The highway felt as though it went on for miles, the wilderness speeding past like an errant locomotive. The forests had long since disappeared and had been replaced with the dusty roads of the uninhabited landscape. The jeep window was open slightly and was making Beth's hair swish gently in the breeze, the sun was blazing down over Scottsboro but the air still had a chill to it, she glanced down at the list that Rick had drawn up for herself and Daryl; everything he had written was essential for their survival in the coming months. Daryl had said that the store had been boarded up entirely – the owner obviously had wanted his goods to be protected from the looters. Nobody had expected it to be this bad, Daryl had joked to Michonne that the town was so desolate that he'd half-expected tumble-weed to blow down the streets like in some old cowboy movie.

Beth glanced across at the man in question, he was biting on the tip of his thumb; his eyes focused on the never-ending road ahead of them, he had barely spoken to her since he'd left the tent; Glenn had helped Beth to pull it down – chattering away absent-mindedly whilst the others cooked the scrawny rabbit. She'd wrinkled her nose at the near-charred flesh of the animal, if she'd never have to eat another rabbit again then it'd still be too soon, she missed salt popcorn and orange soda.

Beth had tried to speak to Michonne; practically begging her to leave Daryl alone – to let them be happy together, but she'd said that Beth was playing with fire and that she was too young for him. That it wasn't any of her business, but not to go crying to her when it all went wrong. Beth had cried, she wasn't sure if it was out of frustration or anger. Probably both. Beth had swallowed her pride and accepted the woman's words of advice, maybe pursuing Daryl was a mistake. After all he'd just ran away from her like a frightened animal whenever she had gotten too close.

The barren landscape of Scottsboro appeared over the horizon, the streets were hauntingly devoid of life, the asphalt strewn with litter and smashed cars; the windows on the small buildings were boarded up and isolated. The group's vehicles came to stop in front of a small convenience store, wood was nailed across the doors and windows.

"Is this it?" Beth murmured, peering at some of the red graffiti that was painted across the planks – 'welcome to hell'

"Yeah, sounds about right," Daryl said, a slight chuckle in his voice as he spotted the crude obscenities that trailed across the building. He reached into the back seat and grabbed his crossbow, "C'mon,"

Beth hopped out of the jeep as the others congregated around Rick's vehicle, she couldn't help thinking how quiet it was; she didn't know much about Scottsboro, or Alabama in general – but surely, even in a small town there must be walkers somewhere? Surely not everyone got out alive? It was eerily quiet, they'd all grown used to the dull groans and snarls of the undead at the prison fences. Maybe Scottsboro had a massive barn, she inwardly winced at the bitterness of her own thoughts.

"Population of fourteen thousand, and not a walker in sight, they can't have all got away" Glenn said quietly, the group murmured in agreement, "Must'a hit the jackpot here,"

"Anyway," Rick said hastily, the sombre situation was distracting the group from their purpose in the city, "Daryl, I need you and Beth to scavenge everything from the gas station and as many cans of the stuff as 'ya can. The rest of 'ya; stick to your lists – we need everything and anything, as soon as 'ya got it, it goes in your car,"

~.~

Beth finished piling the last of the food into the boot of the jeep; they'd found all sorts in the dusty gas station; the shelves were bare and the pumps outside were dry, but there was a cellar concealed underneath the cashier's mat. Daryl had stalked down the narrow steps; flashlight in one hand and his crossbow – armed and ready, in the other. There was no hidden walkers thankfully, and to their relief they'd found the gas station's untouched supply store. Nine containers of gas, several crates of food, some cheap liquor and half a dozen boxes of provisions. She looked up at Daryl, he was perched on a metal railing on top of the gas station, he looked tense as he stared out across the barren landscape; his crossbow resting at his side. Taking a deep breath, Beth eyed up the large green dumpster that was rested against the stone wall, the roof was relatively low – if Daryl could get up there then she could too; he couldn't leave or run away from her – maybe now she'd get a straight answer out of him.

"Can we talk?" Beth murmured, Daryl jumped slightly; turning his head in her direction, he sighed before facing back towards the narrow road that separated their location from the main city.

"That a question or a statement?" He grunted, his back still facing her.

"Why did you kiss me and then just run off?" Beth snapped, "You act like you don't care about nothin', but you keep fucking about with my feelings and then coming back whenever it suits you,"

Daryl scoffed, his shoulders tensing a bit as he pushed himself away from the metal railing and took a few steps away from her. Beth narrowed her eyes; feeling brave, she flipped her middle finger at his back.

"Do you actually like me or not? If 'ya don't then... I don't know, just stay the hell away from me. I'm not a child and I ain't a fuckin' game,"

"Wha'dya want me to say girl?" Daryl shouted, swinging around to face her, "That I'm gon' be 'ya boyfriend? That we gon' have some perfect little cozy fuckin' life together? Naw, it don't work like that,"

"Daryl..." Beth breathed, her expression burnt both confusion and upset.

"I don't want 'ya and even if I did, I can't. Damn girl, this ain't some o' your dumb college shit. The dead are walkin' an' all 'ya care about is gettin' someone between 'ya legs ain't it? Who's next on 'ya hit list? Glenn? Rick?" Daryl knew as soon as the words left his mouth that he'd fucked it all up.

A loud crack ripped through the air as Beth's hand collided with Daryl's face. She had a good left hook, he'd give her that. Staggering slightly they stared at each other; a mixture of disbelief, anger and hurt.

"Fuck you," Beth whispered, her eyes brimming with tears. Taking a few steps backwards, she turned to leave the roof.

Daryl watched in horror at the event unfolded before him, he was helpless to stop it. The slate gave way underneath Beth's feet, slipping on the loose surface; she slammed onto her back, crying out in pain and shock. It happened so quickly. Beth was on the ground, eyes closed; covered in blood. Motionless, lying on a pile of discarded cardboard on the dusty ground. Cold nausea washed over Daryl and he started to feel dizzy, his vision shaking as he was shocked into action. Using the dumpster as a foothold, he dropped to the floor.

"Beth?" He whispered, feeling for a pulse. The gentle throb under his fingertips made him whimper, "Beth wake up!" He scooped her into his arms and ran towards the jeep, fumbling for the door handle before placing her gently onto the back seat. Grabbing one of the gas cans, he filled the vehicle's tank up with shaking hands; his head was spinning with shock and fear.

A loud snarl rang out, he swung around and saw a herd of walkers start to appear in the distance. His stomach dropped. There were hundreds of them. Glenn's words rang fiercely in his ears... population of fourteen thousand, they can't have all escaped... Panicking, he screwed the lid hastily back onto the container as the tank started to overfill.

Daryl climbed into the drivers seat, starting up the ignition; the jeep flew forwards in haste. He stopped in front of the store that the rest of the group were scavenging. Glenn and Rick were loading up the vehicles outside; judging from their expressions, they'd gathered a great deal of supplies. Daryl kicked the door open,

"Fuckin' get out of there, walkers are comin', fuckin' hundreds!" He yelled,

The pair stood in horror, staring as more walkers appeared in the distance. They'd found the people of Scottsboro.

"Where's Beth?!" Rick's voice shook, his eyes darting to the empty passenger seat.

"She had an accident. She ain't awake. I need to get her back," Daryl's voice broke. "D'ya know 'ya way back?"

"Yeah, we'll catch you up," Rick said, the pair tore back inside the store to alert the others. They'd be able to escape if they left quickly. The hungry growls rang out across the town as Daryl sped away.

~.~

Carol and Maggie were tending to their crop patch, the beaming sun was burning down on their backs as they picked the weeds away from the growing goods. Maggie leant back on her heels, she picked up her water bottle and squinted out at their surroundings; her straw hat had little effect against the afternoon rays. The group were expected home at some point today and Maggie felt uplifted to see her loved ones; smiling at the relatively empty perimeter, she began to hum lightly.

"Shh," Carol extended her arm across the girl to hold her hand still. Maggie glared at her abrupt tone. Silencing nonetheless, the pair listened. The quiet growl of the walkers called out over the terrain, no different to usual. Then the loud snarl of an engine. Carol's eyes widened as she sprang up and ran towards the gates, Maggie picked up pace and helped her to yank the fences open; she smiled giddily at the other woman, but her expression was blank.

"Why is there only one?" She whispered, Maggie's smile fell from her face as her eyes widened.

Daryl's jeep appeared on the road, the wheels kicking up dust into the air as it sped towards the open gates.

"Where's Beth?" Maggie shouted as he passed them; the passenger seat was empty "Daryl where is she?!" She swung around, but he'd already vanished through the second set of gates as Carl tugged it open for him. The women began to run back up towards the prison, their feet pounding against the hot ground.

"Hershel!" Daryl yelled, his voice panicked "Hershel get out here!"

The old man appeared from the ajar door, "Daryl?"

The man in question flung the jeep door open and scooped the limp blonde girl into his arms, the atmosphere turned to chaos as Daryl ran towards the prison, Hershel ushered him inside; slamming the metal door behind them.

"What happened?!" His face had paled considerably, as he pulled his shirt sleeves up; ready to inspect the damage.

Daryl lowered Beth down onto her bed, "Walkers appeared... hundreds of 'em...she fell off a gas station roof... she..." his voice broke as he clutched Beth's hand. His own felt sweaty and cold as they shook with fear.

"She's got a pulse," Hershel murmured, fumbling in a medical box for bandages, "The others?"

"On their way," Daryl whispered, his head was lowered; strands of dark hair concealed his eyes from Hershel's gaze.

"Gon' need you to go outside now Daryl," He replied softly, a hand touching the man's shoulder.

"Don't let her die," He whispered, eyes staring down at their hands – his fingers clutching against her pale skin. Without another glance, he turned and left the cell.

~.~

"There were hundreds of 'em, biggest herd I ever saw," Rick said, running a hand through his matted hair, "We're damn lucky we all got out okay,"

Michonne hauled the contents of their vehicle down onto the floor, they'd collected everything on their lists before the walkers came, they had a narrow escape. Some of them had reached the gas station as their trucks flew into action and away from the snarling grasps of the dead. "More than lucky," she muttered.

"Is Beth okay?" Maggie shouted as her father appeared from inside of the prison, her voice was panicked as she clawed for Glenn's hand.

"She's alive, hasn't woken up yet though. If Daryl hadn't got her back when he did..." The old man's voice was firm as he hobbled over to the group slowly. "He said she fell off the roof; his quick thinkin' saved her life,"

"Where is he?" Carol said, her eyes flicking around the courtyard, "I haven't seen him since you went in with Beth,"

"He was a bit upset, best leave him be for now," Hershel said quietly, Carol smiled sadly as she bounced Judith in her arms.

The group began to slowly unload their good from the vehicles, the heat of the afternoon sun made the job tiring,

"You got cola!" Carl chimed, grabbing a can from the back of Michonne's car, "Sweet!"

Michonne narrowed her eyes at the boy playfully; pointing an accusing finger at him "You keep your mits off my Big Cats,"

"We have Big Cats?" Carl's eyes widened, his hand smacking over his mouth in mock-astonishment, swinging around; he began to rummage through the bag – his fingers grasped onto some plastic film, "What these..."

Rick was too fast for him as he snatched the pack of chocolate bars out of his hands, he smiled smugly at the pair as their jaws dropped, "My Big Cats"

Carl tried lunging for the goods, but Rick just raised them above his head, "Nu Uh, you go and help Andrea with the unpackin',"

Carl glared at him before joining the laughing blonde woman with unloading the vehicle, she playfully pushed him and smirked; piling bags of baby clothes into his waiting arms.

"You gonna give them back now?" Michonne laughed and turned to Rick.

"No," He grinned widely at her, she swung her hand out to grab the chocolate from him but he caught it before she snatched them. Michonne didn't try pulling her hand back as Rick stroked his thumb across it tentatively; his eyes locking with hers "Maybe later," He winked; letting her hand go gently before sauntering off to take Judith from Carol.

It took a few hours before everything was unloaded from the vehicles and put inside the prison, the sun was starting to lower in the sky; jutting out soft streams of purple and red across the horizon. Andrea and Maggie cooked the group a meal of spaghetti with a cheese sauce, followed by a desert of tinned peaches. Hershel left the table early to check on Beth, whilst Michonne and Tyreese departed to start their watch tower shifts; Carol had offered to cover for the young woman – after her busy and stressful trip out of the prison, Carol wanted her to get a good nights rest; Michonne had declined her offer, thanking her for her kindness; but she felt the need to get some peace and quiet that night – and to watch out for Daryl. Nobody had seen him since he'd taken Beth inside; Hershel said he was upset, and he certainly hadn't left the prison. Michonne frowned as she peered across the courtyard, her eyes scanned across the shadows; trying to spot any sign of the redneck. Nothing.

The prison doors opened slowly; the hinges creaking and disrupting the silence of the twilight. Carl poked his head around the door; looking around, before edging out and quietly shutting it behind him. Michonne narrowed her eyes and whistled with her fingers, she smirked as he jumped and looked up at her, she crooked her finger at him; gesturing for him to join her in the tower. Michonne turned and descended the flight of steps; meeting Carl halfway.

"Why're you sneaking out?" She smiled, tipping his hat over his eyes.

Carl snickered and re-adjusted his cowboy hat, before looking up at her, "Gonna go and look for Daryl,"

"Stay in the tower and I'll go and look for him," Michonne leaned close to Carl's ear and whispered, "Just don't tell your dad!"

"As long as you don't tell him I'm out here," Carl nodded, fidgeting with his empty gun holster. "He don't want me walking 'round the prison at night, on my own," his accent become exaggerated as he imitated his father's southern drawl.

Michonne laughed softly, "You think I wouldn't have noticed you? Hardly Mr. Subtle are you Carl? Now c'mon, get up there so I can go and find Daryl," She patted him on the shoulder as the pair crossed paths on the steps; Carl reaching the top of the tower as Michonne disappeared into the night.

She checked the obvious places, then the not-so-obvious places, and then the places she usually found him; lurking around, trying to get away from the hustle of the prison life. He'd pace around like a caged animal, scuffing his boots across the floor and cursing under his breath. Michonne had never found him here before though, she'd spotted his silhouette from behind a storage container; he was slumped against a wall, his head held low and his cross bow discarded at the side of him. Frowning, she kept to the shadows; merely observing him – he must have spent all day sitting here, alone on the dusty ground. This was usually the place that Michonne would find Andrea when they first came to the prison, the woman was near catatonic when they'd showed up; they'd lost track of the near-misses that they'd struggled through whilst alone in the forests of Georgia. She knew that Andrea would never fully recover from her ordeal, Michonne would find her here; crying or just staring a t the sky, her blue eyes glistening from unshed emotion – from the stories she'd heard from Rick and the others about what the 'old' Andrea was like, she accepted that that version of her would never fully return. Something had happened before Michonne had found her – something awful, something that; whenever confronted, Andrea would just go blank; she'd never tell. Michonne hadn't found her in this spot in months though, she'd began to smile more and crack jokes with the rest of the group; she'd learnt that she didn't have to be alone any more. Maybe she'd told Daryl about this place.

Michonne smiled sadly before taking a few steps backwards, trying her best to stay silent as she backed away in the shadows; she didn't want to alert Daryl to her presence – he obviously didn't want to be disturbed.

"Have you found him?" Carl's voice made Michonne nearly jump out of her skin, her eyes were still on Daryl as she took a final step backwards and grabbed the boy.

"Good lord, how long have you been following me?" She hissed, her eyes wide.

"Since you started walking away," Carl whispered, "Have you found him?"

"Yes, now..."

Carl took a step forward, Daryl's hunched figure came into his vision, he opened his mouth to speak but Michonne's hand covered it, pulling him into the shadow of the storage container. She was about to drag him away when a strangled sob broke from Daryl's throat; he buried his face in his hands as he began to cry uncontrollably – overwhelming emotion racking his lean body. He looked almost fragile.

Michonne walked Carl backwards until Daryl disappeared from their vision, she moved her hand away from his mouth as they walked back towards the watch tower in silence; neither of them quite believing that they'd just seen Daryl Dixon break down.

"Y'don't say anything to anyone, and I'll steal the Big Cats back from your dad and we'll share 'em" Michonne whispered, trying to lighten the situation.

"Why was Daryl crying?" he mumbled.

"I think... I think that maybe I was wrong," Michonne said, realisation dawning on her "I don't think you should worry about it though," She pulled Carl into a embrace before pushing him towards the prison entrance, "Now go to bed,"

Carl smiled sadly before edging the door open and vanishing inside. Michonne felt an overwhelming pang of guilt as she strode towards the tower. Daryl wasn't trying to mess Beth around; she'd never seen him shed a tear for anyone before, and now he was hiding away and bawling his eyes out over a situation that she might have made so much worse.

~.~

Hershel felt his eyelids start to droop with fatigue, he'd been sat at his daughter's bedside for hours; the chair he'd dropped into earlier that day had started to become uncomfortable, and the throes of drowsiness had began to take ahold of him. He watched Beth as she lay motionless in her bed; her shallow breathing was the only indication of life. She'd be hurting when she woke up; her body covered in bruises and deep cuts, it was a miracle that she didn't break a bone when she fell. He thought about the first time that he'd patched up Beth when she was a child, her and Maggie were climbing a tree on the farm and she'd slipped; slicing her calf open on a jagged branch as she tumbled to the ground. She'd screamed and both girls had cried as he ran out to see what all of the commotion was, they'd both been fine after Beth was stitched, bandaged up and they'd received icecreams. Tree-climbing was an awful ordeal for little girls he had thought with a smile.

"Daryl..."

Hersel's eyes snapped open; firmly fixed on his daughter's face, her eyes were flickering open and her hand was twitching against the scratchy sheets. "Bethy, it's me – it's daddy. Baby, can you hear me?"

"Daryl..." She repeated, her voice gravelly and hoarse; her eyes still flickering in an attempt to open. Hershel grasped her hand and smiled; tears brimming in his eyes as they met hers.

"Stay awake baby, I'll go and get him," He leaned forward and kissed her forehead softly, he pulled back and saw that her eyes had closed again; but her shallow breathing had gotten stronger. She was going to be okay. Hershel wiped the happy tears away from his eyes as he hobbled out of her cell to find the others.