If our love

is tragedy why are you my remedy

If our love's

insanity why are you my clarity?

-Zedd feat. Foxes, Clarity

Some time later, Martinez came to me saying one word: "Visitor."

He threw Beth into the cell, and I almost had to pick her up to put her back on her feet. It was also very awkward with both Martinez and Allen standing in the cell with us, weapons at the ready. One hell of a squash, it was. "Maybe we could have a little privacy or something, you feel me?"

"Orders," said Martinez. "Neither of you is allowed out of sight while you're together."

"Then just stand outside with your guns or something. You can even keep the cell door open."

Eventually they relented.

Beth and I just sat there on the bed, silent for a few minutes. Then all of a sudden she looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes and said, "Daryl, you're an idiot."

"Um, how so?" I was confused.

"How could you do something... something so-"

"Selfless, brave and noble? I know it's a surprise. But hey, it's Daryl Dixon you're talking to. I open my mouth, and half the time crap flies out faster than your eyes can handle, if that."

"Well, why di you do it? Why not anyone else? He already had Michonne, and that's who he hates the most. So why did you take the offer?"

"I dunno," I said. "I suppose it's because I'm the leader, by default. So it had to be me by default. Just one of those times where you get cut down because you stand up. But also..."

I thought hard. I'd been doing little but thinking hard ever since I'd been locked up in this cell.

"I probably should have died a long time ago. The quarry camp, the CDC, your dad's farm, all those months on the road, and so much more. Each and every time, I realized I was damn lucky. For reasons beyond my control, I kept getting seconds shots when too many others didn't. So everything since has been gravy, as far as I'm concerned. I've had fun, if that. These past few months have been intense, painful, baffling, sometimes even fucking awful - and I know it's been the same for you - but whatever. I've done things I never would've dreamed in a million years I'd be doing. I became a hunter in a world that badly needed them. I not only survived in a zombie apocalypse but thrived in it. I also fought a fight worth fighting. Nothing questionable about helping Rick and all that. This wasn't some spurious war cooked up by the government to keep the oil flowing or building contracts up and running. We were fighting an actual threat that needed to be stopped. Even though we failed, we didn't go down without a fight."

"So at least you've got something out of all this."

"Don't act like that."

"Act like what?"

"All pissy and twisted. I was going to say something else. One of the most amazing things I got out of this entire situation was meeting... well, you. When we first encountered at the farm, you were just a Southern belle in splendid isolation and I was just some redneck that was part of a group taking up your land. In any other circumstances, we never would've met. Same with Glenn and Maggie. Bear with me here, I'm not good at this shit. Even after all those nights together, I still don't know what you think of me. but I think you are pretty incredible. And also incredibly beautiful. And... well..."

I spotted Martinez making a bunch of stupid, leering faces right in front of me.

"Oh, fuck off, asshole," I snapped at him. "This is difficult without a cockface like you to come along and-"

"Concentrate on me, Daryl," said Beth, taking my hands with hers. "Ignore him."

I tried my goddamned best. "I'm a hard-shelled bastard. You know it, I know it, hell everyone does. I act like nothing bothers me most of the time. I cared about Merle, but that was about as far as inner feelings go. But you, Beth... I still can't get over the fact that you still chose me, out of anyone else in your meager list of options. There was Rick, there was Carl... nope, you chose me. And I'm not against sex for its own sake. Far from it, in fact. I... love you, Beth Greene, but if you feel something more, even a little spark or something, I need to know and I need to know now."

"No offense, but that's what you brought me here for?" Her eyes were almost watering up. "When you're just moments away from dying?"

"It's that close?"

"The 'audience' is gathering."

"Shit then. This is the perfect time for this then. When better? And give it to me straight from the heart. Not what you want me to hear, not what your dad or sister want to hear if they were here, but you. Your personal feelings. Is it possible for a teenage farm girl with the voice of an angel to love a brutal redneck such as myself? Is it possible for something between us? Can it happen?"

There was a pause. A long one. I used the time to just stare into that lovely face and all its features. Then she looked up and whispered, "Yes. Yes it can."

I sat back, finally contented. "Then I guess I can die happy now."

"Truly?"

I nodded. "I mean every word of it. Let's face it: for the first time in my life, I loved a girl and she loved me back. Doesn't get much better than that."

By this point Martinez and Allen were bombarding us with a shit ton of mocking 'ooh' and 'whoo' noises, though it hardly registered.

Beth said, "Are you sure you still want to go through with all this? If I could help you..." She slowly slipped a knife behind Martinez's back and handed it to me. I only silently gave it back to her. "No way. I'm no pussy, and besides, if I die right now, what's to stop Hanson from not carrying out his part of the deal to keep everyone else safe? I could use some words of encouragement though, if you have any."

She racked her brain. "Well, I don't know how religious your are, but there is one Bible quote I thought might give you strength. Phillippians 4:13 : 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' So can you Daryl. I take back you being an idiot. You are so unselfish, and so so brave."

"Time's up," barked Martinez.

"Your boss promised us a half hour," I told him.

The Hispanic just shrugged his shoulders. "How the fuck an I supposed to know what an hour is anymore? I never used my watch since the world went to shit. Besides, I think your girlfriend's been here long enough. Time to say goodbye."

I muttered something uncomplimentary. Martinez and Allen just laughed.

"Daryl..."

Beth took my chin in her hand and guided my face to hers, and we kissed.

One of the few real kisses I ever gave someone. And my last.

Sweet, firm, and all but over all too soon.

But it would be one I would have remembered for all my life, even if I lived to be a ripe old age.

AN: Short but sweet chapter. It's kind of a transition between two major parts of the story. Also, this is going to be my last chapter for a while, maybe three weeks. Due to personal reason, I won't be able to get on here as often as I usually do. I will try, but make no guarantees.

Also, once again, thanks to everyone who reviewed, favorited, or followed this story. It really means a lot to me.

-Jokerang