A/N Thank you all so much, followers, reviewers, "quiet readers" and "guests," you make my heart happy! Let's see how dinner works out.

They were both awake at six and still sleepy-eyed when he said, "Thanks for stayin' Beth. I don't remember that I ever slept all night through before."

She smiled at that, "Well I slept like a rock myself. I didn't really think I would, but it was comforting Daryl."

They both reddened and then he got serious, "You gotta be careful of me Beth. If you're here n I wake you cuz I'm havin' a nightmare, you gotta get the hell away from me. I could hurt you. Not cuz I mean to, you know I'd never do that. But sometimes I wake up like that, or I ain't even really awake yet, I might think you're someone you ain't, might think I'm somewhere else. I ain't tryin' to scare you, believe me, I like havin' you here, but I'd never forgive myself if I hurt you." His neck was red, he was mostly looking down and she knew it had been hard for him to tell her that.

"I understand Daryl. I've read about that, and I know I shouldn't come in here and try to wake you. I'm sorry."

"Nah, don't be sorry, you're just bein' nice, that's you Beth. Maybe someday it'll stop, I keep hopin' it will. But promise me, promise you'll be careful."

"Alright Daryl I promise. If I'm here and it starts, I'll go in the other room until it's over. If I'm home and I come over because I hear you, I won't come in your room while it's happening."

Impulsively she reached for him and hugged him, just for a fleeting moment, but it happened. They looked at each other, and just as quickly, they both looked down.

Beth spoke quickly, "I have to get home for a while. I have some things to do and I need to get ready to go to your brothers'. We still get to go, right?" She was feeling a little embarrassed but she didn't regret hugging him.

"'Course, if ya still want to, if yer feelin' okay n stuff," Now he was looking down. She knew he was embarrassed too, but he'd been receptive.

She lightly touched his arm, just for a second, "Of course I want to go Daryl, I've been looking forward to it all week."

"What about yer ankle, how's that doin'?"

"I won't lie to you it does hurt a little but not bad, definitely not enough to keep me home."

Daryl

I never was one for hangin' around people much, especially not women. Hell, I don't really know or understand the first thing about women, never even thought about tryin' to figure that shit out. Back before I got broken I'd have a hook up every now n then, I am a guy after all, but that was pretty much it. I never could get the idea of actually havin' a regular woman in my life, it seemed like a lotta work and I'm so fuckin' awkward around women. I always had to be a few beers in just to talk to one. My longest relationship was a weekend I spent in Germany while the Army was arrangin' my transport to the Sandbox. I met a gal in a bar and we got drunk together, went back to my room. That's pretty much how the whole weekend went, we got drunk, we had sex, n we got drunk some more. It probably helped that there was a language barrier. That right there is what I know about relationships. I ain't proud a that shit but it happened, and it seemed none of 'em wanted any more from me than I wanted from them. I just thought, what woman would wanna hang with me for anythin' but a quick one on a drunken night?

I never thought I'd care for havin' a woman around anyway, ya know, like a girlfriend or a wife. Just the idea of it made me uncomfortable. I imagined it would be so hard talkin' to 'em, just spendin' time with 'em, I mean besides time ya spend gettin' drunk and lettin' your instincts take over.

But with Beth it seems easy, fun even. I like talkin' to her, n I like listenin' to her. And shit, I sure never thought I'd take a woman out in the woods huntin' with me, no fuckin' way, and then I let that woman shoot my bow. And damn, she done it, she learned it, n she got our dinner.

I've only known her a couple of months n I've already had so many "first times" with her. First time I took a woman huntin', first time I took a woman, or anyone, on my bike, first time I'ma take a woman to spend a day with my family, and the big one, first time I ever asked a woman to stay all night with me. Not for sex, but because I wanted her there, because I like havin' her there, because damn, I got feelin's for her. A lotta feelin's. But I can't fuck this up. I gotta take care a myself first, get my shit together. That's another great thing about Beth, she knows that, she gets it. She knows I'm all fucked up, she knows about my demons, hell she's seen 'em there on my back, chasin' me, but damn if she don't believe in me. She believes I can beat this, she told me so more'n once.

xxxx

He knocked on her door at five minutes to eleven. She couldn't help being struck by how handsome he looked. Those bright blue eyes and that rough, rugged look, a look she knew could soften, she'd seen that softer side more than once. He was wearing dark jeans, those brown boots, a t-shirt and his green army jacket. He was just plain sexy, that was a fact.

He smiled shyly and looked down, but then back up, "Ya ready to visit the chaos that lives at my brother's house?"

She laughed at that, "Heck yeah, I like a little chaos on a pleasant Sunday."

"Well then you're about ta get real happy. What's in the tin?"

"Oh I made cookies this morning." She shrugged it off.

"You know you ain't gotta bring anythin' they ain't expectin' that." He almost looked apologetic.

"I didn't think they did, it was something I wanted to do." She was smiling broadly now.

Surprisingly, he smiled back just as broadly, "Alright then, what kind? I'm kinda crazy 'bout cookies."

"They're chocolate chip, and don't worry, I saved plenty back for you." She was still smiling, but he was surprised. "Really? Why?"

"Because Mister Dixon I thought you might enjoy them." Damn, she was just so fuckin' sweet.

Beth

What a day yesterday was, I still can't completely wrap my head around it. Right from the beginning I was pretty surprised, I mean that Daryl even asked me to go. And when I got the rabbit well I just couldn't believe it, and I swear Daryl was more excited than me.

Everything was pretty perfect, yes I got emotional about Shawn and all, but that just helped us talk about stuff, get closer. And then when he was chasing me with the snake, it was fun, it was funny and it was almost ruined by my clumsy self. But Daryl he could not have been any sweeter, he's so kind, such a gentleman, and the weird thing is he doesn't even realize that he goes out of his way, that he's special.

Of course, the most unbelievable part of the day was when he asked me to stay the night. I thought I'd faint, and he was so cute, offering to sleep on the couch. I was on a wild ride in my own head, excited he wanted me there, nervous, certain I wouldn't sleep, and scared. I'm not even sure why I was scared, I guess I was kind of overwhelmed by all of it.

Anyway, this morning we talked more. I know it was hard for him when he talked about his dreams, about me being careful because he might hurt me. I'd known I was putting myself in some danger but I'd kind of blown it off. That's on me. Now that he said something I'll be good, because I know that was difficult for him and he's right. But slowly, little by little, Daryl is revealing himself to me, and maybe I'm revealing a little of myself to him.

Oh, and when I hugged him, it was just a reaction, you know, to him being so honest. I knew I'd embarrassed us both, but I didn't care and I don't care, I don't mind showing him my feelings. And really, doesn't it seem weird that the little hug would embarrass us both so much? Geez, we just spent the whole night snuggled up sleeping together. Who can explain these things? Someone maybe, but not me.

xxxx

They pulled up to Merle and Carol's and Beth was immediately impressed. Everything was so perfect looking, like a dollhouse, a beautiful yard with colorful flowers and a great front porch, complete with swing and rockers. "Oh my, this is beautiful, I can't wait to see the inside."

"Oh it's real nice too, Merle and Carol they like things a certain way, that ain't easy with the chaos," and he actually laughed and she could tell he was happy to be there.

"Do they know you call their children the chaos?" She was smiling at his happiness.

"Oh hell yeah, they call 'em the same thing but really, Sophia and James they're real good kids, they got respect and good manners, Merle sees to that. He's strict but he ain't mean, he loves them kids, and he don't believe in hittin' kids and women, not like the old man at all." It seemed he suddenly realized everything he said and his mood shifted a little.

But they were at the front door and he gave one knock, opened it and hollered, "I'm lookin' for chaos!"

The two children she'd seen in his yard were there in what seemed less than a second, they were jumping up and down yelling, "Uncle Daryl! Uncle Daryl!" She saw him laugh for the second time that day and she couldn't help but laugh herself.

It was then that Carol and Merle appeared, and Merle smiled, "Alright calm down ya hooligans, yer Uncle Daryl brought a guest, let him introduce her."

The children quieted and she could see Daryl get nervous, just that quick, "This is my friend Beth Greene, Beth I think you met my sister in law Carol and my brother Merle, and the chaos here are Sophia and James Dixon, also known as Thing One an Thing Two." With that the children started to giggle and Daryl chased them right out to the yard.

"I guess that just leaves the adults ta talk," Merle grinned at her, "Can I get ya a beer or wine, we got sweet tea, whatever ya like."

She was enjoying herself already, the house wasn't large but it was so homey and comfortable, everything about it was welcoming, and Merle and Carol both seemed so nice. "Well I think I'd probably just start with a sweet tea, maybe think about some wine later, thank you. Oh and Carol, here you go, nothing special just some cookies," she handed her the tin.

"How nice but you really didn't need to do that Beth, you're our guest," Carol assured her.

"Oh I wanted to, I thought the children might enjoy them, and by the way they're adorable."

"Children my arse, I'll be enjoyin' them cookies," Merle winked at Carol and she gently pushed his arm. His tone softened when he asked his wife, "What about you Sweetie, what can I get ya?"

"I'm with Beth, I'd like a sweet tea now, and some wine might be just right after a while. Thank you."

While Merle got the drinks Carol took her out to a screened-in back porch, it was pure southern charm and Beth just loved it. She and Carol sat and watched Daryl and the kids running around the yard. Merle brought the drinks and handed her one, "Sorry, Little Brother ain't bein' very polite leavin' ya ta go play around with them kids."

"Oh I'm enjoying myself, I love seeing Daryl have fun," She was watching him and smiling. She didn't see Merle and Carol exchange a smile.

Carol asked, "So do you work Beth?"

"Well, I don't have a regular job I volunteer at the animal shelter, usually about two hours a day unless they need me more. I work three hours a day on my music, just because I love it and it's good for me to have a schedule, plus I do better when I'm creating."

"I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand, you do better?" Oh no, she'd let that slip and now Carol had questions.

'Um, well…" she'd started to answer but Carol interrupted, "No, no, never mind, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to cross examine you or get too personal, I apologize."

"Please Carol, it's not a problem. I lost my parents and my brother in an accident a couple of years ago, I had trouble adjusting. Routine and creativity help me a lot. That's all, please don't apologize or feel bad."

Merle took in a breath and said, "I'ma get them chickens ready ta throw on the grill, can I get you girls anythin' before I do?"

Carol looked at her then, "I don't know about you Beth, but I think I'm ready for that wine." Beth just gave her a smile and nodded.

And Merle called out to Daryl, "Little Brother, can I get ya a beer?"

"Nah, I gotta get Beth home safe, thanks though. I would have a sweet tea please." Merle could hardly believe it, Daryl wasn't having beers.

She was impressed with everyone's manners and how nice they all were, but something told her Merle Dixon was no one to be messed with. She saw the way he watched over his family, and the fact that he called a grown man, "Little Brother", he was the protective type for sure. Beth figured if anyone got out of line with any of them, they'd have Merle Dixon to answer to.

They stayed until about 3:30, the children begged him not to leave, and Beth just thought they were so sweet, she loved how much they loved him, and how he reciprocated those feelings. On the way to the bike she told him, "You have a wonderful family Daryl, I enjoyed today so much, thank you for inviting me."

He stopped walking, "Really Beth? Cuz Merle got after me, said I just ran off n abandoned you, I'm real sorry about that, I sure didn't mean to be rude." His head was down, he was chewing that thumb, and she wasn't going to let him feel bad. She took his hands in hers, "Daryl, I had so much fun watching you play with those kids, it made my day. Please don't apologize and don't feel bad I had a wonderful time, honestly." And she leaned up and kissed his cheek.

They shared a look, a look right into each others eyes and neither said anything, he took her hand and they walked to the bike.

Merle

I knew Beth was nice to Daryl and I knew the boy kinda liked her n stuff, but dang, now that I've seen 'em together, I think those two got a lotta feelin's for each other.

I couldn't believe when little brother just run off with the kids n left her hangin'. I can't abide bad manners and Daryl knows that, I raised him better. But when I apologized for that she made a big impression on me n Carol both, ya know, when she said she liked watchin' Daryl have fun. I could see what the boy had been talkin' about when he said she was real nice and didn't put no pressure on him.

And I's mighty proud of him when he didn't drink, said he had ta get her home safe.

Sounds like the girl's had her own cross ta bear what with losin' her folks n her brother. I seen it, yeah she wears all them bracelets, tryin' ta hide it I s'pose, but I seen them scars, I know what they mean. I'm sure all that is a part a why she gets Daryl, seems they both been havin' ta deal with troubles n sadness.

I's most shocked when they's walkin' back down the pathway ta his bike, he stopped, said sumthin' ta her and it seemed he was bothered, chewin' on that thumb like he does. She took his hands, kissed him real sweet on the cheek and they had that long stare, and I'll be go ta hell if he didn't hold her hand. Never thought I'd see that.

Yep, me n Carol, we got some hope now, hope Little Brother can turn that corner, and hopeful he can find some happiness.

xxxx

She got off the bike and asked, "Do you want to come on in, get your cookies, maybe have a beer or something?"

"Yeah, okay sounds good. I gotta try a cookie, the chaos wouldn't share. I'ma get back at 'em for that."

He was so relaxed and animated, she loved seeing this side of Daryl Dixon. "We could sit on the back porch, so you can smoke."

"Yeah please, dang I ain't had a smoke since before we left this mornin', I'ma start gettin' all kind a cranky here if I don't get one soon. I gotta try to give 'em up, but first I gotta deal with all the other stuff."

He always seemed to prefer sitting right on the deck, rather than in a chair, back leaning on the post. She decided to skip the chair and just sit on the deck with him. He was drinking a beer and having his cigarette, they were relaxed.

"Your brother seems so devoted to Carol, it's really nice to see that," She took a sip of her wine.

"Yeah, he changed his life when he n Carol got together. He used to be a lot more uh, well I guess wild."

"Really? How did they meet?" She was curious and he seemed to be okay with talking, which wasn't always the case.

"Wasn't too long after he opened the business, Carol come to work for him as his receptionist. Only took a few days and Merle knew her man was a bastard, she come to work with bruises n split lips. She'd try to hide 'em with make-up n stuff, but hell Merle knows what a woman looks n acts like when she's been beat." Beth noticed he was a little uneasy with that, but he continued, "Anyway, she got pregnant with Sophia, she was a few months along, and damn if she didn't come in one Monday mornin' with her arm in a cast and a black eye she was tryin' to cover up. Wasn't long after that the son of a bitch she was married to turned up dead, killed hisself I guess, they didn't find no note, but they found him hangin' from a tree."

He took a deep breath and he was looking down, but not embarrassed, more like he was just thinking about things, "So then Merle goes n he buys that house n he's bustin' his ass gettin' it all fixed up nice, n he keeps askin' Carol ta see him you know, go to dinner n such. She said she wasn't ready to take a chance on another man, but Merle he didn't give up. They got married when Sophia was a year old. He adopted her and that's that, they love each other n them kids n you're right, he's real devoted. He likes doin' for her, never thought I'd see my brother like this, it's good."

"Oh my gosh, that's just awful she went through all that, but it's wonderful that she and Merle have each other. Does she still work for him?"

"Nah, he don't like her workin' n she don't mind, she stays home with the chaos. He hired a different woman name's Jacqui, she seems nice too."

Beth thought it was best to change the subject, plus there was something she wanted to ask him, "I enjoyed meeting them all so much, getting to know your family a little. Would you be okay meeting my family? I mean I just have Maggie and Glenn."

"Umm, ah fuck, I want to but damn Beth, you know me. I could get anxious." He was obviously upset with himself.

"I get it Daryl, and you know I would never push it on you. I could ask them over for pizza and beer, say Friday, nice and casual, low pressure. That way if you needed to leave you'd be close." She tried to give him a reassuring look.

"You wouldn't be mad if I left?" Now he looked in her eye.

"No Daryl, I couldn't be mad at you for that, ever. But we don't have to do it, we can wait." She smiled at him now.

"Nah, I wanna try, I do. Sumthin' else I'ma try Beth n I'm hopin' I can do it." He breathed in deeply and he seemed tense, "I remember that night out here, you told me I gotta trust someone enough to tell 'em my story, that I can't work it out in my own head until I say it out loud to at least one other person, that I gotta find that one person I trust enough to tell."

He was chewing on the side of his thumb, eyes downcast, "I trust you Beth, but it ain't sumthin' I can tell you, it's too fuckin' gruesome. Hell I wouldn't want you to know people are capable a shit like what went down. You're right though, I gotta tell someone cuz it's a weight on me. And shit, I'm the only one who knows, everyone else is dead. This fella I told you about, Tom, well he told me some stuff, n I know he knows about what goes on in war. He told me I could talk to him when I's ready. So I'ma try Beth, I don't think I'ma be able to tell him all of it yet, but I'ma try n get started that way. It's strange too, cuz I don't wanna do this, but I also wanna do it, cuz damn, I wanna get better."

When he left she handed him the container with chocolate chip cookies, "You sure Beth, don't you wanna keep some for yourself?"

"No, I made them for you," She looked at him with that shy smile, he liked that, well he liked all her smiles.

"I'ma take some for my lunch tomorrow. All the other guys are always bringin' big ol' homemade lunches, be the first time I ever had sumthin' homemade at work." He seemed so pleased about that, she'd never been happier she decided to make cookies.

She knew exactly what time he'd be walking out the front door in the morning. After all, she was his number one stalker, she was waiting and went out to meet him at the bike. "Here Daryl, I packed you a lunch to go with those cookies," She smiled.

He looked startled and she was so surprised when he quickly took her in a hug. He pulled back, looked in her eyes and said, "You mean a lot to me Beth, a whole lot. Don't worry if I'm late tonight, I'ma try n get together with Tom. I wanna get better for me, but I also wanna get better so maybe I can show you how much you mean to me. Thanks for the lunch, I'll see you tonight."

A/N I hope you enjoyed, they're definitely getting closer. Thanks so much for reading and I do appreciate reviews so much! xo

I am not an expert in PTSD. I do know there are many different symptoms, and no two people are the same. It's my intent to respect those who suffer, but please keep in mind, this is a work of fiction.