CHAPTER 3: The Beginning

Daryl lay awake, watching Beth as she slept, the moonlight shining on her. He watched as the covers that were wrapped around her rise and fall to the sweet, slow rhythm of her breathing. He listened to her quite murmurs as she dreamt about whatever it is Beth Greene dreams about. He thought about sitting up in order to gain himself a better view of her, but he resisted - until it was too much.

He sat up and returned his eyes to her, biting his thumb nail. Only in doing this had he realised that at some point in the night she had gotten undressed. Fully. She was laid on her side and had the duvet tucked in between her legs, exposing one bare, long, soft, pale leg. Daryl laughed at himself. "What a fuckin' tease," he whispered. His jeans grew tighter around his crotch, reacting to the amazing sight of Beth Greene illuminated by moonlight, just like he knew they would. He is a man, after all. "Fuck," he groaned. He noticed his voice had disturbed her sleep as she turned over, tucking her leg back under the covers. She was still sleeping.

He looked away from her, remembering that he was almost three times her age. He sighed, and lay back down, quietly cursing to himself. He found himself grabbing one last look at her in her peaceful, vulnerable state, before turning over and finally falling asleep.

He dreamt of none other than Beth Greene.

…

A few days passed, and every day was the same. Daryl would hunt, Beth would cook, and they'd sit in silence, and sleep in separate rooms again. Beth had often asked Daryl to sleep in her room again, but Daryl refused. Of course he wanted to, but he couldn't allow himself to get too close.

However, this particular day turned out slightly different. Beth was out in the forest picking berries while Daryl stood watch. He saw one or two walkers in the far distance – nothing they couldn't easily outrun though.

"Hey Daryl, there's a lake down here!" Beth squealed, a giant grin masking her face.
"So what?" He grunted.
"I can't remember the last time I had a proper wash."

Great. Now Daryl would see her naked AND wet. His body began to react to the thought so he pushed it to the back of his head, cautious to give anything away.

"Mmkay," Daryl responded. "Les' get goin' then."

Beth skipped towards the lake. This was the happiest Daryl had seen her in a long time, and it made him feel content with how things were. He wouldn't show it though, of course. He wondered if he would join her in the lake, or if he'd simply stand watch. The thought stayed there for a while. He walked at a distance behind Beth, trying to create as much space between them as possible, without seeming rude. He caught up to her as she was putting her bag down on the grass and she began to undo her belt. After the belt, came her jeans button and zipper, and before Daryl could realize what he was doing, Beth spoke.

"You gon' watch me all day?" Beth teased.
"Shit- uh… Sorry," Daryl mumbled, turning away promptly.
"S'okay Daryl. It's only my jeans. I do have some decency," she teased again. He simply grunted and continued to look away, as difficult as it was. He heard her squeal and he dared a peek over his shoulder. She was poking her toes into the shallow water.

"It's so cold!" She yelled back at Daryl, who was still watching her, a small smile finding its way onto his lips. Before he could think, he found himself sneaking up behind her, before giving her a little shove.

"Lemme help 'ya with that," he said, playfully pushing her into the water. She screamed and Daryl had a hint of worry that she might turn around and slap him, but he was met with her face, smiling, and the worry drained from him, leaving room only for warmth. She grabbed a handful of water and threw it at him, getting her revenge.

"Oh, you gonna play that game, huh?" He growled. He picked her up and carried her further into the water, soaking his own jeans. She kicked and giggled and screamed and protested against him, and eventually he threw her into the water. She landed with a hell of a splash, soaking Daryl in the process. She eventually rose to the surface, giggling, her wet hair running down her face, obstructing her view.

Daryl let out a small laugh and walked over to her, pushing the hair behind her ears, his fingertips brushing her cheeks in the process. He revealed her bright blue eyes and she looked up at him, blushing. He looked back at her, deeply.

They breathed slowly, their wet clothes sticking to their skin, their wet hair dripping into the water below, and they were happy. Beth was the first to move. She closed the gap between them and slowly slid her hands around his waste and put her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Daryl wrapped his arms around her carefully and held her close, their bodies becoming one.

After what seemed like hours, Beth looked up at Daryl.
"Whatever happens happens, right?" She let the words escape her mouth. She hadn't meant to, but it was out there now, and there was nothing she could do about that.

Daryl took a small step back and rested his palms on Beth's shoulders.
"I-"
"DARYL!" Beth screeched, pointing behind him. He turned around to find what looked like 10 walkers, no, more than that, storming towards their position.

"Shit," Daryl cursed under his breath. "C'mon, we gotta go," he said, grabbing Beth's wrist and trudging back to the grass as quick as they could. Luckily they managed to grab their bags and run, their wet clothes still stuck to them and weighing them down. They could hear the rabid groans of walkers behind them slowly getting quieter as they distanced themselves from the lake. That's the last fuckin' time I put my guard down, Daryl thought. They ran and never stopped until they reached the front door to the funeral home. Daryl slammed the door shut behind them and grabbed a chair out of the kitchen, barricading the door.

They collapse onto the ground together, chests heaving, clothes dripping, and Beth's fingers slowly interlocked with his.

…

After a while, Daryl had gotten up and changed into some dry clothes that he found at the funeral home. The trousers were loose fitting, so his belt came in handy. He came down the stairs to find Beth sitting on the piano stool, tangled up in her wet top.

"Need help?" Daryl asked, laughing.
"No, I can- ugh. Yes please."

Daryl walked up to her. He lifted her arms up into the air and slowly ran his fingertips back down them and gripped onto her top. He lifted, cautiously, realizing what he was about to see.

He threw the top onto the ground and was presented with a shirtless, braless and trouser-less Beth Greene. Wow. Beth replied, and in that instance he had noticed he had said it out loud.

"Wow what, Mr Dixon?" She teased, her arms crossed against her chest, shielding her small breasts. Daryl cleared his throat, and awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, looking down at the ground. He began to leave the room, knowing anything that escaped his lips would be a mistake.

"Daryl – you don't have to go," Beth threw the words at him, "I want you to stay."

Daryl paused and looked down to the ground. He fumbled with his fingers and turned to face Beth.
"I'm gonna get you some clothes to put on. Wait here," he grumbled, before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Beth sighed. She spun around on the piano stool to face the piano and began to play, her breasts now completely in view, her heart thumping.

Daryl entered the room silently, and stood in the doorway watching her play. Her toes wiggled underneath the stool and her fingers moved rhythmically to the music. Her back was bare and pale, and her spine stuck out a little. He watched her as she moved with each note she played and how she seemed so immersed in the music, just as he was so immersed in her. His stomach began to flutter and he could have sworn that his heart had doubled in speed. Then, he noticed he was staring at a young, almost naked Beth Greene. He cleared his throat.

Beth spun around on the stool suddenly shielding her chest again. She gasped a little, and then relaxed. Her arms slacked slightly, and her eyes met his.
"Oh, it's you," she giggled.
"Who else?"
"I'unno.."

Their eyes never lost contact with one another's until Daryl eventually looked down at his feet. He held his arm out and presented a clean set of clothes for Beth to wear.
"The jeans might be a lil' too big on 'ya, but they're the best I could find," he mumbled. "Take 'em."

Beth stood up and tiptoed her way over to where Daryl was standing. She brought her delicate hands up to his face and lifted his head, bringing his eyes to hers again. Slowly, she took the clothes from him and laid them on the floor beside her. She brought her hands to his shoulders and slowly removed his angel-winged vest before adding it to the pile of clothes, never losing eye contact. She traced her fingers down his bare arms and held onto his hands, moving them onto her back. Daryl opened his palms, spreading his wide hands across her tiny soft back. He explored her skin slowly and, for a moment, Beth closed her eyes.

"Beth, 'yer killin' me," Daryl grumbled before removing his hands from her back, throwing them down against his sides.
"Don't stop."
"Beth- "
"Daryl. Don't stop. I know you want this just as much as I do," Beth argued.

Daryl mentally agreed. He did want this, but he knew he couldn't go any further, before he did something they would both regret. However, before he had any time to protest, Beth closed the distance between them and pressed her lips against his. He couldn't believe it. Her soft, sweet lips were brushing against his rough lips, and it was okay. It was all okay. He embraced the kiss and returned the favour, closing his eyes. Beth closed hers. Their lips danced against each other's, his hands splaying over her bare back once again pulling her into him, and her fingertips softly caressing his dirty hair. They stayed like this for a while, exploring each other's mouths and bodies, until it was over.

Beth sighed against his lips as Daryl finally pulled away, her breath still apparent on his mouth. She rested her forehead against his and smiled.

"Daryl?" Beth murmured, her lips still tingling at the thought.
"Mhmm?"

Beth wanted to express her feelings. She really did. She wanted to tell him of the feelings she had for him, but she thought better of it. It would make her seem weak and needy.

"Nevermind."