A/N: I don't own TWD or the characters but I do love to play with them from time to time.

Chapter 10

Alexandria.

Safety. Walls. People. Resources.

It was a seemingly perfect haven for their group. Their arrival still seemed a little uncertain amongst the community here. The citizens of Alexandria couldn't be blamed for that; their family had been a rough looking gang when they had rolled up to the gates.

Three days here and Beth still felt uncertain. She wanted to jump all in like Maggie and Glenn seemed to be doing, reveling eagerly in their new roles. A part of her couldn't help feeling suspicious. Something deep down was telling her that this place was too good to be true, that it wasn't real. Beth had seen it at Grady; even the most haven-like places had a darker underbelly. She just couldn't relax here until she knew what it was even if it was just these people's own naivety.

Beth sighed tiredly as dried the last of the dinner dishes. She placed the last plate into the cupboard and hung her towel to dry. Carol had cooked them a fabulous meal. It was astounding how quickly Carol had jumped from lethal killer and protector to den mother in a cardigan.

Everyone was settling down for the evening. Their group had finally decided to fill out the two houses that had been assigned to them. Maggie, Glenn and a few others had gravitated to house next door. Beth had decided to stay behind in the main house with Carol, Michonne, Rick, Carl, Judith and... Daryl.

They were all accepting Alexandria at varying levels with Daryl probably the one resisting it the most. He was still out on the porch, not having really come into the house at all in the few days since they had arrived. Daryl stayed ever vigilant, watching and protecting from his perch outside. Beth had watched him do a patrol each night while everyone else was sleep, still attempting to keep them safe.

Beth didn't want him out there alone again. She didn't want to go to her assigned room alone either, at least not for the first time. She thought there was a pretty perfect solution to those problems but wasn't sure if Daryl would agree.

She ducked her head into the living room quickly, noting most of the family had settled in there quietly to enjoy the rest of the evening. Noting everyone was comfortable and good, Beth eased her way back through the kitchen and out to the porch where Daryl was resting up against the white railing. A newly lit cigarette was resting on the edge of his lips.

Daryl eyed her cautiously, shoving his lighter back into the pocket of his leather vest as he took a long drag from his cancer stick. A few of the women in their family, Carol in particular, had been fairly pushy at him in trying to get him to assimilate and clean up. Perhaps even get him into a nice pair of khakis and a polo shirt. Daryl had none of it which was apparent as he stood before her in his dirty clothes with his duct taped pants over his ratty old boots.

Beth hadn't pushed with the others even when she'd been thrown exasperated looks from Carol. She wasn't going to push him not when she herself barely felt right here. She wasn't about to force him

There was no way Beth could deny that being clean and safe was wonderful. Her first shower with the hot water and soap had felt glorious against her skin, but that shine was wearing off and she didn't feel the safety she knew she was supposed to have here. Not like the feeling she had when Daryl was near. Alexandria just didn't feel right yet, not like a home. Maybe there had just been so many disasters each time they decided to settle in…. her family farm, the prison, the funeral home.

Beth walked over to be by him, close but not entirely in his space. She learned from her time with him that Daryl wasn't always comfortable with touching and people in his sphere, even at times with her. It was okay. Beth didn't need to hang on him to feel good, just having him close was comfort enough. Daryl had that way about him, to relax her just with his mere presence.

Beth wrapped her arm around the white banister nearest to him and leaned her head against it. She looked out down the darkening street. There were a few lights on in the other houses now that the sun was setting. It looked just like before, just like any other street in America before the dead had risen. Beth sighed at the memory. She didn't want to think about before. That part of life was gone; her new life was before her as she turned her gaze back to Daryl.

His pack and bow were at the floor not far from him, just as they had been the last two nights. It looked like Daryl was planning on sleeping out on the porch for a third night. All the rooms in the houses were taken; it had been discussed over dinner. There were still areas like a den or a study available to Daryl if he had been interested, which it seemed obvious that he wasn't. Beth didn't want him to do that either. She wanted him in her room, with her. No point in not saying something to him, knowing it was move he wasn't ever going to make on his own. There had been a definite move of closeness between them after their talk. Nights where she was able to enjoy his warmth, a few small touches, but nothing as bold as what she was about to suggest.

Beth toed his pack with her bare toe. "It's safe here. You don't need to be sleepin' on the porch again. Rick said it was okay for everyone to relax a little." She knew it wasn't completely safe here, even she didn't believe that. Beth didn't know if that really existed in this world they lived in anymore, but it was the best they'd had in a very long time. Maybe it was time she forced herself to accept it too.

"Ain't no where safe," Daryl countered with a long blow of smoke.

Beth couldn't argue that, not one damn bit. "Still… you don't need to be out here when there is a perfect good roof to be under."

Daryl huffed loudly. "Might as well sleep here, all the beds taken and that damn fancy couch in there ain't one bit comfortable."

Beth knew she could tell him they'd find him a different bed; there were ample numbers available here in Alexandria. She could tell him that Carl would be willing to share a room with him. Or even the den idea, but Beth didn't even want him to consider any of those options. No, Beth had only one goal in mind tonight. She wanted a good night's sleep. She hadn't had one she their group had arrived. First, it was mostly due to the excitement and strangeness of the place. But last night Beth realized it was the fact that she'd had two nights without him. She had gotten used to him next to her, even a few feet away kept her satisfied. Beth wanted that again. She might even want a little more.

"We can share my room," Beth said, nipping at the edge of her lower lip. Bold and forward, she decided to meet his stunned look head on.

Beth was surprised when his eyes don't drop but rather hold hers for what seemed like endless eternity as her statement hung unreturned heavily between them. She was lucky she had the porch banister to brace her while she waited for his response.

This would be a big step for them, one that been avoided while their family struggled to survive on the road. Well, not necessarily avoided by her, but Beth knew there was still a hesitance in Daryl. There were a few nights they had been cozied up by a fire or perhaps even a stolen chaste kiss after that devastating storm a few nights ago, but Beth knew Daryl had definitely been adverse to too much alone time or public displays of affection. Beth knew it was partly his nature and perhaps a little due to his fear of public judgement, despite all evidence to the contrary. It had been strangely quiet from their group after that first kiss. Only her sister and Carol had ever breached the topic with her. Beth guessed that maybe Rick had spoken with Daryl, but that was it. Their budding relationship seemed to be a complete non-topic amongst the group; everyone just went with the flow. Beth had been giving him his time and space despite wanting a little more. Not too much more, but a little movement forward for what was developing between them.

Beth finally had to break the silence between them, giving him a push. "I sleep better when you are there."

Daryl shot her a skeptical look, pulling a drag from his cigarette. The tip flared bright orange in the dim evening light.

The nightmares were still there, the groping hands, the attacking governor, the dying over and over again. But they were less when Daryl was next to her, his presence alone seemed to keep the darkness at bay. In addition, if one did manage to get by her Daryl barrier, it was better if he was there when she startled awake, gasping and trembling. Beth always calmed faster when Daryl was within arm's reach, his protective fold encasing her to chase the bad away.

"I still get them," Beth countered truthfully. "But if you are there, then not as much. And if I do and you're there, you make me feel safe when I wake up."

Daryl still didn't answer her right away so Beth let her eyes do her final imploring, her soft baby blues looking over at him. She didn't want to beg him, but found she would if she needed to. Beth just wanted him close, not further way like the last few days had felt like while everyone settled into whatever new normal this was now. She wanted the closeness of the road again, the tight togetherness they had developed from their alone time.

He slowly searched her face, seeming to consider her words. It seemed like minutes, but in reality only a single breath's time before Daryl pulled the cigarette from his mouth and blew out the smoke. He dropped it to the porch, the edge of his boot snuffing it out.

Daryl didn't look at her as he nodded. "Okay," he muttered lowly, a deep rumble from his chest.

Beth couldn't stop the grin that jumped onto her face. "Okay," she replied, trying to contain the happiness in her chest. It was threatening to spill out by having her bounce over to him and throw her arms around him in a crazy hug.

Instead, Beth twisted back around and snatched up his pack and bow from the floor next to them. "I'll put these inside," she said, not waiting for an answer as she walked into the house. Yes, it was a little dirty ensuring Daryl had to follow her, but Beth decided she wanted a little collateral on his promise.

Hours passed so it was later than Beth had hoped when she finally saw Daryl again. Beth was already in bed, waiting for her first sign of him after leaving the porch. A pair of purple lounging pants and an old, oversized floral t-shirt on her with her hair pulled back into a braid as she was curled up with a book in the center of the cozy mattress. There was finally time to enjoy the simple pleasure again. Her lamp light was low, but Beth noticed the edge of her door creep open.

Beth immediately sat up, a jolt of excitement coursing in her. Daryl was finally entering her room… no, their room. As he poked the first edge of his body into the room, Beth instantly noted his hair was wet and his clothes were different. He was now in a white t-shirt and grey sweat pants with no socks. His arms were full of a few essentials and other clothes while his boots dangled down from his hands.

"Finally found the joys of the warm water, did you?" Beth couldn't stop herself from teasing, a little smirk on her face.

Daryl grunted with annoyance. "Carol told me I couldn't get the damn sheets all dirty."

Ah, so mother hen Carol had been at him again. God bless that woman. There weren't many that could move the mountain of stubbornness in Daryl.

Beth closed her book and placed it on the night stand. "You can put your stuff on top of the dresser for now. We can figure out places for everything in the morning." His crossbow and pack were in the corner of the room already, waiting for his arrival.

Daryl deposited his pile on top with a plop with his boots going to the floor next to the dresser. Then he turned and looked around the room, his eyes giving the layout and everything a quick once over. It was one of the smallest bedrooms in the house. Most of the rooms upstairs were bigger, but Beth hadn't wanted to be up there with the others. This small room just off the main living area had spoken to her a little more, perhaps in case Daryl had decided to stay in the den or on the porch so she would have been closer to him.

There was a full sized bed, a dresser with a mirror, a nightstand and a small closet in their room. It really was more of a guest room due to the smaller bathroom with a standing shower just down the way that made it more appealing as well. The colors in the room were soft and muted, like most of the rooms in these new modern houses. The walls were a light shade of blue with white wood. An intricate piece quilt lay across the bed, a patch work blossoming different shades and patterns of blue, grey and lavender.

"C'mon, it's late," Beth ushered, pulling him from his quiet observation of the room.

Beth didn't want what came next to be awkward like it had the potential to be. She didn't want him to be uncomfortable despite the newness of it all. Beth just wanted him next to her, to listen to his steady, rhythmic breathing as they slept. She had been honest about that. More would come later when they were both ready and relaxed.

Her hand reached over and turned the small lamp off with a quick snap, letting darkness envelop them. Only a small amount of moonlight highlighted the features in the room softly. Beth pulled the covers back and moved over to the other side, allowing him better access to the bed. Daryl hesitated in the dark only a half a second, less than she had anticipated. He sat on the bed and slid in under the covers. The bed wasn't huge. A man of his size could have easily taken up the entire bed. As a couple a queen or king would have been more practical, but the full was almost better in her opinion. Beth wanted closeness; she wanted Daryl next to her.

It was a nice surprise for her as Daryl settled in next to her easily on his back. His arm reached over and pulled her small frame up next to him. It wasn't aggressive or sexual, but rather an easy movement that allowed them connection. Beth let herself relax against his warmth. Her head rested on his shoulder while her arm curled onto place over his chest. This was all she would ever need, she was certain of it, his beating heart, the warmth of his soul and his hand on her back. Beth was asleep within minutes.

The next morning Beth found she couldn't stop smiling. The new day was sunny and glorious. That night's sleep was the best damn rest she'd had in years. And Beth knew Daryl had a great sleep as well. Daryl had actually slept in. It was well past dawn.

Beth didn't even mind the wagging brows of Michonne when she thought Beth couldn't see her. The smirk on Rick's face from behind his coffee mug couldn't dampen her mood either. Nope, she didn't let the playful teasing bother her at all. And what was even more amazing is that Daryl didn't seem to care either. Not one bit.

With everyone gone, Beth was making them a fresh pot of coffee. There was a little disappointment at not being up with the rest of the crew. They had missed some apple pancakes from Carol. Absolutely divine or so they had been told. Beth didn't mind, their sleep had been worth it. She just wanted a little of that glorious coffee that Alexandria had to offer. Hot showers and a cup of liquid morning, maybe this place wasn't too bad…

The morning was just hers and Daryl's for a bit. Carol was off to chat up Alexandrians. Rick and Michonne were off to fulfill their new deputy duties. Carl had Judith for a bit. Neither she nor Rick had jobs assigned yet. For now, it was just the two of them. Daryl was out on the porch again, perhaps needing to get his eye on the land again. And Beth was in the kitchen, waiting for the beep from the magical coffee machine.

As Beth heard the beep, she almost missed the voice. But then she was sure she heard it again as she poured the coffee into two cups. There was a woman out on the porch with Daryl. Beth heard the new woman speak again, and then Daryl responded, something audible just above a grunt.

Curious, Beth opened the screen door. She tried her best to smile welcomingly as she approached them. The new blonde standing a little too close to Daryl for either of them as Daryl leaned back away from her.

"Good morning," Beth sung her greeting, coffee cups in hand.

"Oh, good morning," returned the woman, a genuine smile on her face. "I'm Jessie. I live the next street over. My husband, Pete, is the doctor in Alexandria, but I'm here to offer my unique services," Jessie explained as she raised her small bag and scissors. "I'm a hair dresser… or was…"

Jessie must have been the one to help return Rick from the wild man he was to being almost unrecognizable their second day in Alexandria. Rick was almost looking like the same man he'd been when he first ran up to her family's farm two years ago. Almost the same man if you didn't look at the darkness in his eyes.

"I was just here to offer Daryl a cut. A few others took me up on it yesterday," explained a chipper Jessie.

Beth could see it, she saw it the instant she walked out the screen door. This Jessie was a little too close to her Daryl for either of their comfort. Perhaps Jessie just didn't realize it, there was no way Jessie could know that this man enjoyed his space. Perhaps it was on purpose. Beth knew there had been more than a few looks in their direction from neighbors. Especially the woman when Daryl was concerned. He was a sight to see, wild and dirty with a biker look with his winged vest. Beth was sure the women were just nosy, but she also guessed a few might like what they saw, thinking there might be new game in now. And that just wasn't the case.

Beth felt a sudden urge to stake her claim.

"Well, isn't that nice of you," Beth proclaimed as she walked forward to Daryl. She took brave step and settled in between his leaning legs to hand him his coffee. Daryl took the mug, surprised at her boldness and closeness but accepted both willingly enough.

Beth took a sip of her coffee before she fingered the edge of Daryl's hair, the part that flared at his jawline. She knew Daryl when it had been shorter, cropped close to his head. It would have been easy enough for him to have it cut at the prison or any other time for that matter. Carol had always helped the family out with that task so he could have it cut shorter at any time but never did. Beth guessed Daryl may have liked it as much as she did on him. The length suited him. Beth never thought she'd like it before, the long and wild look, but found she strongly did now.

"I like it longer, don't you?" Beth asked him coyly, her fingers playing still at the edge of his hair.

Daryl managed a small smirk back at her, understanding the little game she was playing. "Yeah, it's fine. Just have you cut it if'n I wanted it done," he said before he took a drink of his own coffee, his eyes solid on hers.

Beth smiled back from the edge of her coffee mug. This almost felt like flirting. Something she didn't know if they'd ever really done.

To her credit Jessie seemed completely unphased by them. "Sounds good. Carl apparently likes sporting the cool look too," Jessie teased lightly. "Just know if you need a cut too… uh, Beth, it is? Then I can help out."

Beth let her eyes linger on Daryl's dark blue ones for just a second more before she slowly turned around to Jessie. "Yes, Beth is my name. Thank you, Jessie, but I'm good for now too." She leaned back into Daryl, bringing her mug to lips again for a long drink of warmth.

Jessie didn't linger, leaving down the porch steps after a quick goodbye. The middle aged woman had seemed nice enough, but no one Beth wanted to hang out with at that particular moment. There would be time to flush out the Alexandrians later; right now she just wanted more of Daryl.

"Trying to make a statement, are we?" Daryl said once Jessie was safely far enough away. His voice rumbled from his chest to against her back since she was still leaning against him.

Beth let a little chuckle escape her. "Maybe," she hummed in return, trying to use her mug to hide her smirk.

"Carol said we're supposed to be makin' good impressions here. Not lettin' everyone know I'm a dirty old man," Daryl grumbled half-heartedly.

True. Their own family and friends didn't see their coupling, or whatever definition you wanted to give, as problematic. Only her sister freaked for a fleeting half a day before Maggie positively accepted it, not even raising her brow at them sharing a room. Here in Alexandria it might be different. As Beth shifted her gaze down the street she could see two chatty women throwing questioning looks over their shoulders at them as they gossiped.

"That Deanna woman thought I was fifteen," Beth snickered as she moved off him but next to him, nudging him playfully in the ribs as she went.

"Shit," Daryl said with amusement before a thought seemed to spring forward on his face. "How damn old are you, Beth?"

Age was a number that was so important in life before. At sixteen you got your driver's license. When you turned eighteen you could vote and join the army. At age twenty-one, you could finally have that legal alcoholic beverage. By thirty you'd better be married with a kid or two. Then at forty you were starting to get old. At sixty you were definitely old. By the time you reached eighty, they'd better be handing you an award for lasting that long. What did age matter now? What made you an adult in this world definitely was not the number of years you had been revolving around the sun.

Still, Beth knew Daryl was apt to be a more concerned about her answer than she was. "I guess about nineteen. I don't really know what day it is but my birthday is in the spring. Could be today for all I know. I suppose someone around here could tell us what day it is," she offered as nonchalantly as possible.

Daryl let his head hang. "Goddamn. I am a dirty old man." He muttered another curse under his breath as he took another drink from his mug.

"Oh, and how old are you, Mr. Dixon?" Beth quipped.

"Fuck if I know anymore," Daryl growled.

"I guess you do start to lose your mind when you get as old as you are," Beth harassed lightly.

Daryl growled lowly again. The rumbling from his chest felt good against her, a vibration she could get used to. Beth was enjoying the teasing fun, but knew for Daryl there was some truth in it.

"Damn old enough to your old man. Sure as hell old enough to know better," he grumbled.

She nudged him with her elbow in the side. "And I'm old enough to know what I want, Daryl. Let's not do this again."

There was some more muttering under his breath, perhaps an accusation of being a pushy broad. "Don't see why I got to be the one to look bad just 'cause you gotta stake a claim."

Beth raised her brow as she shot him a side look. "Not gonna lose what's mine to any of these stuffy old house wives."

Daryl snorted loudly. "Like I'd even look if'n they came around. Like what I have already."

"Good answer," Beth beamed.

Daryl thrummed a response from deep in his chest as he put his arm around her. "I get it right once in a damn while." He put his lips on the top of her head with a chaste kiss.

A/N: Sorry for any editing errors. I suck at editing my own stuff and I have no BETA. Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter, let me know what you think.