A/N Thank you all so much, I hope you know how much I appreciate you. With this chapter Daryl will start to get honest with Beth about his home life. We'll begin to see some changes in their situation, and more are on the horizon. x

Triggers: We know Daryl was a victim of severe childhood abuse, there will be evidence here and discussion of that among characters. However no graphic descriptions of actual abuse.

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After what had happened and as embarrassed as she knew he'd been, she was worried on the bus ride to school. What if he wasn't waiting? He'd left so suddenly and they hadn't even really said goodbye.

Then darn if that stupid Andrea didn't come over and sit down next to her, "So Little Miss Beth Greene do those prim and proper parents of yours know you're messing around with Daryl Badass Dixon? He doesn't seem like the kind of guy your folks would let near their precious little princess."

"Leave me alone Andrea my parents like Daryl just fine, and he and I aren't messing around."

"Yeah sure whatever you say Little Miss Sweet and Innocent. Do you really expect anyone to believe a guy like Daryl Dixon is going to settle for just some hand holding and closed mouth kissing? It doesn't matter anyway Miss Prissy, I just thought I'd let you know I've decided to give him another chance."

Now Beth felt her stomach knot up. Why wouldn't Andrea just leave them alone? Daryl had already told her he wasn't interested.

All Beth could think about was how much she wanted to see him, to know they were okay.

And then she did see him, he was standing there just like he had been yesterday and the day before, but he wasn't looking up. He was leaning against the flag pole and his head was down, like he was staring at something on the ground.

She got off the bus and hurried over to where he stood, she brushed her hand along his and when he looked up her heart instantly hurt. Yesterday his eye had looked almost healed and now it was completely black and he had big bruises coming up on his cheek and chin. But even worse than that was the look in those eyes of his, he looked so sad and defeated. The only thing she could think to do was put her arms around his waist, lay her head on his chest and hold him tight. "Oh Daryl I'm so sorry." Then she stood back from him just a little with her hand resting on his chest, he reached his hand up and clasped onto hers holding it close to his heart.

And there was Andrea, "Oooo Sexy Badass Dixon's been at it again I see. Tell us about the big fight because I'm dying to hear all the hot details." She was practically cooing at him and her words made Beth's stomach tighten even more.

"Just back the fuck offa me I ain't your business." His voice sounded especially raspy and hard, Beth couldn't recall having heard him sound this angry.

Andrea just laughed her loud phony laugh and said, "Oh you'll come to your senses Dixon and I'll be waiting to show you something worth fighting for." Beth could swear Andrea was trying to stick her chest right up in Trouble's face.

As Andrea walked off he squeezed Beth's hand again, "Sorry Sunshine I know I look like shit."

"You always look handsome to me it's just that I hate to see you hurt like this. Are you sure you're okay?"

"As long as I'm outta that shithole I'm good."

She wasn't quite sure what he was referring to, she certainly had an idea but she couldn't be positive. And she had no idea what the right thing to do or say was, so she just squeezed his hand harder and whispered, "I'm so sorry Trouble." And then the feelings overwhelmed her again, and again she put her arms around his waist and hugged him hard. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, resting his chin on top of her head as he let his eyes drift closed.

That's when Mr. Anderson came by, "I'm getting tired of having to reprimand the two of you, now let's put an end to this PDA or I'm going to have to report you to the principal."

Reluctantly they broke apart and Daryl took her backpack as they walked to class, all eyes on them. "Will we have lunch today Daryl?"

"Well I's plannin' on it, 'less ya got sumthin' else you'd rather be doin'."

"No of course I don't, please don't think that way Daryl." Again she squeezed his hand, "You have to know by now I always want to spend my time with you, and you know you can talk to me and tell me things don't you? You can trust me to keep your secrets. You said I'm your girl we shouldn't have big secrets."

He knew what she was getting at and just the thought of telling her about it was making him nervous, he'd never told anyone. There were only three people still alive that knew the nightmare of what so often went on in that old shack. He knew and it was fresh all over again since last night. Merle knew because he'd been a victim back in his day, and the old man knew because he was, after all, the perp. Mama used to know but she'd gotten herself out a long time ago.

He pursed his lips and nodded his head once, "Yeah okay tonight, a'ight?"

"Yes tonight. Bible study's been canceled so come for supper first, after that when we're alone we can talk. "

"Ya really sure about this Sunshine? You're a girl who reads the Bible ya sure ya wanna be givin' your time ta the likes a me?"

"I always want to give my time to you Trouble." Those feeling of happiness that rushed through him at her words, they were something he'd never experienced. When she said nice things to him and looked at him so sweetly and sincerely, he knew he'd tell her whatever she wanted to know. He was just worried when she found out where he came from, when she knew all about him and his life, she wouldn't ever want anything to do with him again.

What neither of them had thought about was, just like the girls were suddenly coming out of the woodwork showing interest in him, the boys were just as suddenly coming out of nowhere to step up and show their interest in her. When they walked in homeroom it was that Jimmy guy who was staring hard at her and falling all over himself to talk to her.

His desk was on the opposite side of her from Daryl's desk. When she sat down he leaned over toward her, wrapped a hand around her upper arm and smiled a real cheesy smile. He spoke loud enough for her to hear but kept it just low enough so Daryl couldn't hear, "What are you doing with a guy like Dixon, Beth? A little hottie like you can do so much better than that trash. Trust me sweet cheeks you don't want to be stuck with some loser. You deserve a guy in the same league as you, someone who'll treat you a whole lot better than that redneck scumbag ever will."

Although Daryl hadn't heard what he said he'd seen him touch Beth, he'd seen how uncomfortable she looked, and he'd seen the look in the guys' eyes. He stood, leaned over Beth and got Jimmy's forearm in a death grip, "Ya can keep your fuckin' hands ta yourself an offa Beth ya shithead, or ya can decide ta pay the price for bein' real stupid. Your choice."

Beth didn't want to see Daryl get in trouble and she knew the teacher would be coming back in the classroom any second. She lightly touched his arm, "I'm okay," she whispered softly. Then she looked at Jimmy and told him in the firmest voice she could muster, "I'm Daryl's girl and I'm not interested in anyone but him, especially not someone like you." She couldn't remember ever saying anything so mean to anyone, but it was how she felt and she wanted Daryl to know.

Not only did what she said make Daryl feel happy and proud, but a few other students had heard her words as well. If anyone still had a doubt that Sweet Little Beth Greene and the Baddest Boy in school were hooked up, they didn't anymore.

It ended with the teacher walking in and Jimmy and Daryl retreating to their desks to sit and give each other the hard eye.

Daryl was now on high alert. There was someone, a real special someone in his life and he cared about her a lot. And that someone actually cared about him too, he was determined not to let anyone or anything mess this up.

All through class she could see he was upset, he was chewing that bottom lip and acting fidgety and she was concerned. When they left the classroom she quickly squeezed his hand, "Daryl its' okay it was nothing. I'll meet you at the quad for lunch, okay?"

He still had that lip sucked in but he nodded, "Yep, see ya there Sunshine."

He was waiting when she got there and he looked kind of worried. Between that look and his battered face it was almost too much for her to take. She found herself quickening her pace to get to him. She smiled and took his hand, "Will you take me to our spot Daryl, please?"

Although he still wasn't smiling his look did seem to brighten a little. When they got behind the maintenance building he hurried to lay his sweatshirt down, and as soon as she was seated he plopped down next to her, but he didn't look toward her. "Real sorry bout last night an I hope ya ain't mad at me."

"I'm not mad Daryl. I've heard that stuff is just something normal. I know you can't help it." He looked uncomfortable and desperate to get off this topic, and truth was she didn't want to be talking about it either. She hurriedly dug in her lunch bag and handed him a sandwich, "Mama said to thank you for the nice compliment on her spaghetti and for offering to help with the dishes."

He smiled but he asked, "Ya sure your Mama ain't just feelin' sorry for me or sumthin'?"

She told a little white lie, "No of course not that's how Mama repays kindness, with food." He didn't argue because that tuna sandwich and his hunger needed each other in a real bad way.

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Daddy almost said something as soon as he opened the front door and saw the young man. He'd seen the bruises on the boy before and he'd had a real good idea where they came from. But as his wife had accused him and everyone else of doing, he'd chosen to ignore the obvious and to just look the other way. He could no longer do that. His heart was heavy as he told the young man, "Come in and sit at the table Daryl, supper's ready."

When Mama saw him she nearly gasped but she managed to put on a show as if nothing was unusual. She and Daddy exchanged a look, and with a slight nod of his head Daddy acknowledged what was on her mind.

They kept with their usual routine, Daddy said a prayer and then Mama dished up the pot roast. They kept the conversation casual; Mama asked Daryl and Beth about the project and how school was that day. Daddy asked Daryl how the job was going and the young man responded, "Goin' real good Sir, we're gettin' one a the new machines delivered next week an boss man says he's gonna let me help with the set up, get it runnin' an all."

"Well that sounds good son I'm proud of you for doing so well. What did you say was the name of the shop where you work?" Daddy did have a lot of respect for the kid. It seemed he took his beatings but he still kept getting back up. He was a fighter. But right now the man was gathering information.

Daryl didn't miss that her Daddy hadn't been shooting any daggers at him. And the man was showing interest in him and what he was doing, shit he even said he was proud. As much as he was grateful things had shifted a little, he couldn't help but wonder why it was that they had. "It's called Precision Parts and Fabrication."

Daddy just nodded, he knew the place and the owner, not well but they were acquaintances. After supper Daddy said, "Bethie you help your Mama clear the table, me and Daryl are going to have a little chat in my office. C'mon young man."

A sense of dread hit Daryl hard, shit had the old man heard them last night or even worse seen him? That couldn't be or he wouldn't have been so nice to him at dinner. Maybe he was just softening the blow, being nice to him before telling him to quit coming around for good.

Beth was scared, was Daddy going to get mean with Daryl about something? Or did Mama and Daddy know about last night? Surely they would have said something before now. She just tried to stay busy helping Mama and praying that Daddy wouldn't be even harsher with Daryl and her.

Daddy instructed him, "Have a seat son." Hershel was seated at his desk with Daryl across from him when he told the young man, "I have no desire to put you on the spot or embarrass you in any way, but I do have some real concern for you Daryl. Your face looks as though you've taken a beating. Would you care to tell me how you came about those bruises?"

Daryl swallowed hard, "Oh yeah that," he let out a little laugh, "I'm kinda a right handed guy with two left feet so yeah, I fell down the stairs."

"Is that so? Do you and your Dad still live out on Perkins Road?"

"Uh yeah." Daryl hadn't thought about her Daddy knowing where his house was.

"That's a one story cabin son, what stairs did you fall down exactly?" Daddy's heart had sunk, the boy was going to cover for his father. He should have known. It was a pattern with victims of abuse; they'd feel like the guilty ones or they'd be ashamed, and they tried hard never to let the "outside" world know what had happened. And he was sure the boy had it drilled into him practically since the minute he was born, Dixons don't talk about Dixon business.

No matter how hard the sheriff had tried to get Daryl's brother to talk he'd never admitted to anything either. And their Mama, she'd taken the family secret to her grave.

"Oh yeah well it was them porch steps, I ain't even sure how I done it. I's goin' up 'em an I musta caught the toe a my boot on the bottom one, I fell flat on my face. I always have been a clumsy one, it's why I always got a black eye an bruises."

"I know something about abuse son, my own father was a cruel man and I suffered at his hands many times. I also know enough about it to know it's never the fault of the victim. If you ever change your mind and decide you want to talk about what I suspect is really happening here, you can call me. I'll listen Daryl and I'll see that you get help. Here's a card with my personal number on it. You keep that in your billfold just in case."

Daryl just looked at him for a moment, nodded and then put his head down, clearly embarrassed. But he also took his wallet from his back pocket and put the card in as he quietly said, "Thanks Mr. Greene."

He and Beth sat at the table to work on their project but his mind wouldn't focus. There were too many thoughts about what her Daddy had told him, and what he himself would share with Beth later in the evening. He'd also noticed her Mama and Daddy had both gone in Mr. Greene's office and shut the door. Shit, they were probably real worried now about someone like him being around Beth. He should have laid low until he healed up a little.

She was dying to know what Daddy had talked to Daryl about and she hoped he would share that with her later. In the meantime she was trying hard to concentrate on their project, hoping they could get a little something done, but maybe there were just too many things to think about, even the air felt heavy.

Daddy and Mama came from the den not long before Daryl left for the evening. Daddy simply said, "Beth's Mother and I will be expecting you for supper tomorrow night Daryl, then we'll all have a little talk. You be careful on the drive home son."

Daryl didn't know what to think or what to say, he settled on a quiet, "Yessir."

That night when Trouble came in her window she was standing right there waiting and all she wanted was to hold him tight. That's what they did, they held each other for what seemed like such a long time. Finally he pulled his head back just a little, kissed her softly and whispered, "Hey Sunshine." She whispered back, "Hey Trouble."

They took their spot on the floor, knees up and backs leaning against the bed as he reached for her hand and held it tight. "I dunno what ta say Beth, I'm kinda not sure what ta tell ya. It ain't good an ya ain't gonna like it an ya might not even like me when ya know. I can't tell ya all of it, ya know all the details. It's just too ugly an not sumthin' ya wanna know. I just can't get all that stuff out but I'd tell ya some. But Sunshine ya gotta promise me ya won't ever tell. I could get really bad hurt then if he was ta find out I said anythin'."

She got just as close to him as was possible, "I would never tell anyone, I promise."

He was biting his lip and looking both nervous and sad. As much as he didn't want to tell anyone anything she was right. She was his girl, he shouldn't keep secrets from her. And he also knew she was the only person he ever would tell. He just knew it down deep in his heart, he could trust her with anything. Right now he felt like he was trusting her with his life. Finally he nodded his head and the words came out quickly. "It's my Dad, he says I'm no good an that I ruined his life. He says it's my fault my Mama burned herself up an it's my fault Merle run off an got on the drugs, an now Merle's in prison. He says he don't really wanna hurt me he's just tryin' ta beat the bad outta me."

She couldn't help it, tears filled her eyes at the thought of it and all she could think to say was, "I'm so sorry Daryl and I know you're not bad. Those things can't be your fault."

"Yeah he says so too when he gets sober an he says he's sorry an he won't hurt me no more, but then I guess he just can't help himself an it happens again."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close into to him, stroking her cheek lightly with the tips of his fingers, neither spoke because there was really nothing that could be said. They were simply seeking comfort from each other. That was what they needed now.

"What did my Daddy say to you?"

"He had it figured, you know what was goin' on at my house, but I didn't admit ta nuthin'. Shit if he was ta go talk ta my Dad I'd get killed for sure. He was real nice though your Dad. He offered ta help but there ain't no way he can help me an I know that. I just gotta wait 'til I turn 18, I get hired on full time an get a place a my own. That's the only thing that's gonna work is ta get the hell out for good."

She had no response to that, she didn't know about these things and she couldn't give him any advice. She did what she could, she held him tight and she kissed him on the cheek and told him, "I don't care what anyone says ever you're the nicest boy I've ever known and I care for you. You're special to me Daryl, you're in my heart."

He was so moved by her words and comforted by her touch, he held her every bit as tight as she was holding him. His words came out before he even thought about them, "You're in my heart too Beth, ya have been since that first time I seen ya."

Before he left they promised they would always be there for each other.

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When Andrea slid in next to Beth the next morning and baited her with, "Did you and Dixon have fun rolling in the hay last night?" It was simply more that she could take. "You leave me alone Andrea no one is interested in you especially not Daryl. And don't you ever talk to my boyfriend that way again. I won't let you keep trying to come between us." Beth couldn't believe she'd had the nerve to talk so tough but she was just so worn out from all the meanness and unfairness.

Andrea was taken aback but just for a moment before she laughed and moved on, calling back "We'll see."

She saw him standing there and she practically jumped out of the bus to get to him. They quickly looked around to see if Mr. Anderson was watching and then hugged, "Mornin' Sunshine," he smiled, "Damn I hated ta leave ya last night."

"Good morning yourself Trouble, I hated to see you go."

They shared a quick kiss before he put her backpack over his shoulder and took her hand. Eyes were on them just as they had been the day before, but the young couple chose to ignore the gawkers. He gave her a one arm hug just before they entered the home room class. And then he gave Jimmy a look that was hard enough the other boy seemed to know to back off.

When they got to their spot at lunch she handed him a pot roast sandwich from Mama. But right now they needed to talk. Something big was on both their minds, what did Daddy want to talk to them about tonight?

They assumed the worst, that he would try to keep them apart. They were scared but they reminded themselves, no matter what happened they would never be separated, they'd always have each other.

He couldn't keep from doing it and she didn't stop him, he laid her down on that grass and started kissing her eagerly, and things quickly got heated between them.

What Daryl and Beth decided that day was no matter what, they were together and nothing could ever happen to change that. All the rumors, the parent problems, and the pain and sadness of his life could have pulled the young couple apart. Instead they vowed to grow ever closer.

But they were worried about that "talk" they'd be having with her Daddy later that evening.

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A/N I wanted to give a little glimpse into the life Daryl is living and how he deals with it. We'll get a little more into it next chapter. But we'll see happy things :) Thank you so much for taking the time to read this story and I hope you'll leave a review / comment. x gneebee

The chapter photo is posted on my tumblr bethylmethbrick. If you have a chance please check out my other continuing fics, The Wood Sculptor and Little Love Stories. I hope to see you back here next Saturday for more Trouble :) As always, I love ya large! xo gneebee