A/N - Thanks to everyone reviewing, reading and following this story still! This chapter is for you :)

Rick was bent over flexing his muscles chopping at timber hard and fast. He had been at it for the past hour now, it seemed to be the best way to distance himself from what had been going on the past few weeks, allowing him the chance to mentally clear his head of any negativity, whilst carrying out a mundane task.

It had taken them a while, but he and his people, were finally starting to feel settled here. They'd had their ups and downs. Having nearly lost Judith, as well as clashing with some of the other people here. But it was really beginning to feel as though they could live at this place, and be a part of this community. Which was why it was so worrying to him that there appeared to be more bad people lurking around the surrounding areas, threatening that.

After the group meeting to discuss everyone's security concerns, Rick and his smaller group had returned safely from their trip to check out the road leading to the nearest town. Having discovered a few newly dead walkers, it appeared there were still other survivors out there carrying out vicious killing sprees. Two of the original community here had also been missing for days. Even more alarmingly, a few of Jack's smaller group from the day before, including Daryl and Ryan, hadn't returned from their mission to check out the area around the river either.

Glenn and Jack had come back late the night before, having reported similar findings to Rick's group. But they had said Daryl, Ryan and a couple of the others had gone deeper in.

…...

Pondering on that, Rick paused, hearing footsteps coming up behind him, feeling a hand on his forearm.

"Rick," a female voice said.

He didn't have to look up straight away, he could tell instantly that it was Isobel. He was starting to recognise the smell of her perfume as well as the light delicate feel of her touch.

He put his axe down on the ground, wiping his brow looking over at her putting his hand up to shield himself from the early evening sun. Her face was glowing, her hair a mass of perfect pinned back golden ringlets.

"I've changed Judith's dressing, the wound is healing well, no signs of infection. She should be up and about in the next day or so," she said, her hazel green eyes shining in the natural light.

Rick nodded, "Thanks," he replied, with a little smile he was quickly starting to realise was reserved only for her.

She shook her head. "You don't have to keep thanking us," she responded.

"Yeah, I do. You took us in, and you saved my little girl. You're good people," he said sincerely.

It may have taken him a little while to see it, but Rick meant it. There was no 'us' and 'them' anymore, now it was just 'us'. His group were a part of the community here. The community that had saved Hershel Greene's youngest daughter, when he had given up hope of ever being able to.

"Rick, have you got any idea how long it has been since most of us have seen a child as young as Judith? She's nothing short of a miracle in this world, and now she's all our responsibility," Isobel gushed with a warm, heartfelt smile.

Rick smiled back again, staring at her still. Appreciating the way her t-shirt clung to her body, leaving little up to his vivid imagination.

"She had us all worried, but she's going to be fine now, and it wasn't just us, she needed those antibiotics too. If we hadn't have had those…" she trailed off, her eyes meeting his, her tone becoming more somber at the thought of what could have happened to little Judith Grimes had things been different.

Rick's face turned more serious again, "You didn't think they'd make it back with the medicine, did you?" He asked.

She blushed a little, aware of the intensity of his stare as he awaited her response, "You did?" she asked honestly.

Without breaking eye contact, Rick pressed his lips together and nodded, he hadn't been entirely certain if Daryl and the others would have come back with the antibiotics, but there had been no doubt in his mind that they would have all returned safely from that run.

"My people know what they're doing out there," Rick said slowly with passion.

"I knew that Daryl would have ensured they all made it back, and they'll make it back again this time too," he continued, reaching to gently put his hand on her arm, aware, it was her brother out there with Daryl this time.

Isobel nodded, accepting what he was saying, aware that she'd underestimated Rick and his group.

She watched as his gaze swept across her body, drinking her in, and something shifted.

Her arms dropped to her sides and she unconsciously took a small step closer to him. Rick once again was amazed by how beautiful she was, he knew little about her still, but none of that mattered to him in the moment.

At that moment all recent tension left Rick, as he got lost in the green gaze of the woman standing before him.

"You're beautiful," he said softly but boldly, watching the late sun bouncing off her face, crossing a line he felt sure he wouldn't regret. He stepped even closer to her, his hands resting on her shoulders.

Isobel didn't say anything, she just looked up at him, watching his face inch closer to hers. His hand cupped her cheekbone, tracing her features with confidence. Their close proximity was making him tingle, too taken aback to form coherent thoughts. Her eyes sparkling as he continued to touch her.

Then he kissed her.

Softly at first, without rushing it, before it sped up, deep and fast. His hands roaming over her body, letting himself go in the moment. Kissing her felt natural, it felt right and he didn't want it to ever stop.

xxxxx

Beth looked up as she heard the creak of the door. Her blue eyes floated over to rest on Daryl's silent face, from where he stood in the entrance to the medical building.

"You're back," she stated simply. Their eyes locking.

"Yeah," he responded in a low voice, taking a small step further inside, towards her, and Beth noticed he looked a little beat up.

Beth had told herself that he would return okay from the trip to check for danger outside their walls, that she shouldn't be overly concerned, especially since Ryan and a few of the others had recently come back, not long before him.

Daryl would routinely stay away for nights on end back at the prison when he went off hunting. But that thought alone still didn't stop a little voice buried deep inside her from saying - What if he didn't come back?

Ever since the early days, Daryl had always returned safely; if he was heading out on a run, it was a given, that more often than not he would find a way to get everyone back unharmed. But still, Beth knew the world was growing darker and darker by the day, even though she felt certain Daryl would outlive them all, there was always the chance that his luck would run out.

A thought she feared above all else.

"You okay?" He questioned hesitantly.

She nodded with a weak smile, pressing her rosy pink lips together, looking away. She hadn't forgotten the last time they had spoken. How she had felt. This was awkward.

"You find anything?" She asked, glancing back at him, aware of the urgency behind the reason for Daryl's trip out with Jack, Ryan and some of the others.

Rick had come back from his trip over towards the town, concerned that things weren't quite right. Jack returned even more distressed from his group's trip towards the river.

Daryl nodded slowly.

"Should we be worried?" Beth quickly asked, sounding panicked, her gaze moving towards the bruising around his eye.

He stared at her through his long hair, putting his hand up to sweep it out of his vision a little. Debating internally how much to tell her. That he had nearly died at the hands of a member of what they perceived to be a dangerous group which could very well be a big threat to their community and safety here. Or whether he should play it down, and just say there had been some signs there could be trouble.

Looking at Beth's wide blinking blue eyes, awaiting his response, Daryl knew he couldn't bullshit her, she didn't deserve that. This was the world they lived in now. It was as simple as that.

But now wasn't the time. He hadn't come here to discuss their current security situation with her. So he muttered gruffly, "We need to watch our backs. But nothing we can't handle at the moment."

"Oh," Beth responded, her bright eyes still blinking. She wanted to ask him more.

"Ass-kicker okay?" Daryl asked, changing the subject.

"She's fine, sleeping a lot, but soon we can take her dressing off, her wounds are healing well," Beth explained, her voice turning softer and sweeter.

He jerkily nodded his head again, satisfied with her explanation.

Beth bit her lip, watching him, waiting for him to say something else. She wasn't sure why he had come to see her here, she had presumed he would be avoiding her after his recent speech to her. But she could tell on some level he was trying to make amends right now, and it wasn't easy for either of them.

"Walk with me," he said in a low gentle voice. His eyes widening, fixed on her face, as he gestured with his head for them to go outside.

"Oh-okay," Beth stammered in agreement, slightly taken aback.

Stepping outside, dressed in just a small white t-shirt, light blue skinny jeans and her brown cowboy boots, Beth wrapped her arms around herself and shivered a little. It had been a warm day earlier, but now the sun was drifting in and out as dusk crept in, and a bitter wind was starting to gather momentum around them. A sudden gust blowing her long blonde ponytail across the side of her face, taking her by surprise as she quickly brushed it back, silently following Daryl over to the hidden coded side entrance.

Her stomach twisting slightly in anticipation of what he wanted to say to her. What could be so important he wanted to take her away from the security of the walls?

She didn't say anything, looking on surprised as he punched in the code to the entrance. As far as Beth was aware, none of her original group had been given any of the entrance codes yet. However Daryl had obtained it though, it didn't matter to her, as she silently followed him.

The side entrance wasn't used very often, it was quite well hidden and there was no footpath the other side, just a muddy slope.

Daryl went first, making his way down quickly and with ease.

He held his hand out to help steady Beth next.

Beth took his hand, instantly feeling a rush of electricity zap through her from his warm, firm grip. Remembering how he had helped her before, after the prison, when they had walked for miles across uneven ground. Although quiet and sullen a lot of the time, he had always been caring, patient and protective.

"Thanks," she said, steadying herself on the flat ground again, as he held her hand in his for a moment more, before releasing it.

"Come on," he gestured awkwardly, starting to walk in the direction of the tall trees, circling their walled community.

Beth walked along beside him, wondering some more why he was taking her out here. It felt a little close to the edge, to be outside the safety of their walls like this. There were also rules in place, set for everyone's safety, not to venture outside unless absolutely necessary, and never without checking in with one of the senior group members first.

But she didn't question it. She knew Daryl didn't like to have to check in and out with people. It had been different back at the prison, when their group had been much smaller. Him being one of the most senior members and protectors. Here, he was still struggling to find his place. She knew him better than most, she knew he needed his own space in the great outdoors, and that being in the comfort of her new community still felt a little alien to him.

They wandered on in silence, getting further away from the safe-zone. Beth felt a knot forming in her stomach as she anticipated again, why Daryl had suggested this walk.

Her wide blue eyes glanced sideways to take a look at his face. He looked serious.

She drew in a breath, before breaking the silence, "I-I'm sorry, if Ryan gave you a hard time," she suddenly said tentatively, shooting him another small glance to gauge his reaction, as they walked on.

He tilted his head to peer back at her with narrow eyes, through his long hair. The expression on his face, questioning her statement without words.

"Maggie and Glenn said there was some trouble between you and him at the meeting. Glenn said you got into a fight," she explained, raising her eyebrows, her voice a little shaky. "It was about me, wasn't it?"

Watching his sullen face, Beth had no idea how he would react to that statement, but she had to say it. It had been playing on her mind. She knew she wasn't being bigheaded, presuming their disagreement would have been about her. Ryan had seen how upset she had been the other night, after Daryl's rejection, and she knew how hot-headed and defensive Daryl could be when confronted too.

But the two of them fighting was honestly the last thing Beth had wanted. She knew Daryl wasn't a bad person, and neither was Ryan.

Ryan would have been acting with nothing but her best interests at heart, Beth thought. But from what she could tell, he had still been out of line by provoking Daryl and fighting with him, and she would tell him that as soon as she got back.

Daryl jerked his head to readjust his hair away from his face, mumbling gruffly, "Weren't a big deal."

Beth didn't reply, her eyes scanning his split lip and the small swelling under his right eye. Whatever had happened between them looked like it was a pretty big deal to her. She hated seeing him hurt. Even worse knowing that she was probably the cause of it. Glenn had told her that they had looked ready to kill each other.

She raised a brow, as he avoided eye contact, looking ahead as they walked. "Looks like it was a pretty big deal," she said.

Daryl shrugged. The scuffle with Ryan had been nothing, compared to having a gun shoved in his face by a psychopath.

Beth let out a small sigh. "He's not a bad person y'know."

"I know," Daryl muttered under his breath.

"He just seems to have taken it upon himself to look out for me. Ever since he found me at Grady, he's been like that for some reason," Beth said, saying the last part quietly, more to herself than anything.

At first she had wondered whether Ryan was being nice to her, because she was a new young female and therefore a challenge to him. But, as time had gone on, it had become apparent to her that wasn't it. He didn't just want to get into her pants, he actually cared about her.

Daryl sniffed and looked away. It was clear from both Beth's words and the expression on her face, that she wasn't fully aware of the real reason Ryan had been in Atlanta when he had found her at the hospital. She had mentioned once, that Ryan and his group had been there looking for another girl, but Daryl guessed Ryan had never told her what he had confessed to him the day before, about it being his fiancé they had gone back for.

Whatever the truth though, it was none of his business and not his place to tell, Daryl thought as he looked back to Beth.

"This way," he said, changing the subject, leading her through some trees.

A sudden stream of early evening sun, flickered through the tall branches overhead, bouncing off the ground. Looking down, Daryl noticed a flash of something glinting on the ground. He stopped to crouch down, brushing aside the long grass to pick it up.

"What are you doing?" Beth asked, stopping and staring in confusion at his sudden movement.

"It's a diamond," Daryl mumbled, picking up the once precious jewel, dusting the dirt off with his fingers.

Bouncing back up to standing, he flicked his hair out of his eyes again, as he held the cracked diamond ring up to the natural light to get a better look at it.

It was filthy and the band was broken, but it still dazzled as he twisted it around in front of his inquisitive blue eyes, gazing at it curiously.

"It's beautiful," Beth exclaimed, her mouth gaping open, she had forgotten such pretty exotic jewels existed in the world anymore.

Daryl screwed his face up. He'd never seen the appeal of such materialistic extravagant items, they just signified greed, status, and power- all the things he'd despised about their old world. But looking at it more, he had to agree with Beth, the sparkling diamond was a real beauty.

He twisted it round one more time, before holding his arm up ready to toss it and everything it represented far into the distance.

"What are you doing?" Beth exclaimed, stopping him.

"It's worthless," Daryl responded, shrugging his shoulders, staring at her, a puzzled look crossing his face.

"It's not worthless to someone," Beth protested, her eyes focusing in again on the stunning ring in Daryl's fingers.

"Whoever lost this… they aint gonna be needing it no more," Daryl grumbled, shaking his head.

"You don't know that," Beth disagreed, sighing, feeling herself shake slightly. Her blue eyes blinking away a few warm tears.

Taking a final look at the diamond, she looked away and into the bleak deserted distance. She knew Daryl was right. The diamond was no good to anyone anymore. All it did was signify shattered dreams. Behind it there was a story, no doubt a sad story. At one time it would have represented a future, love and happiness. All that was gone now, and the bright sparkling jewel trodden into the dirty ground. Lost forever.

Daryl's deep blue eyes studied Beth's sad face with concern. He couldn't pretend to understand her, or women in general. But he knew something had upset her, triggered an emotion she normally tried to keep buried. He jerked his head again, signalling they should walk on, thinking it best if they moved away from this spot.

"I just need a moment," Beth said quietly, folding her arms against her chest, looking away from him again.

He nodded and out of the corner of her eye, Beth was sure she saw him subtly put his hand in to his pocket, depositing the cracked ring in there instead of tossing it away.

Beth smiled inwardly, feeling a subtle glow build inside her. He might act like a total jerk sometimes but deep down he had a good heart, which both frustrated her and made her smile at the same time.

"What are we doing out here?" She suddenly asked forcefully, her eyes widening, flitting back over to where he was stood a little way in front of her.

She could tell by the way he was looking at her that he had something he wanted to say to her, and whatever it was, being a man of few words, it wasn't easy for him.

Daryl cleared his throat, he'd brought her out here for a reason. Looking at her now, he knew he had to seize the moment.

"Wanted to talk to you. Alone," he explained, his voice low. "Bout what I said the other night," he started, before pausing for a moment.

Beth remained silent and patient, in anticipation of what he was about to say next.

"I didn't mean to upset you. I was a dick," he mumbled, brushing his hair to the side of his face with his fingers. "You didn't deserve that. See the thing is…." he stopped again, putting his hand up to loosely cover his mouth.

Beth swallowed, from the look on his face and the tone of his voice, she got the impression she wasn't going to like what he was about to say next. She had already figured he wanted to clear the air and make things right with her, but she really didn't want him to do it like this.

"What happened that night….it was.." he continued, trying to find the right words to confess his feelings.

"Don't," Beth stopped him. Putting her hand up, her eyes flashing at him with emotion.

"Don't give me another patronising speech about how you regret what happened that night at the motel, and how you don't see me like that!" She said passionately, raising her voice, shaking her head. She didn't need to hear this again. If Ryan had put Daryl up to apologising like this, she would be seriously pissed at her friend.

"Like what?" Daryl asked quietly, his concerned eyes gazing at her pained look, hurting her again was the last thing he had wanted to do.

"Like you don't see me as someone you can get close to, someone you can trust and let in," she said slowly, allowing their eyes to meet.

"Never said I couldn't trust you," he responded, "Never said I regretted it neither," he mumbled.

Beth couldn't help but allow her lips to curl up in to the faintest of smiles hearing that. Before she took a step backwards to steady herself against the nearest tree.

She sighed to herself. Her eyes moving over the scarred, handsome face of the man in front of her. He was such a tortured soul, so complex on so many different levels. But he was a good soul, both selfless and loyal when he needed to be. The world had gone to hell. But he had a heart still, and Beth knew one thing for certain...

She loved him!

She just wished he would let her.

They remained silent for a second more. He was looking at her, as though he was trying to figure something out, like the rest of the world has stopped and it was just her. He had looked at her like that before, back when it had just been the two of them at the funeral home, and more recently back at Glenn's cousin's motel the night they had crossed the line and kissed. When everything changed irrevocably.

Beth thought back to her recent conversation with Isobel. If Daryl seemed to have had a change of heart after how he had been with her that night. What could have changed?

Gazing at him now, Beth realised what it was. She got it now.

He was different when it was just the two of them. More relaxed, more open.

Back when they were around their group, he felt as though they all had their places, he was Daryl and she was sweet young Beth, they couldn't stray away from that. When they were alone, none of that mattered, it was different. He was different. It was as though he felt she needed him in a way she didn't when the others were around.

Now that they were here in this new community, with her new people too, he would be thinking more than ever that she simply didn't need him anymore. Beth knew that was bullshit. She just needed him to realise that.

"Can I ask you something?' she eventually asked.

He nodded.

"You remember back when we were in the funeral home, right before we got overrun. We were sitting in the kitchen, and you said to me, you thought we could build a life there. Did you really mean that?" Beth questioned hesitantly, her eyes enlarging, the blueness in them shining straight at him.

This was something Beth had pondered at length those first few lonely days, after she had woken up at Grady. What exactly had made Daryl say something like that? Had he really thought they could have a life, surviving alone together? Could she really have been the reason, as he had implied, he changed his mind about there still being good people in the world?

But Beth had quickly pushed the memory of that last awkward discussion between them, out of her mind. The thought of what could have been, was just too painful for her. But here, now, she needed to reflect on it.

Sucking in a deep, steadying breath, she gazed at him nervously. His face was unreadable, but she could tell his emotions from his eyes, he was feeling just as overwhelmed as she was. The memory of that night, meant something to him. Just as it did to her.

His body tensed, their eyes locking even deeper, as they started at each other wordlessly for a moment.

Daryl remembered the conversation she was referring to, vividly. He remembered what he had said, and how he had felt when he had said it. He had truly believed they should try and stay at the funeral home, that something good could happen. Beth had made him believe that. She had given him hope.

He bent his head towards her, "Said it, didn't I?" He eventually replied in a low, slightly gruff voice.

"You thought we could be happy, just the two of us?" Beth questioned further, a small flutter rushing through her with the way he was still gazing at her.

Daryl swallowed, averting his gaze from her face, over towards the branches of the nearest tree. He had no real idea what to say to that.

"I dunno, Beth. Look it weren't some damn fairytale. It was just a place we could have stayed in for a while," he muttered more gruffly.

Beth shook her head.

"Don't do this, Daryl," she said, raising her voice, "Don't push me away. I won't let you."

She took a step closer to him, as he remained fixed in the same spot.

"What you said back then, meant something. I know it did, and you know it too," she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion.

Daryl put his hand up to his hair. His eyes narrowing as he digested her words.

"You were different back then," Beth continued.

"Everything was different back then," Daryl grunted softly.

"No, it wasn't," Beth protested, shaking her head some more. She needed him to see that even though they had been separated for months and time had passed, and they were back around their group again, it didn't have to change what had been building between them.

"We're still the same two people, trying to survive, trying to find something worth surviving for!" She said, her eyes shimmering and wide.

Daryl felt a surge of emotion hit him, with the way she was looking at him. She really was beautiful. Her eyes were round and sparkling, her features dainty and symmetrical, her glossy blonde hair shining with tones of platinum and gold. She was fucking perfect.

It took his breath away and left him speechless, when her pretty blue eyes gazed his way, looking at him like he was the most important thing in the world to her.

He flinched, thinking back to what Carol had said to him. That she wasn't his responsibility here, that he should let her go, she didn't need him anymore. Carol had been acting out of nothing but concern for him, but Daryl could see now that she had been wrong.

Beth did still need him.

It was written all over her face. She needed him and he needed her. She might not need him for protection so much anymore, and he might not need her to restore his broken faith. But maybe they needed each other, simply for a reason to carry on breathing in this bleak world.

"I care about you, Daryl, and I know you care about me too. I know you do," she said definitely, watching his deep blue eyes studying her face.

"I'm not a young, helpless girl anymore. I'm a woman now and I can take care of myself, and I'm not going to die or get taken away again. I'm right here, standing in front of you," she stated breathlessly.

"So don't disappear on me," she added, in a voice so quiet it was almost a whisper.

Daryl breathed in and out deeply and silently. Slowly, he took a step closer, his body inches from hers. He put his hand carefully up to the side of her belt, allowing his touch to rest on her delicate hip.

Beth felt her stomach flip. Her eyes widened and she looked up at him, seeing nothing but desire in his eyes.

"Beth," he murmured, pausing to gauge every element of her reaction to his sudden closeness.

"I aint going nowhere," he declared in a deep and low voice. "I'll never let you go again."

His usually guarded blue eyes were softening. Filling Beth with a rush of warmth.

"Even if you give up on me, I'll always be here," he swallowed in shock. The words felt natural to him, like they had been on his tongue for months, just waiting for him to say them.

Without warning he slowly pulled her into his muscular chest. It took her by surprise for a second, before she smiled, closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around his neck, savouring the moment, breathing in his manly scent once again.

She put her hand up to touch his bicep. Feeling a heat spreading up her body.

He was shuddering ever so slightly. He had never been comfortable with physical contact, but with her it was different. It had always been different.

A pang ran down Beth as she allowed her body to relax next to his, finally she could sense all the feelings he tried so desperately to suppress. He wasn't used to coming undone, to letting people in.

"Promise," Beth whispered in a heartfelt voice into his ear.

She relaxed his grip, so that he could speak without being muffled. Looking up at him, she saw how vulnerable he had made himself. She had seen that expression in his eyes once before, the night they found the moonshine. But he had seemed lonely and lost back then, haunted even. Now his deep blue eyes, although vulnerable, seemed more hopeful.

"I promise," he said slowly.

Their eyes locked. It was unspoken but they both knew what it meant.

He put his fingers to her face, brushing the few loose strands of her blonde hair to one side, allowing himself to become lost in the moment. He was taken aback at how serene she now looked, at how that made him feel. If he was honest with himself, she always made him feel like this, like everything was good in the world, or it could be if he just kept his eyes on her.

Beth closed her eyes for a second, trying to save the perfect memory. Opening them, just in time to see him press his lips against hers, closing in slowly. It felt different to how he had kissed her before.

He tilted her head, both their mouths opening to each other as things quickly escalated. Daryl could feel all the pent up feelings he had for her bursting out of him.

Beth felt hot and dizzy, her blood rushing south and she didn't want this, whatever this finally was, to end.

He pulled her closer to him, so her perfectly rounded breasts were pushing against his chest. Her hands slid around his back, feeling his strong muscles moving under her fingertips. One hand moved to his neck and then into his hair.

God he was amazing, she thought. She would never get enough of this.

Eventually, they broke apart. He touched his forehead to hers, as she leaned back against the tree, catching her breath. Her blue eyes widened while her lips curled up in to a shy smile.

This hadn't exactly been what she had been expecting when he had appeared earlier. She had no idea what had happened to have made him have such a dramatic change of heart, but she didn't care. All that mattered was that he had!

His mouth twitched into a boyish sort of grin, and his eyes looked happy, as he mumbled, "It's getting dark, we should head home."

Beth nodded, reaching for his hand, as they turned to make their way back.

A/N - Thanks for reading! (Finally some decent Bethyl fluff! I think they deserved it!) Please leave a review if you can! :))