A/N Hey, it's been a very long time since I added to this story, sorry! I've been adding more short stories and one shots to my Bethyl collection, but had an urge to get back and add some more to this story. I have one more chapter ready to go after this and will post that tomorrow, I just need to do a last edit. I'm trying to keep these chapters no longer than 6000ish words, so can have more chapters ready sooner.

Just a reminder this isn't a story with a complex plot, it's mainly fluffy, soppy, smutty Bethyl which follows their growing relationship at the prison. So if you're looking for an in depth, complicated storyline you may want to look elsewhere. If you want some yummy sexy Bethyl goodness then read on... and please enjoy and review.

eReedus xxx

What Beth Greene Really Wanted From Daryl Dixon

Chapter 7

Daryl allowed his limbs to entwine with Beth's once more, letting his hands glide slowly over her hot wet flesh, squeezing and groping every part of her body. He began to groan, gasping as his mouth and tongue worked hard to match the fervour of hers through the torrent of water. If he hadn't been spent and incapable right now, he'd have given her what she was craving. He'd have shoved himself back inside her, into the place where he'd never felt more at home, and he'd have revelled in the way his name spilled breathlessly, syllable by syllable from her lips as he pounded into her until she was coming undone once more.

For now though he forgot about that and tried to relax, letting his mind drift as Beth took what pleasure she could from his tired old body. He let this beautiful girl kiss and caress every part of him as he held her tight and breathed in her intoxicating smell. His mind returning to his beautiful dream and the vision of Beth and him, happy and safe with their children. His dream merging with vivid memories as he replayed all the loving words she'd said to him, the same words he could hear her whispering now, through the falling water, as she kissed his neck and scraped her fingertips teasingly over the rough skin of his ugly marred back.

The couple were lost somewhere in the showers powerful cascade, lost in the comfort they were taking from each other's bodies as the water finally began to run cold. The sudden drop in temperature jolted Daryl from his thoughts as a shiver shocked through his centre. Despite the freezing water, the archer still couldn't bring himself to move, or stop Beth's hands from sliding acceptingly around his body. He never wanted to move, in case she came to her senses and he never got to be with her like this ever again.

There it was, back with a vengeance. Every time the high of his climax subsided, doubt coursed through him like venom, spreading out through his entire body until he couldn't feel anything only an overpowering sense of numbness and worthlessness. Daryl couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever rid himself of that poison, that fucking voice at the back of his mind that taunted him, telling him she'd change her mind about him, that he wasn't good enough, telling him she'd never really wanted him in the first place. Even after everything she'd said and done he could still hear it, and he knew deep down he probably always would. It told him she'd finally realize what everyone else already knew, that he was a hopeless and pointless waste of space. That he was a nothing, a no one…that he'd never be more than just a dumbass scarred redneck piece of shit that didn't deserve to breathe the same air as someone like Beth Greene, let alone spend his nights wrapping himself around her, touching and kissing her like she was his to do as he pleased with.

Despite the constant voice and its best attempts to confuse him, Daryl still wanted to believe that none of it was true. He wanted to trust her, believe her and have hope that his life could be something better than it had been. Beth had told him she would be okay with having a baby… his baby. She'd said she wanted to stay with him and try to make a life with him. She was accepting him despite all his faults; his moodiness, his unsociable and awkward ways and his lack of ability to express his feelings.

For some unfathomable reason Beth Greene had chosen him, she wanted him, so he was damn sure he wasn't about to let some damaged part of his psyche fuck things up.

"Daryl? Can we go now? It's freezin'! We've used all the hot water, we should leave before the others get here!" Beth giggled as she rubbed one small hand up and down his back for warmth as the other stretched around Daryl's torso, trying and failing to reach the shower control behind him.

"Hhmmmm?" Daryl untangled himself from her, pulled away and looked at her in confusion as water dripped from his bangs into his eyes. He hadn't heard anything, only his own thoughts swirling around in his head until he was dizzy and even more doubting of himself.

"Can we go? Everyone will be here soon," Beth repeated herself and rolled her eyes, "Daryl what's wrong with you? Whatcha thinkin' about in that fuzzy head of yours, huh?"

Daryl turned and slammed the shower off, grabbing some towels and awkwardly thrusting one into Beth's hand. "Nothin'. Jus'…. Jus' thinkin' 'bout what Imma say ta ya dad is all…. Ya still wanna come with me today?" Daryl looked at her apprehensively.

Beth didn't answer straight away, instead the blonde grinned back at him mischievously as she bent down to dry herself off, raising her eyebrows as if to ask him if he was being serious.

"Really? You're askin' me that after everythin'? Yes, I wanna come. I ain't trustin' you on your own with Judy's list… you'll come back with Lord knows what." Beth studied him curiously for a while as he dried himself off and climbed back into his clothes. She was trying to work out what was wrong with him.

She'd already noticed in the short time they'd been together how Daryl seemed to change after they had sex, how he'd become quiet and withdrawn, distant and doubtful of himself… or maybe it was her. Whichever, it was the polar opposite of how confident he'd been as he'd made love to her only moments before. Daryl wasn't a complicated man, and Beth thought maybe she'd figured it out.

He needed reassurance, like a child needed to know it wasn't in trouble after doing something it knew it shouldn't have. Or in his case, doing someone he mistakenly still thought he wasn't good enough for.

"I want to spend some time with you…on our own and away from this place. I like it bein' just us two Daryl. I love it here, I do, it's safe and it's like, here in this prison we've got our own little piece of how things used to be…but it's like livin' in a goldfish bowl sometimes. There's always someone watchin', listenin'… judgin'…" Beth paused, thinking she'd ask him something and he'd either like the idea or run a mile.

Beth started to giggle softly, "We can call it a date if you like? A proper first date, on our own. Kinda like what people used to do before the dead started walkin'. Only if you want though… we don't hafta." Daryl's eyes shot up to meet hers at the word date. They were filled with an emotion somewhere between panic and excitement as he worried at his lip, unsure how to respond. Shouldn't he be the one to ask her out?

Even though he felt way out of his depth, Daryl was powerless to stop a stupid ass grin erupting over his face as he watched Beth blushing and giggling as she talked about going on dates…with him. He'd never done the whole dating thing before and although going on a run wasn't exactly a 'normal' date, or very romantic, in fact not romantic at all, he'd at least get to be alone with her. He'd get to touch her and look at her and talk to her (realistically though it would be more likely listening than talking), without prying eyes and ears, and that right now sounded like heaven.

"So. We're datin'? Thought ya mighta changed….." Beth groaned in frustration and crushed her smiling lips into his, extinguishing what she knew was going to be another put down on himself. Another doubtful thought eating away at him. She didn't want to hear it, she didn't even want him thinking it.

She kissed him hard and fast, her tongue and lips fighting for dominance as they slid perfectly over his. She didn't stop until they were both groaning and their fingers were twisted and tangled in the others damp hair once more. When she finally pulled away she was breathless and wide eyed, her dark gaze firmly holding his as she tried to make him understand how she really felt about him.

"Don't think Daryl, you really ain't no good at it. Yes, we're datin'. And just so you know, I don't force myself onto just any guy that wanders by… only the ones who don't know how utterly beautiful they are…on the inside as well as the outside," Beth squeezed his fingers with hers and he started to blush, opening his mouth to no doubt rebut her compliment.

Beth stretched up and pressed her finger to his lips, planting a kiss on his flushed cheek before he got chance for anything though "For clarification, that means you, Daryl, just in case that fuzzy head of yours is thinkin' I meant someone else!"

Not knowing how to answer, Daryl cupped his hand behind Beth's head, he pulled her close and kissed the corner of her mouth, "C'mon then Greene. Best go see yer daddy if ya wanna go on this date," Daryl snorted, finding the whole thing surreal.

Beth pulled back and gave him the most natural and sincere smile Daryl had ever seen in his life, and he couldn't help but pull her in for one more kiss…then another, and another… his confidence building with every muffled and pleasurable murmur that left Beth's lips until he felt the need to talk.

"So…while we're 'clarifyin' things," Daryl smirked slightly as he mimicked Beth's previous comment and pushed a wet ringlet behind her ear before carrying on "Ya didn't force yerself on me…. ya were jus' insistent… but I liked that. Liked seein' ya so determined an' strong." Daryl's arms wrapped around her again and he was actually smiling now as he traced the tip of his nose over the contours of her silky smooth shoulder and upwards along the column of her neck until he reached her ear. "An' just so ya know… the insistin'? It was sexy, so fuckin' sexy," he mumbled as he nipped her earlobe between his teeth.

God, she smelled so good, good enough to eat. Her skin felt warm and soft and smooth against his, until she shuddered at the thrill of him scraping his whiskers across it. Hundreds of tiny goose bumps erupted over her body as she went cold, moaning and grabbing him tighter until his body came alive once more.

"Sexy, huh? Maybe you'd like it if I was insistent again later? Maybe I'll insist you put that beautiful sexy mouth on my pussy and slowly tongue fuck me 'til I'm moanin' your name and beggin' for you to make me come," Daryl groaned out as his dick began to grow hard and Beth continued on with her teasing, "Maybe after, I'll even insist you put this," Beth slid her hand over the front of his now tented pants and squeezed his dick gently, enjoying the sound of his groaning "inside me, then… maybe I'll let you fuck me with it… or maybe I won't!" Beth sounded nothing short of sinful as she slowly whispered filthy words against his ear.

Daryl growled out again, almost whimpering he needed to be inside her so badly. His mouth curled into a hungry smile against the skin of her neck, his lips nipping and sucking at her flesh as his cock pushed hard into Beth's lower belly, straining to break through the layers of fabric separating her from him.

"But now I wanna go out on a date with my man." Beth giggled as she teased him further, letting the archer grind himself futilely into her for a moment longer.

"Whatever ya want…I'll do anythin' ya want. Yer ma lil' bear, I jus' wanna make ya happy," although Beth was playing, flirting even, Daryl was deadly serious. He already knew there wasn't one thing in this world, sexual or not, that he wouldn't do for Beth Greene.

Beth pulled back to look at him, serious herself now. "You do make me happy, Daryl. Don't ever think ya ain't good enough. I know it looked like all I wanted from ya after Zach died was sex… it wasn't. What I really wanted, needed…was for you to notice I existed. For you to get to know me, like me, spend time with me…For you to want me as much as I wanted you." Beth planted a kiss into the scruff of hair on his chin, then one more on his mouth before turning around, hoping she'd done enough to convince him once and for all that she wasn't about to change her mind or leave him.

They finally finished drying and dressing and left the shower block in silence. As they headed back to the main cells they passed the first few people on their way to the showers. Beth nodded good morning to them, then looked up at Daryl and giggled softly, whispering so only he could hear "Good luck with findin' any hot water." Daryl snickered and shook his head. "I'm blamin' you Greene… if anyone asks it's yer fault there ain't no water."

Beth tutted indignantly before threading her fingers through Daryl's and pulling herself into his side, liking how safe she felt against his strong firm body and knowing he was her man now. "Really Dixon? 'cause I kinda think I was distracted by a sexy naked man in there… and that it's not my fault at all!"

Daryl gently squeezed her hand in reply, rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand. He didn't even try to counter her compliment this time. Glancing up at him, Beth noticed a small smirk still pulling at his lips as he looked out into the distance, it was a look of contentment and happiness, and she realised she'd guessed right, and all he'd needed was a little bit of encouragement and affirmation. She made a mental note to never joke about feelings when she was with him and to always tell him the truth. She thought he must've endured enough confusion over emotions in the past to last him a lifetime. She knew that was the story the scars on his back told.

When they spoke with Hershel, they found he was surprisingly fine with the idea of Beth going on a run with Daryl. Hershel wasn't a stupid man, he knew it might take him a while to get used to the fact the archer was sleeping with his youngest daughter, but he didn't have to work out that Beth was in the safest place on earth when she was with Daryl. He knew Daryl could, and more importantly would, protect her whatever the cost. Hershel also knew Beth needed to learn how to fight, how to take care of herself and there was no one better equipped to teach her those things than Daryl Dixon. So he gave them his consent and kissed his daughter goodbye, his eyes meeting Daryl's over Beth's shoulder, silently asking him to look after his precious daughter. Daryl understood and gave a quick nod to the older man as he nervously chewed on the pad of his thumb and looked up from under his bangs.

Ninety minutes later and Beth and Daryl were approaching a row of small boutique type stores in what would have probably been before the turn, an affluent area of whatever small town they were now in. Daryl had ventured further from the prison than he would usually have deemed sensible with someone as inexperienced as Beth in tow, but he'd passed through this town before and thought it might be somewhere Beth would like, rather than the usual overrun, picked over and trashed Wal-Mart's and Target's that were closer to the prison.

When he'd passed by here the first time, he remembered thinking it was one of those places where he would have been quietly escorted off the premises for being dressed inappropriately. That obviously being their way of telling him he was a piece of white trash shit, and that he was upsetting the delicate constitutions of the high class women that were shopping there; courtesy of their rich, old, fat and balding husbands of course. That scenario had actually happened to him once before, when he was with Merle…not these particular stores, but somewhere that could easily have been here. Some other enclave of white middle class America where money mattered more than being human.

There were a whole host of designer clothes stores for adults and kids alike, jewelers, interior decorating shops, furniture stores, beauty parlors, high end eateries and a whole bunch of other pointless and mindless stores that bored Georgia housewives amused themselves with on a daily basis. But that life was gone now and Beth and Lil' Asskicker and the other kids needed stuff, so here was as good a place as any to stop. In fact, except for being dirty, the place looked pristine, he didn't suppose most people were looking for a new Gucci handbag or Tiffany diamonds in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.

Daryl had decided on driving the Chevy, it was just about the biggest vehicle they had and although he would have loved to have taken the Triumph and disappeared with Beth into the woods for their first proper 'date', he knew they had jobs to do today. He thought maybe he'd steal her from her duties again tomorrow, under the pretence they weren't quite finished here, take her on a proper date where it was just him, her and hours of doing nothing. There was a creek thirty minutes south of the prison and he'd already decided it was somewhere Beth would like. Somewhere pretty to swim and sunbathe, or fish even. Honestly though, he would've been content to go anywhere or nowhere, do anything or nothing, as long as he got to spend every single day from now on in the company of Beth Greene.

"Daryl look! How cute is that crib? Pity Judy'll be too big to need one soon," Beth was already eyeing up the stores, working out what she should get, what would fit in the back of the truck.

Daryl had driven through the empty parking lot and brought the truck to a standstill, stopping on the sidewalk directly in front of the baby store. He twirled his fingers through the flyaway hair at the nape of her neck, stroking them back and forth over her skin as he watched how she lit up at the thought of taking back so many nice things for the others.

"Yeah, it's cute alright! How 'bout ya concentrate on not gettin' eaten though, huh? Instead a' gettin' that pretty head a yers all worked up 'bout some damn crib we don't even need!" Daryl teased.

"Yes Sir!" Beth playfully rolled her eyes, poking her tongue out in response to Daryl's true but annoying reprimand.

Daryl moved quickly, like a predator stalking its prey, and caught the offending tongue between his teeth, gently sucking it into his mouth. He let it go with a growl and crashed his lips into hers for a deep kiss, eliciting a long loud dirty moan from the blonde. "Don't be back chattin' Greene, jus' do as yer told. Or else I will punish ya!"

Before Beth could catch her breath and respond with a smart ass comment, she glanced up over the archers shoulder, her smile disappearing. "Daryl. There's walkers comin'. What do we do?"

Daryl sat back, calmly looking around him as he picked up his crossbow and knife. "We kill 'em. Grab yer knife," Daryl turned to look at her before undoing his door. "Ready?" he asked, but she suddenly looked pale and nervous and didn't look ready at all.

"S'okay. I ain't gonna let nothin' hurt ya. Remember, Imma take care a' ya from now on. But ya can do this Beth. You've killed walkers before, I seen ya. I know ya know how, an' I know yer strong enough. There ain't many, an' once we're in the store it'll be easier. If there's any inside we'll wait fer 'em ta come ta us," Daryl grabbed hold of Beth's hand, encouragingly stroking it a few times before raising it to his lips and kissing it tenderly.

"I'll be fine, I trust you…. Just it's different out here. It's not the same as through the fencin' at the prison," Beth swallowed hard before smiling at him nervously.

"Ain't no different… they're the same, yer the same. If it helps, jus' imagine the fence is still there. An' I'm gonna be right here next ta ya baby, watchin'. I ain't ever leavin' ya."

Daryl swung his door open and jumped to the ground, turning to lift Beth out behind him. There was only a handful of stragglers at the moment which had probably been attracted by the engine spluttering and rumbling before Daryl cut the ignition. The Chevy might've been a big and reliable beast but she was also noisy. Daryl knew there'd more than likely be walkers inside too…people that had been trapped or locked in. He'd seen it time and time again, people thinking they were locking themselves up safely, not realising they were the damn danger. That they were going to turn and then find themselves holed up for all eternity in a damn cupboard or basement somewhere. Dumb asses didn't understand it, or didn't have the bottle to kill themselves before they turned.

Daryl kept one eye on Beth as he easily worked his way through six or so walkers. They were slow and well-spaced out, he didn't bother wasting his bolts, using his knife instead.

Beth managed to kill three herself and Daryl could hardly contain the proud grin that threatened to erupt over his face as he watched her tiny nose wrinkle up in disgust as she not so delicately stabbed with force through skull and brains, pushing the bodies away from her with a strength he hadn't seen in her before. She was fierce and determined but somehow also feminine and delicate. He had no idea how she did it, and honestly he didn't care, because it was the cutest, and possibly sexiest combination he'd ever seen. He could already feel the throbbing in his abdomen as blood started to leave his brain and descend to his dick.

Beth ended up splattered in blood and brains despite her best efforts at dodging the exploding heads, and if Daryl was truthful that was what was turning him on. Watching Beth fight, seeing her pure pale body covered in blood and gore, hearing her pant and groan breathlessly through those pretty pink lips… imagining her naked and splayed out under him as he ploughed into her dirty crimson coloured body… Jesus, what the hell was wrong with him, he was pretty sure this woman was driving him fucking insane.

"Enjoy that did ya?" Daryl chuckled as he teased her, trying to calm the animal within him that was on the verge of grabbing hold of her, ripping her clothes off and fucking her right there amongst the dead and rotten corpses. He tried to distract himself, pull himself together, watching with interest at the way her face contorted beautifully into a picture of disgust as she wiped off her knife on the thigh of her already filthy jeans.

Daryl had taken a second to catch his breath, he was leant forward, hands grabbing his knees as he panted hard, hoping Beth hadn't noticed how aroused this whole thing had gotten him.

"At least I'm not so outta shape I gotta stop for breath! Old man!" Beth teased back at him, knowing full well she would've had to if she'd killed as many as Daryl just had.

"'kay woman, I'll wait 'ere while ya sweep the store then. Seein's I'm jus' an ol' man." Daryl tried to sound wounded by her cutting comment, but gave her a wink as he looked up through his now sweaty bangs.

Beth walked over to him, pulling him upright until he was looking at her. She curled her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "You know I didn't mean it. You're not old, Daryl. You're only as old as you feel… or is that as old as the woman you're feeling? Whichever… you definitely ain't old!" Beth shook her head lightly as she rolled her eyes at the man in her arms.

"So…how old are ya?" Daryl squeezed Beth's ass as he pulled her hard into his erection, making her jump and grin at the same time. He no longer cared if she knew what a perverted weirdo he was for finding killing, sweat and blood a turn on. He wanted her, and he wanted her right now.

"Daryl? Please tell me that's your knife diggin' inta me," Beth asked, incredulous, but slightly turned on that he was thinking about sex right now, and knowing she hadn't been able to think of anything else either since she'd left him hanging in the shower block earlier.

Daryl smirked at her, "Nope, ya know it ain't no damn knife… now answer the question, Beth. I reckon yer daddy or sister woulda castrated me already if ya weren't legal?" Daryl was grinning playfully at her now, his hands roughly massaging her backside through her jeans, grinding her against his erection to prove a point, and to try to find any tiny amount of release he could.

He really didn't know how old she was though. He only knew that she wasn't jail bait, which actually would have been ironic considering he'd screwed her in a jail.

Beth sighed at the relaxing ministrations of her man for a moment before answering, "Nineteen…" she paused, unsure whether she should mention the next part. She didn't want there to be secrets or lies between them though, so decided to go ahead and finish. "Today, actually."

Daryl forgot all thoughts of pushing her back into the truck and screwing her brains out, as he shifted his hands from her rear and slid them either side of her face. He forced her chin upwards until she was looking at him, then narrowed his eyes and tutted in genuine annoyance. "It's yer birthday? Today? Why'd ya not say anythin'? Ya shoulda told me, damn girl." Daryl was serious now.

"Why? Don't tell me…ya were gonna bake me a cake?" Beth asked sarcastically, before sighing. "Really, it's just another day, no big deal… but I'm glad I'm gettin' to spend it with you this year," Beth ducked her head away from his glare before deciding to change the subject. "C'mon, we gonna get this stuff before more walkers come?"

Daryl brushed his thumb over her cheek, rubbing away a bloody smear as he became pensive for a moment. "Jus' maybe wouldn't a' brought ya zombie huntin' on yer birthday is all," he paused for a moment before whispering "And I actually make a mean Mississippi Mud Pie." Daryl pressed his lips to her forehead but didn't say anything else, he didn't push her right now but he knew he wouldn't be leaving it completely. For now she was right, they did need to turn their attention to the task at hand.

They approached the front entrance to the baby store, Daryl gently twisting the door handle as he rubbed at the dirty glass with his cuff, cleaning a section to peer through. Unsurprisingly it was locked. Beth immediately began rummaging around in her back pocket before dropping to her knees and producing a long thin pointed piece of metal. Without a word she set to work, picking the lock with an expertise and deftness that even Daryl hadn't seen before. He was still staring at her dumbfounded, a smirk fixed to his lips as she turned the handle and the door popped open. Beth didn't say a word as she looked up at him from her knees, eyes shining with glee and a touch of smugness, if truth be told.

"Ya gonna explain how ya know how ta do that?" Daryl asked, genuinely shocked and impressed at the same time, and Beth couldn't help but grin at him and lightly shake her head.

"Nope. I think that's a story for another time," Beth stood up and took a step back, allowing Daryl to take the lead. She liked how he always wanted to shield her, keep her safe from harm. No one other than her family had ever shown her that much attention or affection before. Beth also knew it was something he needed to do. After losing so many people and blaming himself, he needed to take back control, he needed to stop anyone else from getting hurt, and Beth was fine with letting him do that.

Daryl pushed the door open, banging on it a few times as he waited for the tell-tale sign of groaning and gnashing. His bow was raised and at the ready for what might come, but nothing came except silence, so they slowly and cautiously worked their way around the interior of the shop, checking behind doors and counters, in cupboards and storage areas, and any and every crevice they could think to look. Daryl made sure there was absolutely zero chance of a walker taking either of them, but particularly Beth, by surprise.

"Ya gonna be okay on yer own fer a while? The place is clear an' ya can bolt the door from the inside once I'm gone," Daryl asked the blonde as his eyes continued to scan the place for the thousandth time.

"Why, where are you goin'?" Beth squeaked.

"Hey, don't panic. Gonna take a look around is all… I ain't gonna be much use 'ere, might as well see what else is around. Reckon there ain't too many walkers 'ere neither. Ya stay and get what Ass Kicker an' the kids need. I'll help ya load up the Chevy later," Daryl was suddenly stood next to her, his hands cupping her face as he pressed a slow soft kiss to her warm pliant lips.

"Be careful Daryl...ya shouldn't be goin' out there on your own. We can work faster together. Hang on and I'll come with ya, I jus' need a minute or two," Beth pleaded, but her concerns fell on deaf ears.

"S'okay…I ain't gonna be long. Concentrate on yer job, Greene. Imma be fine. We both are," with that he was throwing his bow across his shoulder and heading out of the door, knife in hand.

As soon as she heard it click, Beth slid the bolt across the top of the door, just as Daryl had told her to. Beth knew she had to be quick, so she unfolded the tatty piece of paper from her front pocket and started to work her way down the never-ending list. Toys, clothes, books, games, diapers, pacifiers, formula, bottles, bedding, a stroller and lastly the crib from the window… she couldn't resist it, whatever Daryl said. It was white with beautiful pastel coloured flowers painted over both ends. It came complete with pale green and white bedding, blankets and a gorgeous matching musical mobile hanging from its top rail. It was perfect apart from needing a good clean. She knew it would wash up beautifully and maybe someone else at the prison would need it one day, even if Judy didn't use it for long. Beth had decided to think long term, they'd had a safe secure home for months now and with that came a future…a normal future where things that happened before the outbreak could start to happen again. A future she hoped would be filled with happiness, with people having babies, with people growing old and people living and dying as they did before.

Beth packed everything she could into a few small boxes she'd found flat packed behind the counter, stacking them beside the door, ready for when Daryl returned. Beth took a second to breathe and sneaked a glance through the dusty window. She scanned the area but there was no sign of Daryl yet, she just hoped he was okay, and wondered again what he was up to. There were now a half dozen walkers roaming aimlessly around the grass verges outside the shops, but nothing that they couldn't handle she told herself.

Beth wandered back through the store, glancing around as she made one last sweep for supplies, or anything she could think of that she'd missed. As she got to the back of the store she came to the bookstand again, this time she noticed, in amongst the children's books, a small section on conception, pregnancy and birth. She picked one out and began flicking through it, stopping to look at diagrams and photo's that actually made her feel quite queasy. Then she thought it might be useful if anyone back at the prison did ever become pregnant. She knew her daddy was pretty good with most things medical but even he hadn't dealt with a human birth before. She had no idea if Bob or Caleb had any experience with babies either, so she crammed it, and a couple of others into one of the boxes by the door.

It seemed like hours had passed since Daryl had left. Beth paced up and down until she was out of breath in the stuffy and dusty atmosphere. She eventually settled onto the counter, nervously tapping her fingers as she seriously contemplated going after him. She was sure something must've happened, she knew he wouldn't have left her on her own this long for no good reason. Just as Beth had climbed down from the counter and made the decision to leave the store, Daryl almost gave her a coronary as he banged once on the door.

"Beth. Open up," he rasped.

Beth rushed the rest of the way to the door and slammed the bolt across, heart pounding in her chest as she pulled the door open. Daryl slid past her and into the room as he clicked the door shut, leaning against it with a mischievous grin on his face as his bow dropped to the floor.

"Daryl, where've you been? I was just comin' to look for you. I thought somethin' had happened," Beth flung her arms around the archer's neck and crashed a relief filled kiss into his mouth.

"Jesus, I've only been gone about forty minutes, woman! I've been busy is all… and from the look a' that mountain a' stuff there, ya ain't been slackin' neither!" Daryl looked over to the pile of supplies and chuckled, before returning her kiss and pulling her body flat into his until she was on her toes.

"What're you smilin' about? And…why don't you have anythin' with you? I thought you were lookin' for supplies?" Beth pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at Daryl in suspicion, as she tried to figure out why the hell he was being so weird. Daryl let out a low growl and buried his face in the curve of her neck, kissing and nipping at her sweat covered flesh.

"Weren't nothin' useful… unless yer lookin' fer designer furniture or flash cell phones an' laptops," Daryl mumbled as he sucked and licked his way to that soft spot behind Beth's earlobe that he knew would drive her crazy if he paid it enough attention.

As Beth groaned and caressed his scalp with her fingertips, he felt excited about what he'd been preparing, but part of him also felt petrified. He worried it was stupid and over the top and that she'd think he was being too suffocating and controlling. He was close to just taking her back home and quietly giving her the gifts he'd picked out, no fuss, and no chance of being embarrassed or getting it wrong.

He'd never done anything remotely romantic before. Mainly because he'd never liked anyone enough to feel the need, and also because Merle would've ridiculed him for months, calling him a simple minded pussy to pay so much attention to a woman. Merle always said women were only good for getting you hot then getting you off. But Daryl was only just beginning to realise Merle talked a lot of shit. Daryl was finally understanding he'd never done a lot of things he maybe should have, that he hadn't really been living at all until Beth had come into his life. So he was determined to at least try to be the man Beth deserved… because she deserved way more than a scarred, useless, mute, awkward redneck.

"Daryl! Stop it! Not here! We should leave in case more walkers gather. I saw some out there just now," Beth panted as she gently shoved Daryl away from her, looking up at him breathlessly as she found his hand and threaded her small fingers through his larger ones. Daryl looked into her eyes for a moment and chewed on the pad of his thumb, as he contemplated his next move.

"I wanna take ya somewhere first…. I know there's a couple a' walkers roamin' outside, but there ain't none in the other stores I went in. Baby, I wouldn't keep ya 'ere if it weren't safe, yunno that right? I'd never put ya in danger… ever."

Beth nodded as she answered him. "I know. But it better be good Dixon 'cause yunno daddy'll lose his mind if we ain't back before dark."

"Yeah, reckon yer sister won't be too pleased neither! Best stop yer yappin' then an' folla' me," Daryl picked up his bow and pulled her close, pressing his lips into her temple.