep for minutes here and there during the last forty four nights. He'd spend his time watching her, guarding her. The first few weeks had been distressing; for both him and her. She'd tossed and turned, angrily growling indiscernible words through gritted teeth, her fists clenching at her sides. He knew she was back there, reliving the horror and the fear and the loneliness of that night. He also knew she needed to if she was ever going to come out the other side stronger.

Those first nights, he'd held her against his chest, tucked her head under his chin and tried to comfort her the best he could, stroking her hair and whispering soothing words. He even tried humming to her, low and steady as he pressed his lips to her temple and closed his eyes. His hand brushing rhythmically over the pale skin of her arm until her fists unfurled, until she eventually fell quiet and settled her body into his. She would then do nothing more than gently mumble and twitch against him until morning came. She looked more at peace and he hoped that meant she was dreaming of happier things.

Those were the better nights though, the ones he dreaded most were the ones where she cried in her sleep, deep shuddering sobs that vibrated through him like a jackhammer, and whatever he did wasn't enough to soothe her. Those were the nights where Beth would wake herself screaming, the intensity of the dream so real she couldn't bear it any longer. On those nights, he would pull her close and they would sit propped against the headboard together. He'd hold her tight as she wrapped her arms around him. Her tears would eventually stop falling and words would take their place.

They both tried to express how they felt; about what had happened, their hopes and their fears and their dreams for the future. Over the weeks, Daryl felt his own guilt and his own pain gradually easing too. He'd never been much of a talker and he'd never experienced this kind of emotional connection with anyone before either. These weeks he'd spent with Beth, although painful, had been the best of his life, they'd shown him what he'd been missing out on his entire life. Maybe he wouldn't be so emotionally stunted and awkward if he'd met someone like Beth years ago… when he'd been battered and hurting from his pa's beatings. When he'd needed comfort and someone like her to hold him and tell him it was going to be okay.

Daryl told Beth he would always protect her because they belonged with each other. That she was safe with him and he would look after her because she was his girl, she'd always be his girl. Beth tried to put into words how she'd felt that night, not the physical pain of the attack… those wounds had healed, but the mental pain of knowing she was so weak and small that she was unable to protect herself. Unable to stop something from happening to her that filled her with so much fear that she was left breathless. The panic at knowing her life lay in the hands of others, at knowing she could do nothing except wait to see who would triumph… the men who wanted to hurt her or the man who wanted to save her. She told him how she never wanted to feel that helpless again… ever.

Daryl promised the blonde she wouldn't have to. That he'd would teach her to fight, to shoot, to use his bow, to hunt and to track. He knew it was what she needed to hear. And he meant it, he would teach her everything he could. What he didn't tell her was how he knew she'd never need any of it…because he was never ever leaving her side again.

Dawn was breaking and Daryl was wide awake and laid flat out, hands behind his head, on his side of the bed. He was thinking about her, about what they should do, where they should go, if they should leave, even. He didn't get to decide anything before his thoughts were interrupted by a soft groaning and movement on the other side of the mattress. Daryl rolled over to lie next to his girl, who was currently sprawled out on her back after readjusting herself. He propped up onto his elbow to watch her breathing softly in and out. The early morning sun was now shining brightly across her face, basking her in a golden glow and he'd never seen her look more beautiful or peaceful. The archer chewed on his lip, smiling contentedly to himself as he lightly brushed his finger across her forehead, moving the stray blonde curl that lay across her eyes. She twitched for a second before turning onto her side to nuzzle her face against Daryl's and throw her arm over his waist. That was always his favorite part, the part where she clung to him like they were a proper couple. He knew she wasn't consciously doing it, but it made him feel loved and wanted all the same.

He pressed his lips gently to her temple, inhaling her fresh clean fragrance as her hair brushed his face. The soft feel and intoxicating smell of his girl drove him crazy, it sent his body and mind spiralling into places they shouldn't, but it also brought him happiness and peace like he'd never known before.

Once Beth had settled, Daryl slowly traced his calloused fingertips along the bare arm wrapped over his waist. Tracing shoulder to wrist, he became mesmerized as goose bumps erupted over her pale skin. He liked watching how her unconscious body reacted to his touch, and in the back of his mind he couldn't help but imagine what her reaction would be if he did this to her while she was awake; if he did even more pleasurable things to her that he was sure she had no idea existed. Things he knew she would like and that would blow her mind. He knew it was wrong but sometimes he couldn't stop those thoughts creeping in, especially when, like now, he had an erection laying hot and heavy against his stomach, reminding him how much he wanted her. He wanted to please her so badly, to show her how it was supposed to feel… but he knew he couldn't.

As Daryl continued to lovingly stroke his woman he didn't fail to notice that this had been the first night since those men had taken her that she'd slept peacefully through until morning. No screaming, sweating, crying or muttering. He hoped that meant she'd finally turned a corner. She had an aura of contentment around her that he hadn't seen for so long, he'd almost given up hope of ever seeing it again. And knowing his girl had slept peacefully through the night for the first time in weeks allowed Daryl to breathe, properly breathe and switch off.

He laid his head down and pressed his forehead up against Beth's. He began to relax as he closed his eyes, letting the early morning sun warm his face. He let the soft pillows envelop him and within moments he'd drifted into a deep sleep. A sleep he didn't know he needed but that crept over his soul and gave him release from the angst that had taken up residence there. The dreams that came were happy and restful, they were comforting too as he remembered the taste of Beth's sweet lips on his, the sensations that had coursed through him as she'd touched him, the knowledge she'd wanted him, and how she'd made him feel like he was the most loved person in the world...

When Daryl opened his eyes, darkness greeted him. For the first time in weeks Beth's body wasn't next to him, her hair no longer tickling his face, and her breath no longer warming his chest as she lay curled against him. She was gone, her side of the bed cold and empty. Daryl's heart thumped hard and fast in his chest as his mind raced with a thousand awful scenarios, a nauseous feeling churning in his gut until he was incapable of breathing.

"Beth! Beth!" Daryl was becoming frantic as he called out her name, almost falling over himself as he picked up his bow and hurtled towards the door and down the stairs.

Daryl had already barrelled in and out of most of the darkened rooms in the house before Beth answered him from the kitchen. "In here… what is it? Daryl? Is everythin' okay?"

Daryl burst through the kitchen door, his eyes immediately seeking her out. Beth glanced over her shoulder and the smile he thought he'd never see again was once more plastered across her beautiful face, back where it belonged. Daryl could do nothing except pant breathlessly and stare, slowly shaking his head yes, unable to form words as his eyes raked over her.

The blonde was stood at the stove stirring something. She was barefoot, wearing nothing but one of Daryl's plaid button down shirts. It was huge on her but the sight of it wrapped around her tiny body made his heart pound, his pulse race, and a yearning for her to once again burn hot and deep within his soul.

Since that night, he'd tried, he really had, to push every single one of those dirty, inappropriate thoughts away, vowing to never think on them again, telling himself that Beth being back with him was enough. That his little fantasies and stolen touches were enough to satisfy him. And they had been… until now. Because now he was staring at the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on, wearing nothing but his half unbuttoned shirt and a smile, and he couldn't stop his body from racing with desire and lust as an inferno started to engulf his soul.

"Daryl! I thought somethin' bad had happened!" Beth rolled her eyes at the archer in mock annoyance as her own heartbeat slowed at the knowledge there was no emergency. Daryl didn't respond, just carried on looking at her as if in shock.

"So… if everythin's all right, why d'ya look like you've just seen a ghost? And why d'ya have your crossbow with ya?" Beth cocked her head to the side and furrowed her brow inquisitively as she tried to work out what was wrong with him.

Daryl looked around him in the dim light of the room and he was confused, not entirely sure he wasn't dreaming. "What time is it?" He asked as he dropped his bow onto the table, rubbing his eyes in an attempt to see more clearly.

Beth padded across the cold tiled floor towards him, grabbing his hands and pulling them from his face, as she smiled at the sleepy man in front of her. "About 8 o'clock I think, it's only just dark… Daryl, ya slept the whole day. Ya were shattered. Now sit. No arguments." Beth pulled out a chair and motioned for the archer to sit. "I was jus' makin' us supper. Ya need to eat."

Daryl knew he wasn't dreaming as soon as Beth's soft hands touched him. His mind started to race uncontrollably with every one of those inappropriate thoughts once more as he felt a sudden thrill course through him at the forcefulness of Beth's commands. His Beth was finally back. But in that same moment, an overwhelming wave of anger, frustration and panic washed over him as he looked up to meet her eyes.

The realisation of what it would feel like to lose her hit him like a freight train. "Why weren't ya there? Why didn't ya… ya shoulda woken me, damn it Beth, anythin' coulda hap…" Daryl paused for a second, thinking better of shouting at her after seeing her huge blue eyes fill with fear, wondering what she'd done wrong and why he was shouting at her.

The girl had absolutely no idea how he felt about her, how just the thought of losing her drove him insane with grief. She was clueless to how he felt about her, and that even one second without her was one second too long.

"Scared the shit outta me when ya weren't there when I woke, is all." Daryl's voice was softer, full of affection now as he watched her walking back to the stove. He knew she was upset and he knew it was all his fault. He couldn't be mad at her for not understanding how he felt, not when he was too cowardly to tell her, he couldn't be anything except in awe of her… at her strength and faith and at her ability to instil peace and calm into his soul in a way no one else ever could.

Daryl chewed down on the pad of his thumb as he watched her. "M'sorry. Didn't mean ta snap…" The first apology Daryl could ever remember making was out of his mouth before he could stop it.

"Daryl what's wrong?" Beth turned around to look at him as she waited for an answer, but when nothing came, she knew she'd have to make the first move. She turned back to the stove to stir the soup in distraction.

"M'sorry too. I…I didn't think you'd notice I was gone. Ya were fast sleep, ya looked so peaceful and I…I slept so well last night. I felt good when I woke earlier…for the first time in a long time I felt like my old self, and I just wanted to get up; to write my journal, enjoy the sunshine, make ya supper, I even went outside into the orchard to get these app…" Beth didn't get chance to finish babbling on before Daryl's two warm strong arms were snaking themselves around her waist, his firm muscular body was pressing into her from behind and his face was burying itself into the crook of her neck as he kissed her shoulder over and over.

"Course I fuckin' noticed, Beth. Ya think I wouldn't panic when ya weren't next ta me? Ya think it wouldn't kill me if ya left? If someone hurt ya again? Ya think I wouldn't miss ya? Yer got no fuckin' idea how much I..." Daryl stopped, he couldn't say it. His breath was coming in hard and rapid bursts now, warm against her skin as he clung desperately to her.

It was all too much… everything was hitting him at once, the realisation of how much he loved her and how close he'd come all those weeks ago to losing her, without really knowing her at all, without getting to live the life he wanted with her by his side. The relief from knowing she was okay, her scent on his shirt, her soft curves moulding perfectly against the hard lines of his body as he crushed himself into her, the way after everything that had happened she was still his sweet and innocent Beth, and the way she had no bloody idea about the things he wanted to do to her right now… it was all so overwhelming. And as much as he knew he should stop, run and hide, he'd also never wanted something as much as he wanted Beth Greene right now.

He wanted to climb inside her, wrap himself around her heart and never let go. He knew, without a doubt it was love, his soul had fallen in love with hers and he'd finally found his home, the place he belonged. It was something he never thought would happen to someone like him. But now it had, he had this mad desire to give her everything she desired, to take away the bad memories and replace them with new beautiful ones. To hide her away from the danger in this godforsaken world and keep her for himself for as long as he could.

Beth turned in his arms until she was facing him, forcing Daryl's head up from her shoulder. Beth pressed both of her palms into his chest, pushing him away until she could see his face clearly.

Daryl gradually lifted his eyes to meet hers. Even in the candlelight of the kitchen they glowed the prettiest shade of blue he'd ever seen. They were filled with that verve for life once more. And as Beth started to speak he found himself drowning in them, hypnotized by the way they pulled him in and made him feel at peace.

"I'm not gonna leave, why would I leave without ya? Where would I go?" Beth was gazing back into his doubtful blue eyes, eyes that were brim full of emotions she didn't quite understand. A look of concern and confusion etched itself onto her face as she tried to understand what was bothering him; why he'd been so angry, so hurt. Why he looked so sad.

"Daryl…I promise, I'm not ever leavin' and no one's gonna hurt me, okay?" They each continued to stare at the other, each becoming lost in the beautiful moment as they realised what was finally happening between them. "I meant what I said when we were together that night. I wanted you then and I still want you now…I just wasn't ready before now." Beth's words were spoken so softly, he felt them deep inside.

Daryl gnawed nervously on his lip as he tried to find the words to tell her he wanted her too, to try and explain even half of what he felt for her. Beth scrunched her fingers in Daryl's t-shirt, waiting for an answer… for anything. For him to tell her she wasn't completely mad. Their faces drifting closer and closer as time stood still around them.

Beth leant forward, stopping only when her lips were so close to his he could feel the warmth radiating from them. Her fingers crept their way upwards over his chest and neck until they reached the hair at his nape. She wound the dark strands tightly in her fists as Daryl closed his eyes. Just as he thought he couldn't hold out from making her his a moment longer, he felt Beth's lips graze against his, finally giving him the permission he needed. "Kiss me?"

He opened his eyes and his hands found her face. He cradled it as his thumbs traced a delicate line over her jaw. His mouth claiming hers before she could even register what was happening. He kissed her fast and hard as Beth tried her best to settle their lips and tongues into a less frenzied rhythm. Daryl groaned out as the blonde slowed and deepened the kiss, their tongues now twirling and dancing together perfectly. He closed his arms around her waist, pulling her onto her toes as he flattened their bodies together.

Daryl eventually broke the kiss, his mouth instead searing a trail of hot wet passionate kisses from Beth's lips to the hollow at the base of her throat and up to her ear. His hands slid under the hem of her shirt, gliding smoothly and firmly upwards over the soft curves of Beth's thighs and hips, his fingers digging in almost painfully as he held her naked waist and pulled her against his growing erection. He knew he was being too rough and fast but he couldn't stop. He didn't want to stop either because he needed it, he needed her like an addict needed a fix, she'd been all he could think about for so long it was nothing short of release to be able to touch her for real.

Beth moaned out as the tip of his tongue played teasingly around the shell of her ear, his teeth nipping at her lobe as his hands moved higher under her shirt, cupping her small and perfect breasts, tugging her nipples until they were solid peaks.

He could feel the goose bumps erupting across her skin as his calloused fingertips dragged over her flesh, just as they had done those times she'd lay asleep, unaware of his attentions.

Without warning, Beth pulled back, shoving her hands into Daryl's chest to separate their bodies and break his ministrations. His heart stopped knowing she was rejecting him, realising he'd messed things up already by being way too rough and eager, taking what wasn't his to take. Just as he was about to apologise and leave, Beth spun around to face the stove, gasping as an awful burning smell started to permeate through the kitchen.

"Aarhhh!" she groaned through a stifled laugh.

The saucepan was burnt black, the soup ruined from being ignored for so long. Beth turned off the gas and moved the pan to the back of the stove.

"Well that's supper ruined! Your fault for distractin' me!" Beth started to giggle but Daryl spun her straight back around and pressed his lips into hers, silencing the sweet sound of laughter he thought he'd never hear again. Relief washed over him as he now understood why she'd pushed him away, knowing it wasn't him after all.

"Weren't supper I wanted." He kissed her again, softly this time as his hands cupped her backside and he lifted her off the ground, guiding her long silky legs around his waist. Beth moaned appreciatively as she pressed their bodies together, her hands tugging at his hair and nails scraping along his scalp.

"Hhmmmm, what did ya want then?" Beth asked breathlessly, her mouth following the contours of his jaw as his whiskers scratched her lips deliciously.

"Yunno…" Daryl mumbled as he trailed off, shrugging and ducking his head. Beth moaned out internally, knowing she was going to have to push him, once again.

"No. I don't know…Say it. Tell me what ya want." Beth blew warm air gently across Daryl's ear before sucking the lobe between her teeth. Which elicited the exact reaction she was hoping for.

Daryl growled out and ground Beth's pelvis over the growing bulge in his pants as his tongue licked a long hard line upwards from just above her breasts to her lips.

"You. I want you… want ya ta be my girl. I need ya Beth." Daryl spoke with a new found confidence as his hands dug into the soft pale flesh of Beth's ass. He slid his fingers under the thin fabric of her tiny white lace panties, parting her flesh as he knead her backside, listening to her sweet and wanton groaning. He walked them towards the door, heading for the safe familiarity of their bedroom, their bed. Daryl buried his mouth under the collar of her shirt, sucking and licking at Beth's throat until her head was thrown back in ecstasy and her panting and his racing heart were the only sounds he could hear thrumming through his veins.

Their bedroom was surprisingly well lit, the full moon outside bathing Beth in a bright silvery glow. Daryl stood at the end of their bed, gazing down on her as she lay there splayed out and smiling… waiting for him to make the next move. His hands were running long firm strokes up and down the smooth skin of her bare legs as he took a moment to admire the beautiful sight before him.

"Ya sure ya wanna do this? We don't hafta if ya ain't ready." Daryl asked, half expecting rejection, even now.

"I want to…I wanna be your girl in every way…I always have Daryl, I just needed time." Beth placed her hands over his as they continued to stroke a line from her knee to hip. Her eyes locking with his as her pupils bled black into blue, desire and passion sparking with nervousness at the knowledge her next words would change things between them forever.

"I love ya … I've been in love with ya since long before that night. We're meant to be together, Daryl. We found each other because of those men, in spite of those men." They continued to stare at each other, their eyes darting frantically back and forth as their hearts began to bang. "Everythin' that happened got us to this point... and now we get to finish what they started. I want ya to make love to me. Show me ya still want me."

Daryl didn't know how to respond to so many revelations. He swallowed hard, his mouth dry and his head spinning. Of course, he knew Beth loved him, Beth had loved every single one of their strange little family. He'd just never dared hope she'd fallen in love with him, especially after that night and everything since. He wanted to tell her it was the same for him too, that he'd fallen in stupid crazy love with her, that he'd wanted her so badly for so long he thought his heart might burst. That he would do anything to keep her safe and that he would love her until his dying day. But he didn't know where to start.

So instead the archer decided to do as she asked, make love to her and show her what he couldn't tell her with words. He held her heated gaze and let his fingers drift over her shirt, peeling it from her body one button at a time until Beth was exposed, naked except for her white lace panties. Lace panties that left nothing to the imagination, and although he'd seen her naked before, he knew this time it would be different. This time he didn't have to feel guilty or dirty about his thoughts and fantasies. It was okay for him to touch her, to look at her, to lose himself in his girl and enjoy it, because she wanted him to. This time he didn't have to turn away in shame at the way his body was reacting to being close to her.

Still stood at the end of their bed, his hooded eyes locked with her dark ones as he hooked his fingers inside Beth's underwear and slid them down her long legs before throwing them to the floor. He grabbed her ankles, dragging her towards him and pulling her feet onto his shoulders. He began to kiss along the inside of her legs, one then the other, from heel to knee, not missing a single inch of flesh as he went. He watched as Beth writhed and gasped, as she bit down on her lower lip in anticipation of his next move. He dropped her feet to the mattress and started to undress himself, he wanted to feel her naked body against his and he didn't want to wait any longer.

Beth watched his every movement, intrigued at the way his perfect tanned muscles bunched and flexed as he stripped. His underwear was the last item to go, and he couldn't help but see the look of shock, maybe even panic on Beth's face. How her eyes grew big and she sucked in a silent breath as she fixed her stare on his manhood.

Daryl knelt over her, tipping her chin so she was looking at him. "Hey, I ain't gonna hurt ya baby. I'm gonna make it feel so good ya ain't never gonna want me ta stop." Beth smiled and eagerly nodded her understanding. She looked excited enough to explode as Daryl smirked and ran his thumb back and forth over her now swollen lips.

He leant forward and claimed her mouth with his once more. Right now he needed to kiss her more than he needed to breathe. He needed that feeling of acceptance, the one he'd felt when they were in the tent. Beth twirled her tongue with his, sucking softly at his lips before pulling him closer and kissing him harder.

Daryl pulled up with a growl, sliding his hands along the length of her arms and gently raising them above her head. He held them against the mattress for a moment as he kissed her face, feeling her mouth curl into a smile and a soft nervous giggle fall from her lips.

"Don't move… I wanna look at my girl." He mumbled quietly against her mouth before grinning back at her and pressing one more kiss to her lips.

He let go of her arms and stood up to admire the sight of the blonde stretched out naked before him. She really was the most perfect and beautiful thing he'd ever seen. His eyes roamed slowly downwards from her face as he took in the swell of her breasts, the flat of her stomach, the curve of her hips and the soft blonde hair between her legs, his tongue licking appreciatively over his lips and his dick twitching hard against his stomach.

He reached out and ran the palm of his hand from the hollow at the base of her throat all the way down the centre of her chest, between her breasts and through the dip of her navel, brushing through the top of her pubic hair before trailing off between her legs. He watched how she arched into his touch, her body moaning for more as she groaned out through heavy breaths. He watched as every hair on her body bristled and her flesh goose bumped as his rough hand made contact with her soft skin.

His big rough hands then cupped her breasts, covering them completely as he caressed the pale mounds until her nipples puckered into solid pink peaks once more. Her breath was now coming in short sharp bursts and he could see her chest rising and falling as her heart pounded hard and fast. He watched her fists ball in the covers above her head, in the exact place he'd left them and he could feel her heart thumping in unison with his own, skipping a beat every time his mouth made contact with her breast.

Daryl flicked and licked one nipple while twirling the other between his fingers, his free hand linking through hers as they lay stretched above her head. Daryl's mouth began to move slowly downwards, trailing a heated path of kisses along the centre of her body, his fingers following behind and tracing delicate lines over her now flushed and sensitive skin. His mouth moving ever closer to its destination, his tongue swirling in circles around her navel then lower, through the triangle of curly blonde hair until he could smell how wet she was, how turned on she was by his touch alone.

"Daryl?" Beth squeaked out his name in panic and was suddenly on her elbows, eyes wide, watching him. Her face flushed pink in embarrassment as Daryl settled himself between her thighs, his face so close to her intimate parts she had to fight the urge to clench her legs shut.

"Hey, jus' relax. Yer gonna like this…'kay?" Daryl grabbed the side of Beth's face, pulling himself up just enough to run his tongue over the join of her lips before kissing her slowly and gently for what seemed like an eternity. When they finally parted they were both left breathless and burning with a renewed desperate need for one another. Beth grinned shyly and nodded as her whole body began to throb and her stomach somersaulted at Daryl's words alone. She moaned out as she fell back onto the bed, rolling her eyes and covering her face with her hands.

Daryl groaned inside at just how much of a turn on it was to see her so shy and nervous. To know he was going to be the first, the only man to ever see her like this. She really did have no idea how utterly gorgeous and perfect she was.

The archer began to lavish hot wet open mouthed kisses over the insides of Beth's thighs, his hands gradually spreading her legs wide until she was completely open to him, her soaking slit glistening in the half light of the room. The smell and sight of her, inviting him in, was nothing short of heaven and he wasn't quite sure he could hold back, his cock now leaking ribbons of pre-cum and leaving a sticky wet trail across his stomach in its desperate need to be inside Beth's body.

Daryl started slowly, lightly licking the length of her pussy as Beth gasped at the new and strange sensation. He could feel how tense she still was, despite his best efforts to relax her. So he licked again, this time concentrating on her clit. He suckled gently as he slid the tips of his fingers back and forth through her soaking folds, circling just inside her tight wet entrance, before alternating and rubbing his thumb across her increasingly hardening clit and dragging his tongue the length of her slit, lapping up her juices. After a few moments Beth's mind and body started to descend into ecstasy, her hands no longer covering her face but were instead threaded through Daryl's hair. She held him firmly in place, as though she thought he might leave or stop. She didn't understand though, he couldn't have stopped now even if she'd asked him to, he was lost somewhere between his wildest fantasy and heaven.

Beth's body was begging him for more, moving and throbbing in ways that made Daryl groan out. She arched her back, pushing her hips forward as Daryl swirled the tip of his tongue around her hardened nub. He knew she was getting close, her breathing was erratic and her moans were mixed with whispers of his name. Every time he did something new with his tongue she would writhe around and pant her appreciation. When he finally slipped his middle finger completely inside her, she clamped her walls around him, so close to orgasm he couldn't just feel it erupting inside her, he could taste it and smell it.

"Oh, ohhhh Daryl…. That feels so good. I can't…. What is…" Daryl slid his free hand along her body and cupped her breast, massaging and squeezing until Beth could do nothing except pant and mutter nonsense.

He worked his finger in and out of her tight hole, slowly stretching her, feeling her massaging around him as her insides began to throb and she was curling her fingers almost painfully in his hair. He knew she was just about to go over the edge so he pushed in another finger, curling them both forward to hit just the right spot as he pinched her nipple and sucked at her clit. A second later Beth's body was ripped apart by the most intense orgasm he'd ever watched anyone experience. Arousal gushed warm and sticky over his fingers as her walls convulsed around them with such strength he actually thought something was wrong. Beth's entire body was in spasm, pulsing and shaking as her hips bucked uncontrollably. She panted out his name through deep shuddering breaths and right then Daryl knew he'd never witness anything so beautiful again.

He pulled his fingers from her warmth and crawled up her body, crashing his lips into hers, groaning as he filled her mouth with his tongue, needing to be as close as possible to her. Beth kissed him back with equal fervour until neither could breathe. He rolled off to lay next to her, his hand splaying across her abdomen to calm her shaking and breathless body. He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck and kissed her, over and over, shushing her and brushing her hair away from her sweaty face as he held her tight. "That feel good? Huh? Shit ya taste so good Beth."

Beth nodded frantically, her body flushed pink and covered in a sheen of sweat as her heart finally started to slow to a more normal rhythm. "What… was that? It was…I didn't know… Daryl, how do you know how to do that? I really didn't know…" Beth was struggling for words to express the completely new feeling of ecstasy flowing through her veins, and as good as that made him feel, Daryl couldn't help but feel curious.

Daryl cupped her face and turned her to look at him, quickly stealing one more kiss from her swollen pink lips. "Was that yer first time?" Beth furrowed her brow in confusion as Daryl ran his finger down the side of her face.

"Mmmmm." Beth nodded. "I told ya, I haven't done anythin' like that before."

"Nah, I don't mean sex… I mean… gettin' off. Ya ever had an orgasm before? Ya ever touched yerself down there?" Beth quickly shook her head no, but even in the darkened room Daryl could see her blushing with embarrassment.

"Hey, ain't nothin' ta be embarrassed about." Daryl's eyes began to wander over her glistening body as he began to think about all the other things he wanted to do to her. All the things he could show her that would blow her mind.

His fingers began tracing circles around her still pebbled nipples, as Beth started to brush the palm of her hand over Daryl's chest, her eyes following the contours of his muscles until she was looking at his erection once more. This time with hunger not horror.

"I wanna touch you like ya touched me… with my mouth. Teach me." Beth whispered, as her eyes flickered up to meet his and her hand stroked gently over the silk like skin of his shaft.

Daryl couldn't stop himself from groaning out and closing his eyes. He didn't answer straight away, he wanted to prolong the feel of her tiny warm hand as it innocently explored his manhood for the first time, touching him with such care and love he would've been happy to stay right here forever.

Beth began to slowly stroke his length up and down with one hand as the other palmed his balls. Her fingers were curled so gently around his cock he wanted to scream for her to use more pressure, more speed… because he needed to come. It was an excruciatingly frustrating, but beautiful sensation and he knew from that touch alone that Beth Greene did not need instruction from him in anything, least of all how to pleasure him.

As Daryl felt his body begin to tighten and thrum with the first signs of climax, he grabbed her hand, carefully pulling it away from his dick as he pressed his mouth into the soft spot under her ear. "Not now. Wanna be inside ya when I come. I wanna make love ta ya."

Daryl rolled himself to between her legs, his erection pressing hard into the warm sticky wetness between her thighs. Beth wrapped her arms around his neck, as Daryl stroked his hand along her cheek, moving her messy hair way from her eyes. He crashed his mouth into hers, his tongue eagerly filling every crevice of her mouth until she was panting as heavily as he was.

Daryl reached down between their bodies and slid his fingers between her slippery folds, moving them back and forth over her clit, as she moaned out and bit and sucked at his neck. When he knew she was ready, he moved his hand to grab his rock hard dick and pressed its weeping head to her entrance. He stopped for only for a second, claiming her lips with his and kissing her slowly and softly, enjoying the way her sweet wanton moaning vibrated over his tongue and down through his body. He wanted to remember this moment forever, the moment he finally became Beth Greene's man in every single way.

As his mouth moved over hers and her hands clung to his back, he pushed into Beth's body. It was quick and it was unceremonious, but neither had ever felt more at home than they did at the moment their bodies became one. Daryl stilled for a while, fully sheathed inside Beth's warm tight centre, as he let her get used to the new and strange feeling of fullness and pressure. If he was honest he needed the break more than she probably did. He wanted to look at her, and he wanted to hold on for as long as he could.

He pressed his forehead down into the blonde's, one hand cupping her chin as he began to place passionate kisses across her face. "Ya feel so good Beth. Yer mine now, yer always gonna be my girl."

He inched back up through her tightness, unable to stop himself groaning at the exquisite sensation of her walls gripping him like a vice. He studied her beautiful face as he slid back in, then out, then in… her face flushing but her eyes remaining fixed on him as she groaned out and whimpered in pleasure on every one of his forward strokes.

Beth suddenly wrapped her legs tightly around his butt and used her heels to pull him deeper, moaning as the sensation of him bumping her cervix sent a throbbing through her entire core. Her nails dug hard into the flesh of his shoulders as she mumbled words of praise.

"Ya like that, huh?" Daryl whispered back, as he sucked at his girl's neck, finding a faster rhythm that he hoped wasn't hurting her. "Mmmmhhhh." Beth nodded frantically and began to move her hips against Daryl's thrusting.

"Ya gonna come for me again? C'mon baby, wanna see yer beautiful face when ya come." Daryl drawled, his breath coming in short sharp bursts against her shoulder as he growled out at every upward stroke.

Daryl pushed one hand between their sweat covered bodies, sliding it downwards until his fingers found her hardened clit. He began to rub, over and over, round and round, as his thrusts became deeper and faster, concentrating on taking his girl to climax once more.

Beth's body went rigid and he could feel her centre beginning to flutter around his dick as she dug her nails into his back and her heels into his backside. "Daryl… please, oh God. It feels so good... I'm...I'm gonna come! Don't stop!"

"C'mon Beth. Feels so good inside ya baby, so wet, so tight…" Daryl couldn't finish before a wave of euphoria washed over him. He was so close, so close to that release his body so badly needed. He slowed down his thrusting, stroking long and slow until Beth arched upwards, throwing her head back and began to whimper out his name. She grabbed at his body and pulled it down into hers for the last time as he felt her hit orgasm. He pushed himself into her one last time, grunting as he bottomed out and her pulsing walls took him to his own orgasm.

Daryl curled his arms around his girl, buried his head into the crook of her neck and closed his eyes as a blinding white light fired off and he finally released his seed deep inside Beth's quivering body. He was marking her as his, claiming her in a way that no one ever had before, and no one except him ever would again. He was giving himself to the only woman he'd ever loved, in the only way he knew how.

They rolled onto their sides and Beth cradled him in her arms, holding him lovingly against her heaving and shaking body, her trembling legs threading through his and her hands stroking softly through his messy sweaty hair. He lay motionless in Beth's embrace as his body returned to plateau, enjoying her affectionate and soothing touches. That part was new and he liked it. He'd never held, nor been held by a woman after sex before. He'd never felt the need for it, and now lying here with Beth, he knew that was because he'd never trusted them, never felt intimate with them despite having just had sex with them. It wasn't even a question where Beth was concerned though. It felt right because his heart and soul had told him it was right.

"Daryl?" Beth pushed Daryl's head away from her shoulder so she could see him. She smiled as she ran a fingertip over the scar above his eye, the one she'd stitched weeks earlier and Daryl smiled back at her. "Mmmm...what now?" He teased playfully before kissing the end of her nose and pushing a stray golden curl behind her ear.

"I love you. I'm always gonna love ya. You're my man, Daryl Dixon and nothin' else matters. I know you're gonna take care of me and keep me safe... I didn't say thank you, not properly, for savin' me back then, and not givin' up on me… so thank you."

"I never saved ya. Ya saved yerself Beth, ain't no way either of us woulda gotten outta there alive if ya hadn't killed Joe. Yer strong. I know ya don't think ya are, but it's the truth. Strong in ways I'll never be strong." Daryl held her face and pressed his lips to hers, his heart thumping at the realisation he could and should tell her he loved her.

"I found someone who loves me despite how much of a pain in the ass I am, an' I found someone I can love back...I love ya Beth. It's only ever been you an' I'm gonna love ya fer the rest a' my life." They lay gazing at each other for a while and Daryl felt a weight shifting. He realised how stupid he'd been to have been scared to say those three little words all his life. They were just words, they meant nothing on their own. It was the feelings in his heart and soul that mattered. But he knew if Beth needed to hear them, he would say them… every day if that's what she needed.

"I know, Daryl... It's nice to hear ya say it, but ya already show me every single day how much ya love me." She whispered her reply. Beth didn't say another word, not right now. She understood how much courage that had taken for Daryl to admit out loud. So instead she gave him her most innocent and beautiful smile before giggling and pushing him into the mattress as she rolled herself on top of him.

Beth sat herself up, rubbing her hands in big firm circles across his chest as her fingers tugged at the patches of hair there. Daryl watched as she began to slowly slide her soaking centre over his limp and spent cock.

"Can we do it again?" Beth asked, innocently. Daryl groaned inside knowing it would be ages yet before he'd be up to going again.

"Hey, I ain't seventeen no more. Gonna take a while 'til yer 'ole man can go again." Daryl grabbed Beth's hips and smiled playfully at her. "Don't mean I can't pleasure the girl I love in other ways though."

Beth let out a groan of excited contentment, and Daryl wasn't sure if it was due to his second declaration of love or the thought of him showing her even more new and amazing things. He liked to think it was both.

As he dragged Beth's body along his and settled her pussy over his face, his tongue trailing back and forth through her sticky folds, he randomly wondered if everyone eventually found this kind of happiness, or if he'd just somehow ended up the luckiest damn redneck alive.

A/N Well there it is! Thanks for reading xx