A/N Thank you all so much for following along with this story, for the faves and the reviews. You're the best. Daryl's home, let's see how that's going.

She hadn't expected it to be this hard. She wasn't complaining. She loved helping Daryl get dressed, almost as much as she loved helping him get undressed.

She didn't mind caring for his wounds, cleaning them, applying the topical antibiotic, and putting gauze bandages on some, if only she could somehow distance herself from the fact that those wounds were on him. That was the part she could hardly stand, knowing the horrendous road rash, deep cuts and dark bruises were on this man she loved so much.

Knowing how badly he was injured was painful to accept. And when she'd care for that particularly bad one on the outside of his right thigh, she'd feel his whole body tense. She knew he was in terrible pain and she wanted to cry. But she'd resolved to stay strong because he was so strong, and she wanted to be the one to care for him, no matter what.

There was a lot involved in that care. He was getting better, he had a little more use of his arm and hand, but the foot posed some mobility issues and he simply needed a lot of help. It all took time. Besides the wounds and the little things he couldn't quite do for himself, she was driving him to three or four appointments a day. Then of course, there was the cooking, cleaning and trying to get to her own therapy and her own group.

Forget any of her volunteer jobs.

She was feeling a little overwhelmed with responsibilities and Daryl wasn't oblivious to that, he knew it was a lot on one person and he was starting to feel guilty. At breakfast that morning he announced, "I'ma ask Merle or Carol to come over a couple times a week and help me, it's just too much Beth. You're gonna wear yourself out and then you'll be sick. I know I'm a giant pain in the ass."

"Stop it. If it gets to be too much I'll get help, I promise. But for now I want to be the one who helps you. And I worked everything out with your appointments so I can still have lunch with Maggie twice a week. That gives me plenty of time to relax and regroup. Oh, and speaking of that, they're saying two weeks from this Saturday for the wedding, does that sound okay with you?"

"Beth you ain't gotta ask me, whatever you want I'm good with. But shit, my opinion says it just seems like a lotta work with all you gotta do for me, it's just too much piled on. We could take everyone to a restaurant or sumthin', or buy food from a restaurant, whatever ya want. I still got some savin's." She smiled at him, how special is this man?

"But Daryl it's like I told her, I want to do this. I want it very much and you're going to help!" It had suddenly dawned on her, and she was smiling broadly at him now. She should have thought of all of this sooner, why was she babying him?

"I'm gonna help?" He looked at her like she had to be kidding.

"Yes you are. It's not like your arm and hand don't work at all, they're weak, that's the truth, but they do work some. It's going to be an outdoor party, the weather is perfect this time of year. Let's see, what would be good to eat at an outdoor party? That's right Daryl Dixon! One of the things you excel at cooking, barbecue chicken!" Damn she was cute, he'd barbecue anything she told him to.

"Sounds good to me, what else am I gonna be doin'?"

"I've been thinking and I don't see why you can't help with the housework. Heck you were doing your own before the accident." She let out a small laugh, "But not folding clothes, don't worry, I'll never ask you to do that. I've seen how you fold them when your arm and hand are working right."

"Hey, I do a fine job if it's sumthin' that counts, like my uniform. But it don't matter with stuff like sheets and underwear." And he was holding back a smile. "So what are you gonna trust me with?"

"I have so much faith in you, why I think I'll let you do all the vacuuming from now on, I'll do the dusting. And we'll split the bathrooms. And don't even get me started on your kitchen cleaning activities. Why I'm going to work you to the bone Mister Dixon."

"Ya know Greene I knew it was only a matter a time before you started crackin' your whip and forcin' me to work 'til I drop. You shoulda been a Drill Sargent."

xxxx

His favorite therapy was occupational therapy and he went everyday Monday through Friday. After only a week's time he could see the difference in the tasks he could do. When he'd first gotten out of the hospital he couldn't tie his own shoe, zip up his jeans, or buckle his belt. But with this therapy that concentrated so much on the everyday tasks of life, he was feeling a lot more confident in his abilities.

He was capable of showering himself, of taking care of all his own hygiene issues. And he'd mastered cutting his own meat. That had been one of the things that really bothered him, when she'd cut his meat for him one night. He'd sooner pick it up with his hands and eat it that way, or not eat it all all, anything rather than to feel he needed her help feeding himself.

He started to truly believe he could make this work. If he could just get enough dexterity back to work on the bikes, he'd have no complaints at all.

He was more than a little bit surprised and plenty embarrassed when his occupational therapist asked him, "So what about your sex life, are you getting back in the swing of things?"

Daryl felt the heat rise up on his neck and ears. This just wasn't something he talked about, and he couldn't get a word to come out of his mouth, he just stared at the guy.

"I'm not trying to be nosy Daryl, but my job is to help you get back to living the fullest life possible. You're a young guy and I know you have a regular girl. The thing is, sometimes a person gets a little apprehensive about the physical part of the relationship. If you're not ready to address that goal, we'll move along to something else. Just remember, I'm here to help you bring normalcy to all phases of your life."

The therapist patted his arm, "Okay, let's talk about those dishes. We'll see how you do with a sink full of them."

xxxx

She was grateful for her own therapy because she needed that chance to unload some of her frustrations. And she needed to be reminded that she still had her own issues and needed to do her work on those.

She didn't want to complain to Daryl. There was nothing to complain about. He was doing everything he could, trying his best to be strong and independent. The last thing she wanted was to act like he was some kind of burden. But that didn't mean she didn't get tired and cranky. Sometimes she just felt like bitching. She saved it for therapy. She'd get started and that therapist would let her go on for just a minute before she shut her down. Reminding her she'd wanted this, volunteered for this. "Beth you're doing a wonderful thing, but what you're not doing right is taking care of Beth. When was the last time you picked up your guitar, wrote a song? And that's something you can share with Daryl, you've told me before how much he loves to hear you sing.

And I want you filling those journal pages."

He could tell she was happy about something when she picked him up at therapy. "Okay, what've you been up to Boss?" He teased her.

"I'd prefer you address me as General Beth, please. And what I've been up to is shopping at the party store, and what I got were decorations, and what I am is excited! Yay Me!"

"You do realize you're crazy, right?" And he took her in a tight hug with his left arm. "Tell me what you bought Baby." None of it meant anything to him, but it was obvious it meant a whole lot to her so he was going to try and give a shit. She'd said they were in a relationship and he supposed that was what those were all about, trying hard to give a shit about whatever meant something to the other person.

They hadn't been home 10 minutes when Merle came by, "We looked over the bike and I gotta tell ya Little Brother, ain't even anythin' really left ta be salvaged, I s'pose the insurance is all that's left ta get outta that. Now if ya think you'll ever be able ta get back on a bike again, I got a line on a couple real nice ones, lightly used and well-priced, you let me know. It's up to you son."

He didn't miss her eyes go wide and he saw her breathing pattern change. He knew she was anxious, he was hoping for her sake she didn't have a full on anxiety attack. The thing was he didn't even know how he felt about getting back up on that horse. Shit, he'd been so lucky he didn't die that night. Until then he'd never really worried about wrecking on his bike. He was a good rider, and sure he liked to go a little too fast sometimes, but he was always careful. Never took chances like that dumbass that clipped him, and that was the thing, it was the other guy you didn't have any control over, especially on a bike.

Merle

I seen how they both looked when I mentioned the bike, especially Sis. Hell I was thinkin' she was gonna have one a them anxiety attacks like Daryl gets.

I'll tell ya, if they'd seen that bike they'd both have one. When I seen it my stomach got so tight I's thinkin' I's gonna throw up. Just imaginin' Little Brother on that thing was frightenin'. I couldn't believe he survived. Shit I still can't believe it.

I ain't pushin' for him to get another bike, I wouldn't blame him one bit if he never got on another one.

It's gonna be his call. Well his and Sis's, I'm sure her feelin's an opinion will matter to him, just like I gotta give weight ta Carol's feelin's and opinions.

I worry about all this work pilin' on Sis, it's a big job takin' care a everythin'. But she wants to do it an I'm sure she can. I just don't wanna see her wear herself out. I did tell her if she needs any help with anythin' ta call on me.

What I want for Daryl is for him to get enough strength n control a that hand that he can come back ta work. Not for me, for him. He loves it and dammit, he deserves ta do what makes him happy.

I've fixed a lotta shit in my life, people and situations, right or wrong I done it an I'm damn glad I did, but I couldn't fix PTSD for him, and I can't fix this for him, and that's fucked up man.

The doorbell rang, no one ever rang the doorbell. Beth jumped up to answer and it was Rick Grimes. "Hi there Beth, is Daryl here?"

Daryl hobbled over to the door, "Yeah hey Sheriff, what can I do for you?"

"I thought you'd like to know we made an arrest in your accident. I'm certain we've got the guy responsible. It won't make the injuries go away, but you should be able to at least get some financial compensation. I wish you a lot of luck getting whatever you can out of him and his insurance company. Hit and run, there's just no excuse for that. Anyway, if your insurance company or lawyer wants to call this number here, they can get all the details." Daryl thanked him, and he shook Rick's hand as best he could.

That night he helped cook dinner, he grilled them each a chop and he grilled some asparagus for her. She made him fried potatoes and opened a bottle of wine. After dinner he insisted on doing the dishes, "I practiced in OT today, let's see how many I break. Why don't you get your guitar and entertain me while I'm busting my ass at the sink? You ain't played for me in a long time."

Beth

I'm so glad I thought to ask Daryl to help with what he could. It's not because it will make my life easier, I mean it will, but heck, I could hire a housekeeper if I wanted to. It's that I know he has pride. He's the kind of person who needs to do his part, pay his way. I get it. Plus, he'll see how capable he is.

Oh my God I hadn't even thought about Daryl riding a motorcycle again. I nearly had an anxiety attack when Merle mentioned it. I loved riding on the back of his bike, holding onto him. It was exhilarating and it was sexy. I never really worried about wrecking. But now that this happened I'm scared to death to think of him riding out there. Maybe some of that will fade with time, I just don't know.

And really he's an adult, it's his life, he's the one going through this difficult recovery, if he decides he wants to ride again would it really be right of me to try and stop him?

All I know for sure is I love Daryl and this was too close for me, I don't know what I'd do if I lost him.

I loved that he asked me to play my guitar for him, the timing was funny after the therapist just mentioned it today. I had planned to get it after we'd cleaned the kitchen, but I'm so glad he asked me first.

Daryl

I don't know how I feel about gettin' another bike, I thought that would always be my main way a gettin' around. But now, fuck I just don't know. Maybe if I couldn't remember what happened it'd be different. But I remember every bit of it, seein' the car, knowin' it was gonna clip me, knowin' the big rig was behind me and if I tipped in front a him there was no way he could stop in time, my foot slamming into the asphalt, I swear I felt the bones crack, then sliding across that asphalt feelin' like my skin was gettin' burned right offa my body, hittin' the dirt, goin' down that embankment and finally stoppin' when I hit flat ground. I'm real grateful to that trucker, if he hadn't been there, called 911, then waited for 'em out there on the highway so they'd be sure to find me, I'd still be lying there, but I'd be dead.

And that ain't the first time I dodged death, or even the second.

I gotta take Beth's feelin's and opinion into consideration too, she's my girl an we agreed, we talk about stuff. It's the only way this can work and I want it to work. Never wanted nuthin' more.

Standin' here doin' these dishes an listenin' to her sing, well I can't help thinkin' about how much I miss touchin' her. It's just, well fuck, I never was too confident about my skills at that stuff, and with this bum arm and hand, and a broke foot, shit I oughta really be smooth in bed. The other thing I kinda worry about is all these fuckin' wounds. I'm afraid, that's right, big tough Ranger is afraid. Everythin' already hurts, so what? I'ma set myself up for some more pain?

Oh hell yeah clumsy and a big crybaby. Ain't that what every woman wants in bed?

But I gotta try and figure it out. Well that's another thing right there, ain't it? We gotta try an figure it out together.

They brushed their teeth and he took a deep breath, with a hand on her cheek he told her, "I don't wanna wear the sleep pants Beth, and I don't want you to put them pajamas on, hell it'd take me half the night to get 'em back offa you. I want us to try tonight, you know, see if we can figure out how we could make, well you know, make it work for us to be together. Would you wanna?"

"Yes."...

"You crawl in first Baby, remember, I'm a lefty now." They laughed softly and blushed brightly.

They took it real slow starting with gentle kissing, neither of them having any idea just how this would go. Slowly their kisses got more heated and he began to skim his hand along her shoulder and her arm, down her back and around her side, and finally to her round bottom. She was responding to the kissing and the touching and she followed suit, rubbing a hand to the side of his face, and gently down his shoulder and chest. She knew where all of his wounds were and she did her best to avoid touching those.

He reached his hand to her breast, she'd been longing to feel him touch her there and she let out a soft, satisfied moan. That encouraged him and he moved his mouth to her other breast, sucking softly and playing his tongue around her nipple, gently nipping the erect little mound. He knew she was becoming more and more aroused and he moved his hand between her thighs, her hips lifted slightly to invite his touch and he slipped a finger in her. She let out a heated moan while he released his own deep guttural hum.

His body was so covered with wounds she kept her hand to his head, running her fingers through his hair, moving it to his chest, neck and face, and back to his hair. Her movements and her moans spurred him on, another finger was slipped in and his palm exerted pressure on that most sensitive area, he rubbed that sensitive little spot just the way he knew she responded to. When she climaxed he wasn't sure who felt more of a release, her or him. He was so relieved to know he was able to bring her pleasure.

She felt his erection and moved her hand to grasp him firmly. "I think the only way we can make this work Baby is if you're on top," his voice was deep, raspy. She held still while he gingerly rolled over on his back. She knew it hadn't been painless, but he smiled at her and said, "Slide your little self up and lay on my stomach." She was unsure but she did as he had asked, "You're gonna have to keep your legs between mine, it's a little awkward, but I just got too many sores on my thighs." She kissed his stomach and his chest as she moved her body onto his, and when they were face to face she kissed him deeply and whispered, "I love you so much."

He took his hands and guided her hips up so he could enter her. She was surprised how different it felt, her legs between his, and how much she enjoyed moving on top of him. He used both hands to tease and tweak her breasts, and that right hand wasn't as inept as he'd feared. They took it slow and gentle. He moved his hands up and lightly gripped them in her hair, the right one almost cooperating, and he brought her lips to his, he didn't think he could ever kiss her enough.

Being with this man she loved so much, the movement, the kissing, the emotion of it, brought her to another climax. And he followed with his own.

She carefully moved from his poor battered body to lay next to him, her head resting next to his. They clasped hands and she said, "We didn't seem to have too much trouble making that work."

It had been a little awkward, clumsy at times, and it had its uncomfortable moments, but they were both convinced it was perfect.

He smiled and said, "I love you so much Baby." And they slept.

A/N Thanks so much for reading, please review/comment xo