A/N: Hello everyone! So, so sorry for the extended delay with this story. I don't know why I struggled with this bit as long as I did, but I just decided to post this as opposed putting this with the chapter that comes next. It's only like 3000 words, and I didn't want anyone thinking I had abandoned this story. So again, I apologize for the delay and I can only hope you enjoy it...kinda, maybe... at least. Either way, let me know :)
Her lungs burn as her feet pound the earth more desperately than ever. The sun beats down above her and she couldn't slow down to glance behind her. The attack had come out of nowhere, from within their own party and before she knew it the walkers had killed two more people. They didn't have time to put them out of their misery, someone grabs her hand and they run. When her legs and lungs refuse to go any further, she collapses, glancing over and expecting to see Daryl lying by her side. But it is Dr. Edwards on his hands and knees, looking quite ill himself as he gasps for breath.
"Beth…" she sees his lips forming her name, but it is Michonne's voice she hears, "Beth."
She comes back to herself with a slight jolt, looking at Michonne's hand on her shoulder that shook her awake. But she hadn't been asleep, had she? It was just a memory. One that pulled her from reality and launched her back to that awful day when it became just her and Dr. Edwards. So many times while on the run her memories bled together. It was disorienting and confusing to be in the RV, suddenly seeing Dale's face on her father's farm.
"We're here…" Michonne informs her. She glances around only to find Daryl already gone. "Rick and Aaron already took Daryl to the infirmary."
She is on her feet in a flash, "Take me to him."
"Beth, hang on. Daryl is still unconscious. You look exhausted. Why don't you come with me? You can take a shower, get some new clean clothes, maybe even get a little something to eat."
"Later, please. I've brought him this far…"
Michonne nods with a tight, sympathetic smile and Beth follows silently behind her. Houses line each side of the road, picture perfect and reminding her too much of her childhood home. The houses aren't quite as big, but they represent a life and a stability and a safety that no longer exists in this world. Despite the high walls, Beth feels a danger in this place – the illusion of safety, the false promise of hope. Not unlike the funeral home.
"Tara lives here, this is the only infirmary we have, but its better than nothing." Michonne says. A small group has already gathered on the porch, all silent and no doubt waiting for word on Daryl. Beth gave a nod and a small smile toward Aaron, and he returns in kind. People clear a narrow path as she follows Michonne through the front door.
Daryl is already on a bed covered with a crisp, clean white sheet. A young woman with dark hair assists Rick, inspecting and cleaning his wounds as they go. There is a whole cabinet full medical supplies and bottles of what she hopes are pain killers and antibiotics. Beth watches from the kitchen; the medical area is likely where a living room would have been. At least everything looks sterile.
"Tara, this is Beth, Beth, this is Tara…" The woman looks up with a kind smile, then her eyes narrow and something like recognition dawns in her eyes. But unless Beth just can't remember, she's sure doesn't know this woman.
"Beth, like…Maggie's sister Beth?"
"Yea…" Beth replies, "And who are you?"
"I was with Glenn when we found Maggie. We were on our way to DC with Abraham's group when Michonne found us and told us you were alive – that Daryl found you. But by the time we got there, well…ya know…"
Beth sighs, and for a moment, she can't draw breath. Maggie was leaving? Before they found her, before she knew the fate of her little sister? Beth swallows hard the rising emotions, she shouldn't be surprised. Maggie above all always treated her like she is made of glass, like she is just another dead girl. But still, it does surprise her…and it hurts. Beth never would've left Georgia without knowing for absolute certain that Maggie was safe or dead.
"Let's try to focus…" Rick says in a gentle, but firm tone. Tara resumes her work, and it is then Beth realizes what she must look like. Her skin is visible where she ripped off strips of fabric to cool his skin, and she hadn't even noticed how much of Daryl's blood has gotten on her. No wonder Michonne offered a shower and a clean set of clothes. She crosses her arms over her exposed abdomen and looks toward Michonne.
"I'll take you to our house. You can take that shower, eat, get some new clothes…" Michonne says as if reading her mind. At Tara's stern, but compassionate glare, Beth looks over Daryl. He is safe here, getting mended and being watched over. So much of her wants to argue; she hates to admit it but she doesn't want to leave him. The thought leaves her feeling weak and restless.
But she is beyond exhausted and the short walk to Michonne's shouldn't leave her so winded. Not just from the last few days, but the last several weeks she's been on the edge of her nerves. Every interaction with Negan, every day at that camp was another day she feared for her life. Every day since she left the farm she's feared for her life, that is nothing new. But now – here – she has everything she ever wanted and, somehow, it only makes it that much worse.
Michonne is talking, telling her who lived where and some of the people they already lost. Beth tries to pay attention, but she could only think of Glenn, and this woman Denise that Daryl feels so guilty about. And Carol isn't here either. She will ask eventually, but this is overwhelming as it is, she isn't sure she can take anymore.
"Here we are…" Michonne says, pulling her from her thoughts. Through a white picket fence they walked and Beth rolls her eyes at the absurdity of it all. "Everything here is solar powered, we have hot water, electricity; there's fresh towels in the bathroom. While you're in the shower I'm gonna go get clothes for you and when I get back I'll make some spaghetti. Will you be ok here alone until I get back?"
"I'll be fine, thank you. I'd actually like some time alone,"
"Alright, I won't be long. I'll leave the clothes for you in the bedroom at the end of the hall on the right."
"Thank you, Michonne." A minute passes, but neither of them move. Michonne just stares at her, giving Beth the sense that this will be a look she just has to get used to. Anytime she reunites with a member of their family, they will stare at her like she's, well, like she's a ghost.
"Seeing you…I can't even put it in words, Beth."
"Same." For a second, Beth thinks Michonne might actually hug her again, but she finally turns and goes downstairs. Beth practically runs to the bright white and clean bathroom.
It sounded too good to be true, and Beth didn't fully believe it until she was standing beneath the hot stream of water. The pressure is good too, something she hasn't ever noticed but somehow appreciates. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap bottles litter the corners of the bathtub, just like the bathroom she'd shared with Maggie and Shawn for so long. For a while she just stands there, letting the water pelt her skin and loosen the days and weeks worth of dirt, sweat, and dried blood.
She turns, tilting her head back and wetting her hair. Battling her emotions, she takes longer than necessary to scrub every inch of her skin raw – lathering her hair, rinsing and repeating. The water turns cold and she still doesn't feel clean. With a reluctant sigh she turns it off, reaching for the towel on the rack and wrapping it tight before stepping out. She takes another towel with her, scrunching her hair and soaking up the excess water as she walks to the bedroom. As promised, a set of clothes, a comb, and a toothbrush are set out on the comforter.
She collapses on the edge of the bed, suddenly exhausted at the thought of getting dressed. The mattress is actually comfortable and she almost looks forward to sleeping in it. Still, it feels like a lie, to fight for as long as she has and suddenly be surrounded by such luxury. She feels herself drifting toward wallowing; it would be so easy to fall into that pit and let herself finally stop fighting.
But then she remembers her own words to Daryl, "we don't get to just lay down and cry." She made him take her all over in search of an alcoholic beverage just to give herself something to take her mind off it all – to give herself a goal and a purpose. And here, now, she would do the same thing. Drying off, she pulls the clothes on. They are slightly big, but not by much and they are clean and comfortable.
She opens the door once she's dressed, still uncomfortable in enclosed spaces. She combs her hair out, putting a small braid in the side like she used to. Her hair isn't quite long enough yet, but she doesn't care. The sound of heavy, booted footsteps startles her; the footfalls too heavy to be Michonne or Carl. Her hand slips to her hip, cursing silently that she has no weapon. But she breathes a sigh of relief when Rick rushes passed her door. He came back holding several folded items of clothing and stops outside her door, peering in the doorway.
"Hey, sorry if I startled you." He says.
"It's fine. Where's Michonne?"
"Cooking. I just came back to get him a clean set of clothes." Rick said, holding up the clothes as if she needs proof. Rick shakes his head, his eyes full of awe as he studies her, falling against the doorframe, "Carl told me…I didn't believe him, but he told me you were alive."
She scoffs with a slight smile, "I'm not surprised. Y'all saw me shot in the head." He seems stunned into silence at her reply. As if he wasn't there, like he hadn't seen with his own two eyes.
"How are you here, Beth? Of all places…just…how?"
She swallows hard, "It's a long story…and I only want to tell it once."
"Yea, of course." He pushes off the doorframe, shifting anxiously on his feet, "Um, Maggie and Glenn lived in the house across the street, you can stay there if you want – for privacy and quiet and…stuff."
"Do I want to live in the house that my sister and dead brother-in-law used to share? No thanks…" Beth says, unable to hold back her biting sarcasm. A sympathetic and apologetic look forms on his face.
"This used to be Michonne's room," he tells her, looking around the small room, "You can stay here as long as you need."
"Thanks, Rick…" she replies, though her voice is barely a whisper.
"Speaking of Maggie, she lives at the Hilltop with Sasha, we should get word–"
"I already told Paul to wait. Please, I just a need a few days before I see her." She interrupts, her voice a little sharper than she intends.
He nods in understanding, but the confusion is written all over his face, "Yea, sure."
She mumbles a thank you, quickly changing the subject, "So you and Michonne are a thing now, huh?"
"Yea, we're definitely a thing now." he laughs with a broad smile. She can't suppress her smile at seeing Rick Grimes finally happy.
"It makes sense…you two."
"Yea, it was still… unexpected. Surprising." Rick smiles to himself and ducks his head once more, focusing on the clothes still clutched in the crook of his elbow, "You did good, Beth, with Daryl. It's nothing short of amazing…"
"I wanna see him," the words were out before she could stop them. Rick doesn't look surprised, just motions with his head for her to follow.
As they move toward the stairs, Beth slows her steps when she hears the tiniest whimper. Her heart is racing, breathing hard as she takes a step toward the sound. For so long she thought Judith was gone. She always held on to hope that the baby survived, but she just can't believe what she is seeing.
Carl bounces his sister as he moves about the room. She is bright, wide-eyed and beautiful. Her nursery is perfect; it's everything Beth ever wanted for Judith, but never thought it possible. The whole scene looks so completely normal, like there were never walkers and the world didn't end.
"Perfect, isn't she?" Rick said, stopping by her side. Beth could only nod.
"She's gotten so big."
Though her words are a whisper, Carl smiles and makes his way towards them, "Do you wanna hold h–"
"No, we should go." Beth doesn't wait, damn near knocking Rick to the ground racing down the stairs and to the door. She can't breathe. She needs air and wide open space.
"Hey, slow down, hey…" he catches her gently around the arm, and she whirls around, wrenching free of his grip. His hands come up in surrender, "Easy, Beth, it's just me." She pants for breath, her head pounding like a drum, "Are you…alright?"
She shakes her head, the pain throbbing at the back of her skull and all at once the weight of the past days broke her. All her grief, fear, anger – the overwhelming physical and mental exhaustion finally hits her. She crumbles and Rick hugs her tight against him, letting her fall to pieces.
"You're safe, Beth…we got you…"
His words, however comforting, only make it worse. She is safe, she is with her family – she made it, on her own. But it isn't going to last. Negan expects her to give him a baby and she has no intentions of letting him live passed their "wedding night", which means she will likely die in retaliation. Her breathing stops, a bright white light exploding in her vision. Her hand grips the back of her head, aware that Rick has caught her as darkness consumes her.
"Beth!" Rick guides them gently to the ground, pressing his fingers to her neck, relieved to find her pulse. But she is unconscious. He felt the back of her head for anything amiss, perhaps the gun wound had never properly healed. There is nothing wrong he can feel.
"Dad?" Carl asks from above them, Judith still in his arms, "What happened? Is she ok?" asks Michonne, rushing over from the kitchen.
"I'm not sure." Rick hoists Beth from the ground into his arms. Michonne opens the door for them, promising to keep an eye on the kids. Beth is far too light, but his arms begin to ache with the weight as he walks as fast as possible.
The small crowd parts to allow him the space he needs. Aaron is the first to move, opening the door and moving to the side. Rick thanks him as he rushes passed, setting her on the bed next to Daryl.
"She's been here like five minutes, what happened?" Tara calls over her shoulder, leaving Daryl's side to wash her hands in the sink.
"I don't know, she just held her head and collapsed."
"Probably something left over from the gunshot to her brain." Tara says, standing on the other side of the bed. Rick steps back, setting Daryl's clean clothes at the foot of his bed. It's hardly the first time, but as he studies Beth and Daryl side by side, he can't help but wonder what they went through together in their time alone.
Tara is probably right, it's just something left over from surviving a gunshot to her temple. It could also be that she and Daryl are just that close – that something really did begin between them way back in Georgia and after he was safe her adrenaline dropped and she crashed. All he can do is hope that Beth is alright and that they will both wake up. For now, all he can do is wait. Whatever deal Beth made, Rick only knows the contempt he saw in Daryl's eyes. Nothing good will come of it.
"Hell'of a day…" he groans, wiping his hand down his face.
"You can say that again." The voice is behind him, and Rick turns to see Aaron at the doorway. He holds up his hand, drawing Rick's attention to the radio he's holding, "Jesus is on his way over, said he's bringing some help."
"We could use it." Rick says. He inhales deeply to calm his nerves, "You can send everyone home, Aaron. Tell them to get some rest or something. We'll update them all if and when there is any news on Daryl."
"You got it."
"You should head home too, Rick," Tara chimes in, "I have a feeling Daryl will be out for awhile yet."
Rick is about to make a point by pulling up a chair and setting it between them. Daryl is his brother and Beth is damn near like a daughter and he just doesn't want to leave them alone. If he blinks he can't say for sure they'd both still be here when he opens his eyes. It's not a dream, he knows. His dreams are never this good, if he even dreams at all.
A/N: Please feel free to review. I haven't watched this show in soo long and I apologize if I miss things. I legit skipped like end of season 7 and all of 8. I've secretly been writing a Bethyl one-shot for like 5 years (no really, I checked my folder for that fic the other day, my first draft/outline was saved in 2016. Yes, it's almost close to being done, thank the Lord) So yes, I can take long but that's only cause when I do post I want it to be as close to perfect as I can get. This is not perfect I know, but I'm back, so yay?