Carl's POV

I woke up seeing sunlight fill the whole room. I sat up and hissed, my hand instinctively clutching my side then I remembered what happened last time. Jimmy attacking me...then punching me over and over...then Daryl tackling Jimmy to the ground. I rubbed my sore head and I noticed that I've got bandages covering wounds on my face, I lifted the blanket and winced when I saw purplish bruises covering my abdomen and chest.

I threw my head back and groaned, "Son of a bi-...", right before someone opened the door.

Relief washed over me when a familiar...and pretty face showed up.

"Mornin' sleepy head," Beth greeted sweetly while carrying a plate of cookies and a glass of orange juice.

"Good mornin' to you too cookie princess," I chuckled and she snorted lightly.

She set the cookies and juice on the bed table and sat beside me, "I'm glad you're feeling okay," she held my face and I smiled.

"Well, I don't know about okay, but I think I'm better than before," I joked and she giggled.

"Nice to see your sense of humor is still intact," she commented then took one cookie and directed it to my mouth.

I took one bite and inhaled, savoring the taste and smell of chocolate in my mouth, "Mmmmm, just like gramma used to make."

"She did bake this, along with your mom," she said.

"I knew that, I just said it," I rolled my eyes and we laughed.

She gently laced her hand with mine and we stayed there for a while. She continued feeding me cookies and pressing a cool ice pack on my head. After I finished eating, she looked at me seriously.

"What happened between you and Jimmy?"

"I don't know really...I was trying to apologize to him...and the next thing I knew he was punching me all over the face."

"Did he tell you anything?" she asked, her voice almost shaking.

"Actually yeah...he said something about me taking you away from him."

I shrugged and she quickly stood and turned away from me.

"Don't worry, I told him he was crazy and..." I tried to reassure her but she shook her head.

"This is all my fault," I heard her murmur.

"No it's not, maybe Jimmy was just having a bad day or maybe..." I was cut off when she faced me again. Her eyes forming tears.

She seemed to hesitate but then said, "It's...it was my fault that Jimmy was mad at you"

"What do you mean?" I asked in concern

"He sorta...I mean...well...he's kinda been asking me to be his girlfriend for a long time now and...and I never agreed to go out with him...so now you paid the price because of me," she explained in between sniffles.

For a long time I didn't say anything, but then the corner of my lips slowly curved upwards into a smile and I started to chuckle, I winced along with my laughs, feeling my ribs and insides on fire.

"Ow," I yelped and she immediately returned to my side and pressed the ice pack on my bruises.

"Why are you laughing?" clearly she was baffled by my reaction.

"Because I can't believe after all these time, Jimmy still acts immature and childish when dealing with problems. Oh man, I've missed that pal of mine." I sighed and smiled.

"You're not angry with him?"

"Hell no, why would I be."

"Ummm, because he just beat the crap out of you, haven't you noticed," she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

"Nah, this?" I gestured to my injuries, "this is just rough-housing, like we used to do back in the old days. Jimmy's not a bad guy, he just need to understand certain things in life."

I looked at her and held her hand to try and soothe her, "You were trying to be as nice as possible, its not your fault. You did the right thing and told him that you're already with me."

"You mean...you mean you're not angry with me?"

"Why would I be angry with you when you proudly stood up for our relationship against someone who tries to threaten it. I should be flattered and proud of you. Which I am," she giggled when I said that and I brought her face closer so I can kiss her.

"You know for a moment there I thought Jimmy was going crazy, that's why I shouted at him too but I'll handle things between me and him, I'm sure we can settle this out, " I tried to reassure her and she nodded.

"By the way, can I have another kiss?" I pouted and she giggled again.

She kissed me tenderly and I kissed her back longingly.

"I love you and your kisses so much, "I said against her lips.

She smirked against my mouth, "I love you too."

I'm thinking of a scenario where I do Carl and Beth's first time ;) ;). Please leave any suggestion about that so I can do it in later chapters.