A/N All I can say is buckle up. It may get bumpy.

Beth went to bed with a little smile on her face. Daryl's text was sweet. He used 'xo'. And she's letting her heart hope that things will turn around. Because even though it's only been three days since she saw him last, the way they left things makes it feel like a lot longer. And she's missing him and everything she hoped they would be.

That was last night.

This morning she's having second thoughts. Oh, she's the queen of second thoughts! Why didn't he come in last night? She knew he was out there, he knew she knew, what's keeping him away? Is he going to continue to stay away? It still hurts, all of it. But she's also starting to get a little angry too. After everything they've shared, this is how he's acting? This is how he takes care of her? There's nothing to protect her from. It's just a nuisance right now and she's feeling pretty confident that Merle is going to take care of it. At least she hopes he is. But that's only because that's all she has to hold on to right now. Merle gave her his number, she could call or text. She can ask. Can't she? Frustrated, she finishes getting ready for work. And when the Keurig is ready to go she puts in the k-cup and rests her chin on her hands and waits. She decides to text Merle. Talking to him on the phone and having the conversation turn to Daryl, which it will inevitably do, makes her nervous. She knows she'll cry. And for some reason she wants Merle to think she's brave and strong and that this whole thing doesn't phase her at all.

Her phones buzzes where it's resting on the counter. And her heart gives a little jump because of course, she's thinking it's a text from Daryl. But it's only Maggie, reminding her of the get together at T's that evening for her and Glenn's engagement. And Sunday they'll have dinner with daddy and her and Glenn will be telling him. Beth holds her phone in her hand for a second, her brow furrowed.

B- Ok I'll be there. Does daddy know you're pregnant?

M- No! I don't know if I'm gonna tell him yet.

B- Ok

M- Aren't you gonna argue with me, tell me I should tell him?

B- No

M- Are you okay? Really?

B- I'm fine Mags. C u tonite.. :)

She's fine, but not fine. She feels unsettled. Tucking her phone in her pocket she picks up her coffee mug and finishes it off. Texting Merle can wait. She's going to completely preoccupy herself with thinking about tonight and what she needs to bring. And she'll go early and see if Tyreese will let her put up some decorations. Maggie loves to be the center of attention and doing all this is the distraction Beth needs right now.

X X X

Daryl's finishing up a bike when Rick comes into the shop. He isn't feeling particularly chatty and these unannounced visits are beginning to wear on him. The things Hershel said to him yesterday have been weighing on him. And Rick's expression makes him feel like this is another one of 'those' visits.

"Hey Daryl," Rick smiles and walks around the bike admiring it.

"Was' goin' on Rick?" Daryl asks wiping his greasy hands on his jeans.

"Not much. Just wanted to see if you're busy later. Michonne and I are gonna grab a beer at T's. Thought you might want to join us," Rick says moving to stand beside the stool Daryl's perched on.

"That right?" He eyes Rick and enjoys seeing the other man squirm.

"Already knew about the party huh?" Rick says sheepishly.

Daryl nods and goes back to fiddling with the bike. He knows that Maggie and Glenn are having a little get together celebrating their engagement. Daryl was surprised when Merle called earlier and told him that he and Carol were going over to T's that evening. Glenn had invited him.

"Y'all are buddies now?" Daryl had asked.

"Might be. He's a good kid. Gonna treat Maggie like a damn princess and she's gonna drag him around by his balls!" Merle chuckled.

"Mmmhmm, why ya tellin' me this?"

"Cause yer comin' too little brother."

"Nah, three's a crowd," Daryl said.

"But four ain't. Yer girls gonna be there and I can't stand seeing that little beauty looking sad. Ya show up there, she's gonna light up like the sun." Daryl had pictured it. Her face and that smile. And god he missed her.

"Wasn' invited," Daryl mumbled. He wasn't even trying to get out of it at that point because seeing her was all he could think about.

"Yer invited. Glenn asked me specifically to bring yer ass along."

Beth would be there and their texts from last night were good. Besides nothing had happened with those punks from the MC. He could go and see her, be near her and it would be okay. He hadn't told Merle, yes, but he hadn't told him no either.

"Staying away from her isn't gonna fix anything you know?" Rick says.

"Might keep her safe," Daryl says, but without any real conviction. Tossing the tools he's holding into the tool box on his workbench. He's beginning to realize it's a feeble excuse. He's not a bad guy. He's not. He's been thinking about it, the whole situation and that includes his relationship with Beth. And if he's honest with himself he's always been looking for a way out. Because as much as he loves her he has a hard time believing he deserves her. He's spent his life hiding or running away from everything. Isn't this just one more thing he needs to avoid at all costs?

"That's bullshit, Daryl. She makes you happy. You make her happy. That's fucking good man, the best. I'll see you tonight. Might wanna go home and take a shower. You stink." Rick says as he heads out of the garage.

"Hey, Rick!" Daryl calls. And when Rick turns to look, Daryl flips him off. Rick's laughter as he's walking away makes Daryl feel lighter and he even smiles himself. Just a little bit.

X X X

Beth finishes up a file for a cat who came in with a broken leg. Fortunately, the break wasn't bad and they were able to cast it and send him on his way with his very happy 7-year-old owner and the little boy's teary eyed mom. These are the moments that make her job worthwhile. Putting down a very ill chihuahua earlier that morning isn't. She's still thinking about making changes. She'd told Daryl about her music and the piano teacher that was her inspiration. He's the only person she's confided in about the apprehension she feels in regards to her veterinarian job. And maybe it's time to start thinking seriously about what she would do if she wasn't doing this. Maybe it has a little bit to do with her current state of mind, but she doesn't think so. Everything has been changing lately. It's the theme in her life right now. Sighing she closes the file and puts in back in the cabinet. Reaching down under the counter she grabs her purse and reaches in it for her keys.

"Heading out?" Eric asks as he clicks away at the keyboard on his computer.

"Yeah." She's feeling a little guilty at leaving early, but there aren't any major appointments left for the day and the other tech can handle them. Plus her daddy is always on call for emergencies. He even offered to come in when she mentioned having a party to go to. But Beth wouldn't hear of it. He travels all over visiting the large animals that can't come into the office. Plus she doesn't want to have to look him in the eye and keep Maggie's secret. She isn't good at that.

"Go Beth and relax. You work too hard girlfriend. Go play that damn guitar and write a song! Or find that hunky boyfriend of yours and cuddle!" Eric laughs and Beth smiles. She's friends with the office manager, but she doesn't share every detail of her life with him. So he doesn't know that she and Daryl are currently, what? Broken up? On a break? She isn't going to label it because there isn't a label for this. Waving over her shoulder at Eric she feels the whoosh of warm early summer air as she pushes the door open and walks out to her car.

A shower, make up, and clean clothes do wonders for her mood. She's laughing with Sasha, Tyreese's little sister. And they hang balloons and streamers all around the back booth and a table they pulled over. The bar is cool and dark and Beth feels a little excited at the prospect of an evening hanging out and having fun. Tyreese told her to do whatever she wanted as long as he got some of the cake Beth had picked up. And he offered to provide all the drinks and ice they need. She wasn't sure if she should get a cake but figured Maggie would definitely eat it. It's covered with fresh strawberries and drizzled with white chocolate. The balloons and streamers are green because once again what colors do you get for an impromptu engagement party? Across the bar, the doors open and Glenn and Maggie walk in laden down with pizza boxes. Maggie screams when she sees what Beth has done. And then she starts crying. Glenn has a pained expression on his face.

"I know that girls cry more in general, but is this normal? I wasn't around my sisters when they were pregnant." Glenn whispers this to Beth as they organize the pizza, plates, and napkins.

"Its hormones Glenn. And it's Maggie." Beth winks at him and thinks that this guy is going to be her brother in law. And that makes her happy and she throws her arms around him and her own eyes fill with tears.

"Beth?! Wait you aren't…" Beth smacks his arm before he can go any further and she feels her face heat up.

"I'm happy you big goof ball! We're gonna be family." Glenn smiles and grabs Beth' hand.

"We are. I'm lucky! Two new beautiful girls to add to my collection. I have 5 sisters." Beth laughs and jumps as she's pulled into Maggie's embrace.

"Thank you, Bethy. I love you!"

Tara and Denise arrive followed by Rick and Michonne. Two of Glenn's sisters show up and a few of Maggie and Glenn's other friends that she doesn't know. Beth busies herself with the table and food and even gifts. People actually brought gifts. Rick comes over with a smile on his face and takes her hand.

"Come on little sister, take a break with Michonne and I. You don't have to hide behind the table." They head towards the bar and Michonne rests a hand on her back.

"Girl you look gorgeous!" Beth hadn't dressed up more than she usually would. Jean cut offs and a soft pink tank top and of course her boots. They're her favorite. She put on a little makeup and left her hair down. Even though the overhead fans keep blowing the curls into her face she likes how it feels brushing against her shoulders. And so what if she keeps thinking of the way Daryl wrapped it around his hand and pulled on it when..

"Thank you Michonne! But look at you! I love your dress!" Michonne can carry off the most exotic styles. Her green maxi sundress compliments her skin tone and like everything she wears Michonne makes it look elegant. Rick is smiling at the two of them as he hands them both a shot.

"What are we drinking to?" Michonne asks Rick with her eyebrows raised. He gives her a funny look that doesn't go unnoticed by Beth.

"Um, how about to being happy, cause happy is good," he says and Michonne laughs and holds out the little glass. They toast and Beth continues to watch the odd exchange between her two friends. A familiar laugh and light from the door opening catch her attention and she forgets all about Michonne and Rick because he just walked in. Daryl is here and he's looking right at her.

X X X

Daryl left work early and went home and took that shower Rick suggested. Which obviously he was gonna do anyway. But what he doesn't usually do is pay such close attention to his beard or the way his hair falls over his eyes. But he has his clippers out and he even uses the comb sitting beside his sink. A sleeveless white t-shirt, dark blue jeans and his biker boots and he's ready. But he's so fucking nervous he can't sit still. And he has to wait just a little longer for Merle. His older brother is an asshole and made him agree to follow him over to T's.

"Makin' sure yer comin' with me," he'd said.

So while he waits he pulls out his bottle of Jack. This will take the edge off and he won't make a complete fool of himself when he sees her. He feels like a fuckin kid going to an amusement park. That little pit of excitement in his belly, the anticipation and he wonders if she even knows he's gonna be there. He thinks no. Merle never mentioned it and his brother would've used that to get him to the bar if he could have. He hears Merle pull up as he pours one more shot.

"Let's git boy!" Merle comes busting in the front door with a huge grin on his face. "Now lookie here. Ya cleaned up! You look good baby brother, almost as handsome as me!" Merle laughs and Daryl takes his shot and flips his brother off.

"Yeah? Look who's talkin'! Ya actually washed yer ugly mug?!" Daryl teases grabbing his keys.

"Sure did. Carol seems ta like me and I don' know why, but I sure do wan' her ta keep liking me!" Daryl follows Merle outside and shakes his head. Merle must be doing all kinds of things right if Carol is still hanging out with him.

"Where is Carol?" Daryl asks.

"She's meeting us there. Had ta drop off her daughter over at a friend's place. She's coming home with me tonight! Hot damn! Maybe y'all get lucky too and bring yer little girl back here where she belongs!" Merle climbs on his bike and fires it up before Daryl can say anything else.

Shifting into park Daryl meets Merle and Carol by her car. Carol is smiling at him and reaches out for a hug.

"You look nice Daryl," she says.

"Ain't nothin'," he mumbles rubbing his hands on his jeans.

"Sure it ain'! Com'on let's git inside." Merle ushers them towards the entrance. Carol is carrying a gift bag, one of those skinny ones that usually have wine in them. And Daryl's anxious because he didn't bring a gift. He can slip Glenn some cash. Newlyweds always need money, don't they? But he forgets to worry about that the minute he walks in the door because he sees her. It's like his eyes knew exactly where to look to find her. She's standing at the bar with Rick and Michonne and her hair is down and dancing around her head in the breeze from the fans. His fingers itch to touch it. Her legs are long and lean in tiny little cut offs, and they fit just right. He can picture her ass even though he can't see it, and how it fits perfectly in his hands. And those damn cowboy boots. Something on her lips is making them shiny and pink like her shirt. She's beautiful, the most beautiful girl he's ever seen and she's his. She still is. He's certain of that. Her blue eyes are on focused on him. And she's smiling. At him. His smile. Suddenly all he can think about is getting over there. Right next to her. He hears Merle and Carol congratulating Maggie and Glenn, but his feet are taking him where he needs to be right now. He'll give his regards in a minute.

"Hey, Daryl. Come join us." Rick gives the bartender a wave and another round of shots is poured.

"Looking good Dixon." Michonne pats him on the belly and he gives her a quick smile.

"Not as good as you lady." He winks and she laughs stepping back up to the bar next to Rick.

"Hi." Her voice is soft and breathy and she looks so damn happy to see him. It makes him feel good. And he ignores the part of him that says he doesn't deserve her or this. His eyes flick to Rick and his friend gives a tiny nod.

"Hi, Beth. You look really pretty, I mean.. really.." All of a sudden he's feeling kind of shy and she has her hand on his arm. All around them, there's laughter and people talking and drinking, but right here it feels like it's just the two of them.

"I didn't know you were coming. I hoped.. but no one said anything so.." Her cheeks are pink and he rests his other hand on top of hers. He swallows hard, but he can't seem to find his voice so they just stare at each other and smile. But he's practically holding her hand and she's touching him and this makes him so incredibly happy that he'll stand here all night like this.

"Alright, alright. Come on, I got another round." Rick says. Beth steps away from him but slips her hand in his as they move up to the bar.

"To friends," Michonne says raising her glass. The others follow suit, but Daryl's eyes are on Beth and Beth's eyes are on Daryl.

Another hour of pizza and laughter. Daryl did eventually get around to shaking Glenn's hand and letting Maggie hug him and cry on his shoulder leaving a wet spot while he awkwardly patted her on the back. Beth came to his rescue though and now they've found their way back to the bar stools they used to sit on. It's a little quieter over here and they're alone. Which is a plus? Maybe. Neither of them is saying much and usually, it's comfortable sitting with Beth and not talking. But right now it feels like there are too many unsaid things hovering over them. Daryl clears his throat right as Beth says his name. They both laugh, a little nervously and then Beth speaks.

"You first." He isn't sure he can talk though. He raises a thumb to his mouth and chews on his nail until Beth puts her hand on his and gently pushes his hand back down on the bar. He looks over at her and she's smiling, but she has this look in her eyes that gives him the sense that she's a little afraid of what he's going to say. She doesn't have to be. Reaching over he brushes a tendril of hair from her face and tucks it behind her ear and that fear in her eyes settles a little.

"I miss ya Beth." His voice sounds hoarse in his ears. The way it gets when he's going to cry. Well, he's not gonna cry right now. Not in the bar with her looking at him. With everyone looking at them. He's well aware of the side long glances they're getting. He's just ignoring them and watching her.

"I miss you too Daryl." She gets teary eyed though. And he looks away from her and down at the bar. He reaches up and rubs the back of his neck because shit if he'd get his act together neither of them, would be missing the other at all. "Hey look at me. I promise I'm not gonna cry." She laughs a little and he does raise his head because all he really wants to do is look at her. "Maggie has been crying enough for the both of us anyway. She's pregnant."

"She's... Wow! That why they're gettin' married?" He would never have guessed. But Maggie and Glenn just seem to fit. Beth is shaking her head. Her hair is brushing her cheeks and her shoulders and he remembers what it feels like when it's in his face and he buries his nose in those soft, blonde, curls. He needs to be careful because the images in his head are gonna give him a serious hard on and wouldn't that be nice. He'd look like a damn pervert.

"I don't think so. I mean maybe it kind of rushed it, but Maggie says she would've said yes even if she wasn't pregnant. She loves him." I love you too is what he's thinking and maybe someday. Fuck, he's not going there.

"That's good." The silence has fallen over them again and he shifts uncomfortably. His body isn't listening to him and his head keeps going where it shouldn't.

"And Daryl, I've been thinking about what we talked about, ya know about my music and my job now.."

"Oh yeah, ya thinkin' you might make a change?" He remembers their conversation. And he still believes she needs to do what she loves and she doesn't love losing her patients. Her heart can only take so much.

'Yeah ya fuckin' jerk, this goes for you too'

She's nodding her head and her curls are bouncing and on impulse, he reaches over and tugs on one. The little gasp she makes isn't because it hurts and he knows the sounds she makes and this sound makes him groan. Her eyes are on him. That sky blue he loves so much is suddenly dark, and he loves that even more. It's the way they look when he kisses her and touches her, urges those same sounds out of her with his mouth and fingers. She licks her lips and shakes her head, it looks like she's waking up.

"Um, yeah. I.." Fuck. She's killing him. But it's the best thing he's felt since he actually had his hands on her and hers on him.

"Hey Dixon, get out here! Someone fucked with your truck man!" Little wiry regular named Axel is standing just inside the entrance to the bar.

Daryl's off the stool and headed for the door when he realizes Beth is following him. No. She can't come out there, he doesn't know what's going on and she just can't. Turning he takes her by the shoulders.

"Stay here." It comes out rougher than he really means it to, but he can't do anything about that right now. Whoever was out there might still be waiting. He leaves her and goes out to the parking lot. The heat hits him like a physical force and he can feel the sweat beading on his back. Everything around him seems to blur and all he sees is his truck and the tires on the driver's side are shredded. Slashed with a knife. A big one going by the extent of the damage.

"Fuck.." he breathes out the word and kneels down beside the tire. He can see the metal rim underneath the rubber and exposed wires. He stands and searches the parking lot.

"I came out for a smoke and noticed your tires. I looked around but there wasn't anyone here." Axel is standing behind Daryl with his hand in his pockets.

"Didn't hear any bikes did ya?" Daryl asks looking back down at the damage.

"Nah, nothing leaving the parking lot. You looking for specific dudes?" Axel asks.

"Might be, yeah." Hearing the squeak of the door Daryl raises his head and sees Beth walking out. Tension stiffens his body and he glances at Axel. "I gotta talk ta her." Axel gets the hint and heads back towards the bar. He meets her halfway between the door and his truck.

"Told ya ta stay inside Beth." He stops in front of her and crosses his arms.

"What happened? Why.." She leans around him to get a better look. Her eyes widen when she sees the tires.

"Go back inside Beth." He's trying not to ball his hands into fists as he searches the parking lot, again, over the top of her head.

"Did you see who did it? Are they still.." She's relentless. She isn't paying attention to him, just asking a bunch of pointless questions and he just wants her back inside because his heart is pounding and he doesn't know for sure who did this or if they're still somewhere nearby watching this all play out. Watching him talk to her.

"Dammit, Beth just get back in there!" This time he raises his voice and it startles her a little, he can see that. But instead of looking scared she just looks pissed off. And instead of backing up she moves right into his space.

"I came out here to make sure everything was okay, that you're okay. Is that a problem for you? Can't I be concerned about my boyfriend? Assuming that's what you are. Or is this your way of getting rid of me? Just keep pushing me away until I don't try and come back anymore?" Now not only is she pissed off she's hurt. He hurt her. Again. He can see it written all over her face.

"No! I ain't tryin' ta... I didn' know what was goin' on. I didn't want ya out here…" She's holding up her hand now. And it's shaking just a tiny bit.

"Don't.. just don't even bother. Sit out here in your truck if you want. Keep watch. I don't care. I'm going home." He watches as she goes back into the bar and he's torn between following her and staying out here in case.

'In case what dumbass? They come back and finish off the job while ya stand here and watch?'

It isn't even a minute later and Beth's back outside with her purse over her shoulder, but this time she doesn't even look at him. She heads to her car and now she is crying. Her face is red and she's holding a hand up to it probably trying to hide it from him. Fuck.

"Beth, com'ere. I'm jus... Beth!" She hasn't even slowed down.

"What the hell happened?" He hears Merle and when he looks back he sees Rick and Glenn coming out behind his brother. They're all crowding around his truck looking at the damage. Daryl starts walking towards them but stops when he hears tires screeching. He watches as Beth tears out of the parking lot.

"I bet it was those same guys that vandalized my restaurant!" Glenn's voice.

"Daryl, where's Beth, what happened? She's upset!" Maggie's voice.

"Daryl you need to file a report. No matter what happens with Merle's connection, having this on file is only gonna help." Rick's voice. He's barely paying attention, hears everything they say, but is only thinking of one thing right now.

"Merle gimme the keys ta the bike." Merle digs in his pocket and tosses a key ring to Daryl. "Handle this. I gotta go after her." Merle nods and before anyone else can slow him down with pointless questions he finds Merle's chopper and navigates his way out of the parking lot.

X X X

Beth's taking deep breaths and trying her best to calm herself down. It hurts to breathe and her tank top's soaked from where she keeps pulling it up to wipe her eyes so she can see. Thank goodness this town is small. Climbing out of her car she finds her apartment key and fumbles as she pushes it in the knob.

After her argument with Daryl, she grabbed her stuff and left, didn't tell Maggie why she was upset or what was going on. One minute Daryl's pulling on her hair making her want to jump in his lap and fuck him on the barstool and the next he's growling at her and telling her to stay put. Doing that thing he does, pushing her away when things get tense.

Tossing her things on the table she goes to the sink and splashes cold water on her face. Being here, home calms her down enough so that she can breathe and think with a little more clarity. And she thinks about the fact that he was trying to say something to her in the parking lot when she was leaving. He didn't stand back and stay silent, that's something. Right now she doesn't care much about what he was trying to say though. There's a knock on the door and she huffs out a breath.

"Really?" She reaches for the knob and pulls it open. "Daryl I don't.." Stumbling, she realizes it's not Daryl as she's forced back into her apartment by two men in leather and ski masks. One of them has a large knife in his hand and he's waving it around recklessly. Her legs make contact with a chair and as she trips the man without the knife reaches for her. She yelps and yanks her arm away regaining her balance when her body comes into contact with the breakfast bar in her kitchen.

"Don't.. just stay back. Take whatever.." Beth's heart's beating like hummingbird wings and she's terrified her legs aren't going to continue to hold her up. She takes two steps back hoping to put the bar between herself and them.

"Hey, com'ere pretty girl. I ain't here to jack your stuff." Everything slows down and it's like watching herself in a movie. A hand reaches for her again, but this time it makes contact. The hem of her tank top's twisted in dark brown fingers and it's wrong, it's so wrong. The fingers, the hand and somewhere there's laughter.

"No." It's barely a whisper, that's all she can muster and someone is yelling and there's movement out of the corner of her eye. The other guy. Running.

"Get the fuck out J!"

There's a ripping sound and a grunt. The chair she tripped over is in pieces and someone, two bodies rolling around on top of it.

"Mother fucker! Ya touch her? I'll kill…" Daryl's voice. She isn't hearing things. But he wasn't at the door when she opened it. He didn't knock. He didn't.

The guy gets in one good punch that throws Daryl off balance. He takes off through the sliding glass door his friend went out only seconds earlier. But those seconds felt like minutes, hours even and Beth looks down at her hands where she's gripping the torn hem of her tank so tightly her knuckles are white.

"Beth?"

As he stands up, Daryl feels a sharp pain in his lower back and he remembers falling on a leg of the chair that's in pieces at his feet now. She still hasn't answered him. She's just standing there, not even looking at him. But he's frozen in place watching her. The hand she's using to tuck her hair behind her ear is shaking and her other hand is still clutching her shirt, holding it together. It ripped Daryl heard it.

"Beth?" He says her name again and this time she raises her head. Her blue eyes wide and empty if that's possible. It feels like she's looking right through him. He takes a tentative step towards her. Maybe she's in shock. He's never been face to face with a person who's experiencing the symptoms of shock, but the disconnect is what makes him think of it.

"Ok, I'll call the cops," she says and she's searching the room, probably looking for her cell phone he thinks. "Maybe you should call Merle and we'll just, we'll…" She stops there like she's stuck. Daryl watches as she slowly comes undone. Her eyes are on him and there's fear there and relief and she drops both hands to her sides, the rip in her shirt forgotten. She sways a little and before she breaks completely he's got her. Arms wrapped around her tiny frame, one of his hands holding her head against his chest, and he can't catch his breath. It's quiet, too quiet. 'Say something girl! Please!' This is why he wanted her away from him! But they came here, to her home and if she'd been with him. Her legs are giving out for real now and she's heavy in his arms so he just sinks to the floor, back against the breakfast bar and he pulls her in against him, cradles her in his arms like a child. She isn't crying, hasn't made a sound since she spoke, but he feels her shoulders shaking and she's got ahold of his shirt like she won't let go without taking it with her.

They sit like that for a few seconds and then everything comes back to life. Sirens pierce the silence, people start flooding in through the front door, surrounding them. Daryl hears a cop saying the neighbors called cause he heard yelling. Maggie is kneeling, trying to talk to Beth. But it's no good, he can feel her trembling in his arms and she's turning her head away from everything, her face in his chest, hiding. He's a complete asshole. It shouldn't have happened this way, but it did and he's gonna fix it. Holding out a hand in front of Maggie he stops her from trying to touch Beth.

"Wait." He gently lays his hands on the sides of Beth's face, holds it in his hands. "Beth, look at me, com'on girl. Gonna get yer bag and come with me." She's nodding, but when he holds her arms to help her stand she scrambles back on his lap, hands clutching at his shoulders.

"No, no I.."

"Hey, I got ya. I'm here, yer sister's here." A sense of helplessness settles on his shoulders and he sits back and pulls her against him.

"Okay. I'm okay." He feels her take a deep breath against him.

"I got it. I'll get your stuff, Beth." Maggie makes eye contact with Daryl and he nods.

"Daryl?" Her voice makes his heart flip and he looks at her and smiles. She's there. No more empty eyes.

"Yeah." He winces, she's brushing her fingers over a tender spot on his cheek bone. He got hit. That's right.

"You okay?" There's concern in her eyes and then she's looking around the room. "They're gone?" He nods. Exhaling, she lets herself relax against him.

"Yeah. They're gone." They shouldn't have been here. His stomach is in knots thinking about it, really thinking about it. What could have happened had he not shown up? If he'd just stayed at the bar, talked to the cops. Fuck.

Rick comes over as Beth starts to stand. He takes her arm and pulls her into a hug.

"Are you okay? Did they hurt you, Beth? Jesus.." He leans in and kisses her forehead and reaches out a hand to Daryl. "You hurt?" Daryl shakes his head and moves in next to Beth. "The cops are gonna need a statement," Rick says over the top of Beth's head.

"I don't think I can.." Daryl sees that fear creep back into her eyes and he slips an arm around her shoulders.

" 'M taking her to my place. Send 'em there." If anyone wants to argue with them, let them. He's getting her out of here. He can do that, he can get that right.

Maggie comes down from Beth's room with an overnight bag. Beth seems to see her sister for the first time since everything happened and she rushes into Maggie's arms. They start to make their way towards the door talking quietly to each other. Daryl follows them as Merle comes up beside him.

"What the hell happened here little brother?" Daryl isn't used to seeing such concern in his older brother's eyes.

" 'M a fuckin' idiot is what. We got in an argument and she took off came here to, to this and I shoulda, I..." He feels like a fool and he can let his guard down a little in front of Merle.

"Beth!" Maggie calls and Daryl jerks his head up at the tone in her voice. Rick moves over quickly and she may be little but suddenly she's is his face.

"Stop it! God Daryl just, this isn't your fault! None of it's your fault. Bad things happen, they happen and I'm so tired of you being so down on yourself! The worst part of all this is that the only place I wanna be when I'm scared is with you! You make me feel safe. You make me feel protected. You." Her braid slips over her shoulder as she ducks her head, another deep, shuddering breath shakes her whole body and he feels it in his chest.

Damn this woman and her determination. All this shit is going down and she's still trying to convince him of his worth.

" 'M sorry Beth."

Reaching for his hand she laces their fingers together.

"Let's get out of here Daryl. Take me home."

A/N All I can say is it's worth the ride. Smooth sailing is overrated! Thank you so much for all the love! I appreciate all of you reading and reviewing and reblogging on tumblr. And have I left you heartbroken yet?