A/N Thank you all so much for the follows and favorites and all the great comments / reviews. I appreciate it so much.

When we left our couple they were behind the barn having a little "personal time" :) We've got a busy chapter so let's see how it plays out.

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His hands moved from gently clasping and rubbing her hips, to lightly moving along her back and into her hair, guiding her mouth closer to his.

Her hands traveled along his arms and she spent some time there enjoying the sensual feeling of his firm muscles; before letting those hands make their way to his shoulders and into his hair. Their lips were moving together while tongues busily explored, and when his hands moved to her bottom and he firmly pulled her low body close into his their desire became even more intense.

They were softly moaning feeling the warmth between them and quickly losing themselves to the moment, when he heard the roar of Merle's big diesel pickup coming down the drive. He pulled his lips away just enough to say, "Damn my brother an his timin'." He gave her one more hard kiss before they both straightened-up, made an effort to cool down, and tried to look like they hadn't been doing what they'd been doing.

He stood back from her and did his best to fix her hair, taking the loose strands and trying to get them back into those pins she'd used to so carefully tame them earlier. She smiled at his efforts, then felt herself blush when he hoarsely whispered, "Girl ya get me goin' real bad, in a real good way."

She ran her hand over his messy hair trying her best to comb it with her fingers, "You do the same to me Mister Dixon."

"Ya do know we look like we been messin' around, don't ya? You're gonna have ta try harder ta look all sweet an innocent, k?" He grinned at his little joke.

Her cheeks were already flushed pink and she giggled, "I don't think it's going to work."


They reached the truck just about the time her folks did, but Beth and Daryl both stayed still and quiet, curious to see how the exchange would go between his brother and her parents.

Merle was standing next to the pickup as he tilted his head toward her Mama, simply saying, "Ma'am." Then extended his hand to her father, "Greene, nice ta see ya again."

"It's good to see you Merle. How're you faring these days?"

Merle smiled what Beth was sure must be his trademark grin and answered, "Probably a whole lot better'n most folks woulda ever thought I'd be doin'. Got a decent job, a good wife, a real sweet daughter an no right ta complain. How y'all holdin' up?"

"I'm happy to say we're doing real well too."

Merle turned to Beth with a nod and a smile, "Hey there little lady good ta see ya."

It must have been the lingering emotion of the story he'd told her, of knowing Merle more than likely saved Daryl's life. Whatever it was she moved to him, quickly hugged him and quietly replied, "It's good to see you, and thank you Merle."

Daryl had spoken to his brother that morning so Merle had a pretty good idea what she was thanking him for, but he responded, "Yeah little brother knows he can always call me for a ride."

He stepped closer to Daryl and they did that same clasping handshake she saw them do the night before, quickly bumped chests and just as quickly stepped apart. "Ya ready ta get on home kid?"

"Yeah I am. Thanks Ma'am, Sir, it was a real nice meal an I appreciated spendin' the day with ya."

He felt grateful, relieved and happy when her Daddy said, "We look forward to having you here often." He'd been hoping to avoid any kind of struggle with her parents that might affect his relationship with her.

Internally Merle heaved his own sigh of relief, he worried about his brother being judged unfairly because of Merle's or his father's actions. "A'ight we best go now, my wife's waitin' supper. Good ta see you folks again."

Daryl smiled at her, gave her an innocent kiss on the cheek and whispered, "I'll call ya later."

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While the young couple had been out behind the barn doing what young couples do, her Daddy and Mama had been sitting at the dining room table doing what parents do. They'd been talking about their child.

Hershel and Annette Greene agreed Daryl Dixon was definitely not the man they would have chosen for her. However they also agreed that below his rough surface Daryl seemed to be a good person, and it was quite obvious the young couple were smitten with each other. Maybe even something more than just smitten.

They'd learned some lessons from their experiences raising Beth's very free spirited older sister Maggie. They realized if they tried to get in the way of this budding new relationship, their younger daughter could decide to go behind their backs, doing what she had to do to spend time with Dixon. That was something they knew they didn't want for several reasons. If they were more aware what was going on they could keep an eye on the situation. They also wanted to be an active part of Beth's life and her decisions, and keep the lines of communication open. So they decided that at least for the time being they wouldn't stand in the way.

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The brothers drove to Merle's place so Daryl could visit with the family and as they drove they discussed what had come down that day. "Thanks for calmin' me down this mornin' Merle. You was right, her Dad probably already heard all the rumors an yeah, I think he just wanted ta hear it from the horse's mouth. Beth was kinda blown away by it all but she don't think you or me did anythin' wrong. The good part is it's out an done with now. Maybe we don't have ta talk about it no more."

"It's like I always tell ya kid, ya got no reason ta be ashamed. Ya didn't do nuthin' but take a hell of a fuckin' beatin'. I's glad ta make it your last one. So now little brother, speakin' of Beth, I ain't never seen ya get all serious about some chick. Havin' a meal with her folks is some pretty heavy shit."

"Since when did ya get all interested in my love life Merle?'

"Don't be an asshole Daryl, ya know I worry about ya. It's the same as I don't want ya bein' judged, I don't want ya gettin' in trouble. An the way the two a ya got them heart eyes a goin' I can see trouble comin' down the pike."

"Yeah well it ain't like I never been with a woman, an ya told me where babies come from a long time ago. Anyway, she ain't the kinda chick that's gonna just be doin' that stuff."

Merle didn't push it, he could see Daryl had feelings for the girl, "A'ight little brother, I know she's special to ya, all I'm sayin' is be careful."

He was still full from dinner with the Greene's but he sat at his brother's table and had a beer while they had their supper. Sophia elbowed his arm, "Uncle Daryl Mommy said you have girlfriend."

He looked at the little girl, half smiling, "Oh yeah? Mommy got any other news about your Uncle Daryl?"

"Well she said your girlfriend is really young and really pretty."

Merle snorted so hard he nearly choked on his food, and when Daryl looked at Carol she just smiled and said, "Why don't you two come over and have supper with us Friday night? Sophia can see for herself just how young and how pretty Beth is."

"Yeah I don't know 'bout that." It wasn't that he didn't want to bring her around, but he was nervous about what Beth would think of his family. They weren't like her people. No big house, no fancy table settings and definitely no prayers.

Merle got half offended, "Now just a minute here little brother, if ya can go ta her house and have a meal why can't she come ta our house? Ya ain't ashamed of your people are ya?"

His brother had a point, "Nah don't start that Merle, I ain't an ya know it. I'll ask her, an thanks Carol."


Merle dropped him at his place around seven thirty and he called her right away, "Hey girl, havin' a good evenin'?"

"I am now that I'm talking to you."

"Yeah well I'm sure it takes sumthin' more excitin' than that. Hey Carol an Merle want us ta come for supper Friday night. I can pick ya up at six if ya wanna go."

"Sure I'd like that a lot, how nice of them to ask." She hoped her voice sounded a lot happier than her stomach felt. It was now in a knot. She liked them, she appreciated Merle, but going to their home seemed like a much scarier thing than exchanging a few pleasantries at the club. She knew this was important though, and Daryl had been willing to sit through Sunday dinner with her family, even bowing his head in prayer. Then he'd endured being questioned about his life and his family. She had to give that back, it was only right.

"A'ight I'll let Carol know. Don't expect nuthin' fancy, they ain't like that."

"Daryl my family isn't exactly fancy either."

"Yeah well you're fancy compared ta Dixons."

"So we're installin' some new equipment an I'ma be workin' late the first part a this week. Maybe Wednesday we can go somewhere ta eat, somewhere that ain't your house or my brother's house. Just you an me, whaddya think?"

"I think that would be great, let's. Do you want me to drive to your house?"

"Didn't we just talk about that? I'ma be pickin' ya up an I'ma be takin' ya home. I don't know much about this datin' stuff but I know that much."

She smiled to herself, "Alright, I can't wait Daryl. I already miss you."

"I miss ya too girl. I'll call ya tomorrow when I get home, k?"


She was so excited to talk all about their big weekend with Amy, and when her friend picked her up for school Monday morning she talked so fast she hardly took the time to breathe. She told her about Daryl coming over Sunday and how fast things seemed to be moving between the two of them. But one thing she didn't talk about was the story Daryl had shared about his Dad and Merle. She would never betray him by retelling the deeply personal story he'd told her in confidence.

"I'm wondering why you never mentioned the club Amy?"

"I wasn't trying to keep it a secret from you Beth, honest. I just didn't want to act like I was going out and having all kinds of fun while you were cooped up at home. Besides, I knew as soon as Daryl saw you again he'd be bringing you around." She smiled at Beth but then her expression turned serious. "That Joe guy is a jerk, isn't he? I was glad Daryl and Merle stood up to him like that."

"I was so scared Amy, but they handled it. The more I know them the more I'm sure Daryl and Merle stand up to anyone if they think they have reason to."

"Yeah they do have that reputation, the badass Dixon Brothers." That was the first Beth had heard them referred to that way, but for now she had more pressing questions.

"Speaking of Merle, how well do you know him and Carol?"

"I don't really, I just know who they are. I've heard a lot of things whispered about him like he can be real tough, even mean and that he wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who messed with his family. He and Daryl are different people and you can sure see how they're always looking out for each other."

"What about Carol?"

"First you tell me why you suddenly care so much about your boyfriend's brother and his wife."

"We're having dinner at their house Friday night and I'm just wondering what to expect."

"Geez you two are jumping right in with meeting the families. I still haven't met Caesar's family and we're already talking about future things. Anyway, I don't know much about Carol except I guess she was married before. She already had her daughter when she and Merle got together. I think her first husband is dead but I also heard that's kind of a good thing. I guess he was a terrible person and real mean to her."


He was at her house just before six Wednesday evening and he was relieved she was ready to go. Her folks were great and all, but it was her he came to see. After greeting her parents and promising to have her home no later than 9:30 they were on their way.

He held the door and gave her a hand getting in the pickup and she sounded a little disappointed when she said, "I thought you'd be on the bike Daryl."

He shrugged a shoulder when he told her, "Just my way a lettin' your Dad know I got legit transportation, not just the bike. Besides, with the bench seat you'll be still be right next ta me." She smiled as she scooted just as close to him as the middle seat belt would allow.

She had to be home early and they didn't want to spend all the time they had together in a restaurant. They opted for a small diner where they sat side by side in the booth. He had his arm around her while they waited for the server to bring their water and menus. "It seems longer than two days since I seen ya girl. I ain't ever felt like I needed ta see so much a anyone."

She put her hand on his thigh, "I missed you too Daryl. You know what I was hoping?"

"What's that?"

"I was hoping you'd invite me to go to that spot on the river Saturday. Maybe we could take a picnic and do a little fishing."

"Serious? Cuz if ya are then hell yeah let's do it. I can make up some sandwiches or whatever."

"No, you always insist on driving so I insist on making lunch. You just worry about all the fishing gear, and of course baiting my hook for me because seriously? That part really grosses me out." She shuddered when she said it.

She had him laughing, but his voice turned soft and serious when he told her, "Girl I'll bait your hook, I'll fix your lunch, I'll give ya a ride, hell I'll even feed your cat, whatever ya need me ta do for ya, I'll do it." He set a finger under her chin and gave her a sweet kiss, just before the waitress set their waters down.

They agreed they'd order something fast and easy so they could go to his house for a while before she had to be home. Burgers it was, "I owe ya a nice dinner Beth."

"Are you kidding? I love hamburgers and we never have them at home." Her cheeks turned rosy when she continued, "Besides Daryl, the best part is I'm with you. I'd say it's the perfect dinner."

She was sure she'd never eaten anything as fast as she ate that hamburger. He was already done with his and they were both anxious to get to his place.

He pulled down the narrow driveway and parked in front of a small single car garage. "Welcome ta the lap a luxury."

She thought by his tone that maybe he had some kind of feelings his house didn't measure up. "I like your house a lot Daryl."

"Yeah? Good, cuz I like it too." He jumped out and hurried around to open her side. She'd scooted over near the door and he surprised her when he put his strong hands around her waist and lifted her down. He kissed her and then smiled, "C'mon, let's get inside," he took her hand and they entered through a back door, walking first into a small mudroom and then the kitchen.

He flipped the light on and asked, "Can I get ya anythin' ta drink?"

"No thanks I think I'm fine."

"Yeah you're fine alright girl, real fine."

He grabbed a beer from the fridge, took her hand and they walked in the living room, but before they sat she asked him something she'd been curious about since that first night, "What's in that other room Daryl?"

He smiled when he answered, "That's my toy room."

She had no idea what he meant but his look made her smile back, "Can I see it?"

When he opened the door she let out a breath and whispered, "Oh my gosh."

"Yeah I know, I got alotta toys."

Everything was neat and tidy, just like the rest of the house. But the rest of the house was sparsely furnished and this room was full of every kind of big boy hunting and fishing toy and accessory she could imagine. There was a table that appeared to be where he fletched arrows and did reloading, and there was a small desk where he tied flies.

Hanging on the wall were a longbow, a recurve and a compound bow. There was a wooden fishing stand she was sure he must have built himself because she'd never seen anything quite like it. It was designed to hold his equipment and the way it was built and with all that it held it was quite impressive. There were various sizes of fishing poles, reels, line and at least six tackle boxes, fishing gloves and hanging from it, a fishing vest.

There was what she was sure was a gun cabinet, and finally a small work bench with tools hanging above it and drawers below it. "My gosh Daryl this is like a sporting goods store."

"I know, I had ta quit buyin' myself presents. I'd get myself a couple things for Christmas an my birthday, an I bought that recurve for myself one year for Valentine's Day." He smiled and shrugged, "I just ain't that into flowers an candy."

She couldn't help laughing, he was so funny and it all came across so sweetly and all of it was endearing. "I'm glad you could treat yourself so well, but I do think it was a good call to put the brakes on for a while. Otherwise you're going to have to buy a bigger house."

He put some music on the player, not the rockabilly she'd heard him listening to before, this was soft classic rock. He put a hand in her hair and leaned his lips in and kissed her softly, before leading her to the sofa where they sat close together. She finally got her chance to ask him, "I still don't even know what you do for work Daryl."

"Oh man Beth, I got real lucky an I know it. I'd been kinda just takin' what I could get for work. I really didn't have no trainin' in anythin' particular. I'm handy but no one gives ya a good job just cuz ya walk in an tell 'em 'Hey man I'm real handy.'" He quietly chuckled and then did that thing where he chewed on his bottom lip, just for a minute before continuing, "I got a call from my foster Dad an he told me about this program through the state, a training deal for certain people, certain people like me who are considered high risk. You know what I'm talking about? At high risk of totally screwing up an goin' outside the law cuz ya ain't got nuthin' goin' for ya. Well it's a little more complicated than that. But the fact I was a foster kid an I came from an abusive home, an all that other shit that happened with my Dad, well for once it gave me the advantage."

"I got accepted to this state run trainin' program in water treatment, reclamation an reuse. It took two months to complete an that was all day every day in class, and hands on trainin' too. Then they give me a job at the new facility that was just bein' built here in the county. I'm a technician / operator. It's good work for good pay an benefits. I'm not just stuck doin' one thing either, I'm outside a lot which is nice; I do have ta sit in a control room sometimes an monitor equipment on a computer, but there's also a lotta mechanical work an I like that. I like it all Beth, a lot. I wanna stay at it, so that's why I try ta avoid trouble. I don't wanna mess this up."

"What's water reclamation and reuse?" Her nose was scrunched and he knew just what she was thinking.

He put his arm around her, "Well it ain't just water from the toilet, it's runoff water, industrial water an even storm water."

She could tell how much the chance and the job meant to him when he pulled her a little closer, and in a very serious tone told her, "I never thought I could really have a legit career, sumthin' where I felt needed an useful, even respected. I got that now, I get paid good an I look forward ta goin' to work. So yeah, this job is a big deal ta me."

"It sounds important too, like it's work that needs to be done." Then she decided it was time to lighten the mood, "I'm glad you're happy there and it sure seems to pay for a lot of toys."

"You bein' a smart aleck now?" He tickled her in the ribs and they both started laughing and then she got him back, and the tickle fight was on. It ended when he was laying on top of her and he stopped and she stopped, and for a moment they just looked in each other's eyes.

Then his mouth was on her and he was kissing her with increasing need as she responded with her own desire. Soon he was nuzzling his face into her neck leaving soft open mouth kisses and gently sucking at the sensitive skin there. His lips moved from her shoulder and up to her earlobe. Her hands were in his hair and then stroking his back and their bodies seemed to be as near as they could be with clothes still on. His hand began moving up inside her shirt, getting closer to her breast, but when his fingers began to move over her bra he felt her whole body go tense.

He quickly moved his hands to caress her face as he let his fingers tangle through her already messy hair, "Hey girl, all ya ever gotta do is say 'no' or 'stop'. I ain't goin' nowhere I ain't got permission ta go, k? I want ya, we both know that, but only when you want it too. We're still new an I ain't pushin', k?"

The truth for him was, he'd only ever been with chicks who didn't seem to care if it was too soon, or even whether they knew his full name. But he'd known since he'd first seen her that night at the party, Beth wasn't like that.

"Thank you Daryl, I'm sorry."

"Hey now, none a that, ya got nuthin' ta be sorry for. Ya know what I's just thinkin'? I bought some ice cream an we got just enough time ta eat a big bowl before I gotta get ya home. Ice cream's my favorite, how bout you?"

Later, when she looked back on these early days of their relationship she'd remember this moment as the moment she fell in love with Daryl Dixon.

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A/N Well now, we covered quite a bit of territory as our couple continues to build their relationship. Next chapter we're all going to Merle's for dinner! Maybe even better than that, we're going to the river. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that you'll leave a comment / review. The chapter photo of our biker and Beth is posted on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please check it out. I hope to see you all back here next Wednesday for more Long Love Story. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee