Beth did her best to avoid Daryl again, getting up early and leaving before he was awake. She tried to put what had happened out of her head, tried to convince herself it had all been a dream. When Beth got Brenna's Gwen seemed was a fussy mess. Brenna looked disheveled and worried.

"What's wrong?"

"She has a fever," said Brenna, "I was gonna take her over to the hospital, you can come if you want."

"Ya," said Beth, feeling fear rise up inside of her. "Is it bad?"

"I don't know," said Brenna, "She's been like this all morning." Beth put her hand on the infant's head and felt that it was burning up. They were out the door a minute later, headed down to the hospital.

When they arrived they were brought into the back where the doctor would look at Gwen. Beth stood by the table with Brenna as the baby' temperature was taken.

"Do you think she'll be alright?" asked Brenna, nervously shifting back and forth on each foot. The doctor looked at the thermometer.

"She has a fever of 102," said the doctor, "I'd like to keep her here and put her on some medicine, make sure her fever goes down. She should be ok." Brenna let out a sigh of relief. "You can come back and check on her and I'll let you know when the fever's gone down enough for her to go home." Brenna gave her daughter a kiss on the head before they left.

"I'll let you know how she's doing," said Brenna, as they walked back outside. Beth could still see the slight worry in her eyes and said

"She'll pull through; it's not a high fever, just a little virus."

Daryl was out alone this time. He hadn't gone looking for Damien, he needed to be alone. He stalked through the forest, not particularly sure of where he was going. He needed to clear his head. He should have just stayed in bed last night. Everything had changed now. She knew he wanted her. He was pretty sure she wanted him too. The way her innocent blue eyes had looked up at him, asking him why they couldn't be together, why he wouldn't let her kiss him. If she had all of his control would have been lost.

He found himself on the road where Ricks' hat had been. He walked further up the road, hoping to find another sign of activity. If he found the group and they'll got back together maybe things would go back to normal. He'd stop thinking about Beth; he'd distract himself with being Rick's second-hand man again. Then maybe she'd go back to being a kid in his eyes.

He found the car where he'd gotten the hat. Had Rick and Carl been using the car and stopped here for a reason? Or maybe they were resting in it when they had to leave in a hurry. Either way there weren't any signs inside of any recent activity. He knew any superficial tracks would have been covered up by now but he had to look around, he couldn't just walk away.

He decided to search the woods beyond the car, the side he had yet to explore. He moved quickly, keeping his eyes open for anything that would indicate another person had been around recently. He couldn't help but call out, not caring about the walkers he drew in.

"Rick! Carl!" He stopped and listened for a reply but got nothing. He set off again at a brisk pace again, hoping to find just one piece of evidence.

Beth walked back across the street, unsure of where to go or what to do now that she didn't have Gwen to look after. He didn't feel like going back to the apartment and facing Carol so she headed down the street. It was a sunny day and people were out and about, she might as well take a walk.

She thought of Daryl and how he'd backed away from her last night. Leaving her there stunned. He had wanted to get close to her, she could tell. The look in his eyes was something she'd never seen on him before. She'd seen it on Glenn's face when he looked at Maggie. She didn't even think Daryl was capable of displaying such emotion. But why was he holding back? Was it because of Carol? She was much younger than him but what did that matter anymore? She was eighteen and not a kid anymore. Her mom had been a lot younger than her father. At least twenty years. Her daddy had been in his 60's while her mother was in her late 40's.

She walked into the town square where all the shops were. She went inside the first to find that it had a variety of different things. Clothes, baby supplies, basic medication, toiletry items, it excited her just seeing it all in one place. She moved into the baby section and looked at some of the dolls they had. She could get one for Gwen and bring it to her in the hospital. As she was looking through the bin she heard a giggle nearby, audible and purposeful enough to catch her attention. She looked to her left to see a group of girl looking at her. They were whispering behind their hands and smirking at her. She ignored them at looked back at what she was doing. They laughed again, louder this time. She caught a bit of what one of them was saying. She heard the word 'slut' and 'sleeping around.' She stood up straight and looked at them. They were still watching her with disgust. She was unsure what to do. The girls laughed and moved back outside the store. She saw them walk across the square and meet up with Steve. So that's what was going on. Steve was spreading rumors about her. He tried not to let it bother her too much. She still had Lily as a friend and her main focus wasn't to make new friends, it was to continue to search for the group.

She picked out a pink giraffe for Gwen and then left the store, trying to ignore the burning gaze of the kids across the square.

A half an hour later, Daryl found what he had been looking for. A small fire pit in the middle of a clearing. It wasn't smoking or hot anymore, but there was still charcoal and half burnt wood inside. He estimated it'd been there for about a week. It had to be Rick and Carl, he just knew it. Unfortunately it meant that they were walking in the opposite direction of the town. They could be miles away by now, especially if they'd found another car. It was killing him knowing that just a week ago Rick had been this close and they hadn't even of known it. Rick had become a brother to him, in everything but blood. Of course he could never replace Merle but he had a close connection to him.

He desperately wanted to keep going but he knew he had to go back. He couldn't lose himself out here and he needed to bring something back for food. On his way back through the woods he marked the trees with X's so he could re-follow the path the next day. He went to the place Damien had shown him on the first day and set himself up in a tree, waiting for a deer to cross by.

It wasn't long before he found himself dozing off. He had barely gotten any sleep last night. Between being in Carol's bed and what had happened between him and Beth it had been impossible. He slowly fell into a light slumber, his crossbow sitting in his lap.

He stood in the darkness, completely disoriented and confused. Where the hell was he? He saw a faint light up ahead of him. It grew brighter and soon he saw another figure moving towards him, outlined by the light. In shock, he recognized Hershel. The man looked different. His face was shaved as it had been when they first met him at the farm. He also had his leg. Maybe he was dead and Hershel was coming to take him. The man was smiling and he stopped a couple of feet in front of Daryl.

"Hershel?" His smile broadened and he said

"You have done well Daryl, keeping an eye on my Beth." He wasn't sure what was going on. Was it all real?

"T-Thanks," he said, unsure of what to do. He stood there for awhile, observing him. He nodded at him and said

"You have my permission."

"What?" He turned back towards the light and then looked back at Daryl with a smile.

"It's like I said to Glenn, no man is good enough for your little girl, until one is." It took Daryl a moment to process what Hershel had said. By the time it was clear to him Hershel had already disappeared back into the light.

He woke up abruptly. He felt himself falling and he hit the ground. He lay there for a moment, dazed. When he felt something tugging on his leg he came too. The upper half of walker was on his leg, trying to pull itself up onto him. He jumped up and shot it in the head, his heart pumping out of his chest. What the hell had just happened? It was clear what Hershel had been telling him but had it been real? He had never been one to believe in those kinds of things. But it had seemed so real. He laughed at the idea that Hershel would consent to a relationship between he and his daughter. As he stood up and looked around for any more walkers Hershel's voice still rattled around in his brain.

Beth found Lily up the street. She had been afraid that she would turn on her too. That Steve had spread the rumor to Lily and he would also laugh at her and call her a slut. But to her relief Lily smiled at her and said

"Hey Beth, whatcha up to?"

"Nothing."

"I'm going to the kitchen to help prepare tonight's dinner do you wanna come help?"

"Sure." She'd drop off the doll later. On their walk Beth couldn't help but ask. "Have you talked to Steve lately?"

"No," said Lily, "Why?"

"Well he's been saying some stuff that isn't true," she said, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I told him I didn't want to be with him and he's been saying that I'm a slut." Lily looked shocked and said

"What a dick." Beth laughed, happy that she had someone on her side. "We should do something about it!"

"Don't worry about it," said Beth, "I'm not really all that worried."

"If I were you I'd kick him in the nuts."

They reached the kitchen a couple minute later. It was hot inside and Lily led her over to a table where a whole bunch of fresh vegetables were.

"We're gonna make soup," said Lily, pulling out a large pot. "I'll start boiling the water and cooking the meat, you can cut up the veggies." Beth pulled out a large knife and began to chop up the carrots. She had cooked dinner with her mother and knew what she was doing.

"You never told me if you had any siblings," said Lily, not looking away from her work.

"I do," said Beth, "I had a brother and a sister. My brother died with my mother and I don't know where my sister is. We got separated when the prison got attacked."

"I'm sorry," said Lily. Beth knew he needed to stop letting it hurt her so much. She had long gotten over seriously grieving for Shawn but her sister's disappearance was still fresh on her mind.

"At least I know he was alive the last I saw her, she's a fighter, way stronger than me. She's still alive out there, I know it." The girls fell silent again, focusing on the task at hand. Beth heard the kitchen door swing open. She looked up to see Daryl walking in. She almost dived under the table. He had a string of squirrels strung up on his back. She saw him hesitate when he saw her. Then with a confident stride he came over and said

"Here, all I got today." He dropped the squirrels on the table and then walked right back out the door.

"If he thinks we're gonna skin those things he's crazy," said Lily laughing, "I'll bring them to the guys out back." He picked them up and left. Beth went back to her work, trying to think about him. If he was going to try act like nothing had happened she would too.

Daryl left the kitchen and headed back to the apartment. He was happy to find Carol gone. He was alone. He kicked off his boots and dropped down onto the couch. He was absolutely exhausted. The nap in the tree hadn't helped much. As he got comfortable he was hit with a sweet scent. It was Beth. She had slept here last night. The pillow smelled deliciously fruity just like her hair. He couldn't help but bury his face into the pillow and breathe it in. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

She was on top of him, completely naked. Her blonde hair fell around her. She had a naughty smirk on her face; her blue eyes were alive with desire. Her skin was beautiful and soft, her perky pink nipples were visible from underneath her hair. She put her hands on his chest and slowly moved them downward. It was then that he realized he was also ass naked. She lightly played with the curls of hair on his chest before continuing down. He tried to speak but the words wouldn't leave his mouth. She must have noticed his struggle because she giggled at him. She tilted her head down and looked at him from underneath her eyelashes. In a sweet innocent voice she said

"What do you want?" Her hands reached just below his belly button and she stopped. He was unbelievably hard. His dick stood erect between them. She looked down at him and then slowly wrapped her hand around it. His hips bucked.

"Fuck," He tried to stay in control. She leaned down and gave the head a kiss. He was covered in sweat and he hadn't even done anything yet. A low groan escaped his lips as she licked him from bottom to top like a lollipop. Then she took him completely into her hot wet mouth. He felt like he was going to explode as she bobbed her head up and down. It felt like absolute nirvana. He moaned out her name and said

"Don't fuckin' stop baby girl." He knew he wasn't going to last long. The amazing feeling of release shot through his legs and thighs and he found himself cumming into her mouth. He heard his name being called. It wasn't Beth, who still had her mouth wrapped around his cock. The voice got louder and louder. Soon it all fell away and he realized he was still lying on the couch face down.

"Daryl are you alright?" It was Carol speaking to him. As he turned over he felt the wet sensation between his thighs. Feeling embarrassed he realized that he'd actually ejaculated in his sleep. Keeping the blanket wrapped around him he turned over completely and said

"Jus' sleepin'." His mind was playing sick tricks on him. Suddenly there was quick knock on the door. Carol turned to answer it which gave him an opportunity to go into the bedroom and change his jean without her seeing. As he was changing he listened to hear who was at the door. It was a woman and she sounded upset. Once he had gotten his pants on he went back out. The woman was crying and she looked absolutely distraught. He recognized her as the woman Beth babysat for.

"What's goin' on?" Carol had her arm around the woman in comfort.

"It's Gwen," she said, "She had a little fever this morning but it's gotten worse." Brenna looked up at him and said

"I came looking for Beth, I thought she should know."

"She's down cookin' in the kitchen," he said, "I'll go get her."

Beth and Lily had just finished up on the soup when Daryl came barging back through the doors. She was shocked and saw the dark look on his face.

"What's wrong?" He took her hand and said

"It's that baby you take care of."

"Gwen? What's wrong with her?!" She didn't get a chance to even say goodbye to Lily as he dragged her out the door.

"It's her fever." With that Beth tore away from him and broke into a run towards the hospital, her heart beating fast in terror. How bad had the fever become? When she reached the hospital she looked around frantically and saw Carol sitting in one of the chairs waiting for her.

"Where is she?" Carol didn't say a word but got up and led her into a back room. Brenna was already there, leaning over Gwen's crib, tears streaming from her eyes. Beth held her breath as she approached the crib. When she looked inside she let herself breath. Gwen didn't look much different than she had before. But she was fast asleep.

"Her fevers been at 102 all day and just spiked to 105," said the doctor. "I've been giving her medicine all morning but I think it's time I put in the IV so she can get more antibiotics." It was obvious all that could be done the doctor was doing. If only they still had all of the medical equipment and resources they used to have.

Seeing her frail little body and thinking about the possibility of her dying stabbed Beth right in the heart. She had been trying to lay down roots again. Spending her time with Brenna and Gwen had given her a sense of home. She had only been caring for her for a couple of weeks but she had quickly fallen in love with her cute giggle, big blue eyes and soft strawberry blonde hair. Loosing another baby would be devastating. She pulled the stuffed giraffe out of her pocket and put it next to Gwen. The doctor picked up her little arm and began to set the IV. The baby woke up and began to cry in pain. Beth tried to stay but the baby's crying was breaking her heart and disturbing her. She had to leave. She turned and quickly left the room. Daryl was out in the main room, sitting on the bench and waiting. He saw her distraught face and got up pulled her into a hug. She broke down completely, letting herself go and holding onto him tightly. He shushed her lightly and ran his hands through her hair, trying to comfort her.

"It's gonna be alright," he said, his voice rumbling in his chest. She looked up at him with tear soaked eyes. He was staring back at her, a look of concern on his face. In a second his lips were on hers. It was a salty kiss from her tears but she could taste tobacco as the kiss deepened. They broke apart, their faces close and their eyes still fixed on each other. She wanted to kiss him again, to feel his soft lips on hers.

Suddenly the door opened and Carol came out. Beth saw the surprised look on her face and knew that she detected that something was going on between them. Beth turned away from Daryl and said

"How is she?"

"She's calmed down again, the doctor got the IV in and hopefully things will turn around. Brenna's staying the night here." Beth nodded, wiping the tears from her face. "All we can do is go back home and pray."

Beth felt like she was in a dream as she crossed the street and went back to the apartment. She and Daryl kept glancing at each other. She hoped the walls had been broken down and there would be no more holding back. She wanted and needed him. Carol went to shower while Beth sat down on the couch. Daryl sat next to her and pulled her into his lap.

"I think it's time for bed," he said, "It's been a long day." He picked her up and carried her into Carol's room. He lay her down on the bed and pulled the covers over her. "I found a possible trail that Rick 'n Carl coulda left in the woods near where I found the hat. Tomorrow we can go out and check it out more." They hadn't been alone together in awhile. The idea excited her as well as the possibility of Rick and Carl being nearby. He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Feeling dissatisfied she grabbed onto the front of his shirt and pulled him down and kissed him on the lips. When they broke apart she said

"You don't know how long I've been waiting to do that with you." He smiled at her and said

"I've been waitin' longer than you have." Feeling challenged she said

"No way, I've been waiting since we moved into that house in the woods." He headed toward the door and turned back to look at her.

"I've been wantin' it since the day you hugged me in your cell back at the prison."

So they finally kissed :) Now things will get moving and there's going to be another couple of characters from the prison coming back which is gonna cause more drama. Tell me in reviews who you think it's gonna be lol I like to hear people's ideas and predictions. Thanks to K. Lynn Perks, fggt16, DarylDixon'sLover, Caitann, and all of the guests for commenting :) It means a lot!