Author's Note: This chapter takes place in 5x12
"You look ridiculous," he called after Carol, still scowling as he messed with his bow.
"She looks nice."
Turning his head, he saw her perched on the porch railing across from him, one leg pulled to her chest and the other dangling over the edge. She was completely clean, no dirt or blood in sight. The sun reflected off of her golden hair and there was a light flush in her cheeks. Her fingers drummed on the worn white wood of the railing, beating out a song that only she could hear.
"What do you think?" he asked, jerking his head towards the area surrounding them.
Asking a dead girl about his new living arrangement might've seemed strange but then again, in this world, it also could've been the new normal.
"I love it," Beth said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she looked out at the street.
Daryl felt a strange tug at his heart and took a deep breath. It was almost possible to pretend that she was really here, that they were experiencing this place together. She would've fit right in. He knew that for sure. No one would look at her like an outsider, with her pretty blonde hair and big blue eyes. They would trust her in an instant. Daryl could just see her taking Judith on walks around the neighborhood or putting out lemonade at one of those monthly barbeques that Aaron couldn't shut up about on the way to Alexandria. It was how things should have been and how they could never be. When he heard her tapping the toe of her boot on the railing, he looked at her again.
"Where'd you go?" Beth questioned.
Daryl shook his head, refusing to let his emotions get the better of him this time.
"Thought it was the dehydration before, when I saw you," he told her, focusing on his crossbow. "Didn't think it'd happen again."
"You wanna know why," she said, placing her chin on her knee.
He shrugged, glancing up at her.
"Why not Maggie?" he asked.
"She doesn't need me," Beth told him without hesitating, as if she expected the question. "She has Glenn and Tara. You won't talk to anyone."
He leaned his head back against the post behind him, unable to deny her words.
"When that car drove away with you, I chased it all night long," Daryl said.
She smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Of course you did," Beth said, holding his gaze. "You're a good man, Daryl Dixon."
He swallowed hard at her words.
"Maybe you gotta keep remindin' me sometimes."
Her eyes fluttered closed and she took a deep breath.
"Nine."
The word caused him to feel a jolt, like being electrocuted. Daryl knew that it was important but couldn't quite figure out why.
"Don't go," he said.
Beth opened her eyes.
"I can't stay," she said, looking at him again. "I don't make the rules."
He dug his blunt nails into the palm of his hand.
"I ain't sayin' goodbye to you," Daryl said gruffly.
"I'd be pissed if you did," Beth replied, smiling at him. "I hate goodbyes."
"I know."
He stared at her for several moments, tilting his head in question when her nose wrinkled.
"You do need a shower."
He scoffed, shaking his head.
"You ain't really here, you can't even smell."
Beth didn't acknowledge the implications of his words, dropping her other leg off of the railing before standing up.
"I can still tell," she told him, smoothing out her yellow shirt.
As she did, blood smeared on the fabric, coming from nowhere. When she looked up at him, Daryl flinched when he saw blood leaking out of a hole in her forehead.
"Beth…"
She reached up, touching her fingers to the wound.
"It's time," Beth said softly, giving him a heart-wrenching smile.
When she glanced over his shoulder, that smile faded.
"Daryl," someone's voice came from behind.
He inhaled sharply, unwavering in his gaze. When she nodded at him, Daryl knew he couldn't delay it. He turned his head reluctantly, knowing she wouldn't be there when he looked back.
Once again, I'd love to hear what you think!