"Never Give Up (On Each Other)"

Author: carmen_085

Disclaimer: I do not own any Walking Dead Characters. I do own all original characters.

Summary: In the months before the beginning of the apocalypse, Daryl finds himself homeless, alone, and with no direction. An adult Beth is struggling to balance her job, sick parents, and the farm. Feeling like the world is suffocating her, will taking a chance on a stranger change everything ? Can these two find what they need in each other before life as they know it ends and they must do anything to survive. AU but eventual ZA with full cast.

Chapter Eight

Two Weeks Later

"Oh my God I'm going to get terrible zits from this thing." Rosita pulled the N95 mask off of her face and grimaced with disgust. "Especially since we have to RE- WEAR it…" Their manager, Kathy, was standing nearby and she made sure to emphasize the re-wear part. Pat heard her and turned around clicking her tongue and shaking her head. "What? It isn't like she's taken care of a patient in the last twenty years…"

Pat let out a low laugh before nodding toward the TV playing overhead in the break room. "At least you have a mask to wear." Beth pulled her own mask off taking a few blonde strands of hair with the rubber straps.

"She's right, you know, I heard they are stapling coffee filters together in China." Rosita let out a snicker as she shook her head.

"Good for them, shit started over there. That's what they get." Beth let out a soft sigh, Rosita wasn't wrong but it was still harsh nonetheless. A human being was still a human being no matter where they lived. In her hands, Beth turned over the N95 mask staring at the blue rubber straps and the exhalation filter on the the front. They were one- time use masks but the hospital didn't have enough for that, in fact they barely had any at all. Each person who worked directly with patients was to be issued one mask that they were to keep as long as possible. If a mask got soiled or broken you could have one extra but nothing more and they kept track of how many everyone had.

Two weeks later and nobody really knew much about how the virus spread or were it came from. Rosita rolled her eyes at that question early on and said from the holes people in shit over there, where else ? It was certainly a good theory and for at the first few days Beth assumed that it was a problem that would remain at the far corner of the world. Slowly but surely, though, it began marching closer and closer. First Africa and then Europe; Beth shuddered thinking of the news footage she watched just a few days ago. Italian Police shooting a psychotic man dead in Vatican Square after he had attacked a woman nearby. It was upsetting to say the least and for the first time in as long as she could remember her mama turned the TV off and sat in silence. Her daddy bent over the living room set shaking his head and likening the whole situation to the AIDS crisis during the 1980s. Beth humored him but knew she had taken care of several AIDS patients herself and none of them had ever turned violent. This was more than just a sickness.

The hospital had largely turned a blind eye to the whole thing until the first case popped up in New York City. An American business man who had returned to the United States just before they closed the borders. It was just a small scratch on his arm, easily hidden by his long-sleeved shirt and suit jacket. A fight had broken out in the Beijing Airport when a sick person had turned violent. Biting, scratching, and clawing until Police had shot him dead. It began as a fever and he went to the ER, sitting the waiting room for hours. By the time they figured out what was going on, God only knew how many people were exposed. He was quarantined now being pumped full of antibiotics but nothing seemed to be helping. Unfortunate for him but fortunate for the rest of the hospitals in the country who were finally forced to wake up and pay attention. Digging into the furthest recesses of storage, Grady and all of its satellite facilities issued an N95 to every patient care provider. To be worn for anyone febrile or having recent International travel. Nobody knew how the virus spread but since it involved flu-like illness it was reasonable to assume that it was droplets; coughed or sneezed out of one person's body and inhaled into another's.

Beth would be lying if she didn't admit that she was more than a little concerned about her mama…and her daddy. Once a person got this virus there didn't seem to be much hope for them no matter how healthy they were. Her mama was frail and she could only imagine the effect such an illness would have on her. Her daddy was much stronger albeit she often wondered about the condition of his liver as well as the rest of him. A steady stream of booze in a seventy year old man's body was going to lead nowhere good. Beth felt her heart begin to pound in her chest as she closed her eyes for a moment taking a deep breath. Since all this shit started her anxiety was off the charts.

"Hey…you ok?" Beth's eyes flutter open as she met Rosita's concerned stare. Forcing a smile she nodded.

"Yeah…I'm fine. Just a little stressed with all this going on…" Rosita knew Beth well enough to read between the lines. She was worried about her mama and her daddy and probably the farm as well. Girl had the weight of the world on her shoulders most days. Rosita had noticed that things seemed to get better after Daryl had started helping her but now with all the shit about this virus it seemed like Beth was back to square one. Worrying about anything and everything.

Reaching over, Rosita put her hand on Beth's forearm as she offered a reassuring, confident nod. "A few weeks and this will all go away…you'll see." Beth looked up at her, doubt evident on her face. Giving her a gentle squeeze Rosita smiled, "I promise."

Bringing the bike to a stop, Daryl notched the kick stand and turned the key. The Walmart in Senoia wasn't far from the farmhouse and it barely took him fifteen minutes to get here. He didn't go shopping much, even now that he had Merle's bike and money to spend. He just wasn't the sort of person who went out and bought something unless he needed it. Still, working for Beth meant that he had a responsibility to keep himself clean, it meant he needed to wear clothes that weren't falling apart, and it meant that he needed to look presentable each and every day. But if he was being honest, Beth was more than just his boss and this was about more than just looking presentable for his job.

Taking a cart, Daryl's first stop was the toiletries section where he bought another stick of deodorant, a fresh bar of soap, and some tooth paste. A razor, some shaving cream, and a small, very cheap container of hair gel. Never used the damn stuff before and couldn't really understand why he was going to use it now except that she noticed it. Yep, ever since he cut his hair she had gone out of her way to tell him that it looked nice. Which of course made him blush furiously every single time and yet…yet he didn't hate it. A tiny bit of gel to keep it in place wasn't the worst thing if it kept Beth smiling and telling him how much she liked it.

Moving on to the Men's Clothing he snatched a pack of underwear and a pack of socks off the shelf, could never have enough of those. He had also decided to treat himself to another pair of work pants and a new flannel which of course he would trim into a sleeveless work shirt. Three sets of clothes wasn't too much for a man who worked six days a week. He told himself that as he pushed toward the groceries not able to help but feel a little excessive. He never had these things before; multiple changes of clothing, clean underwear everyday, and a debit card in his pocket. He was working hard though, and he was worthy of it; at least that's what he told himself.

Daryl didn't get many groceries just a few essentials that didn't need refrigerated. Crackers and a case of water, pop tarts, granola bars, and big bag of apples. He loved apples and he couldn't wait until the small orchard on the Greene farm was ready for picking. Taking stock of the cart he stopped for a moment. It looked like he had everything he came for as he set out toward the registers. Then, stopping abruptly, Daryl stared down at the items as he worried his bottom lip between his teeth. Drumming his fingers on the handrail he appeared to be considering something carefully his in mind.

It was Friday and Beth was off for the weekend. He for one was glad, the girl definitely needed to relax. He wasn't ignorant, he knew of the crises this virus was posing around the world and yet he hadn't seen much concern for it himself. The deep backwoods corners of America had always offered a refuge from whatever was plaguing the world at large. He knew that, Merle knew it, and his daddy did too. Will Dixon had lived his life as if nothing other than the small circular orbit around his trailer mattered and for the most part it hadn't. He lived untouched and unperturbed by the law, child services, and anyone else who might come questioning his way life. Yes, these Georgian back woods had always been a place of solace for Daryl but they also hid all sorts of secrets, both good and bad.

Still, he couldn't blame Beth for being stressed out or afraid. That's what she was…afraid. Being a nurse she worked with all sorts of sick people, some who couldn't talk or say where they had been or who they had been in contact with. He also knew that her mama and daddy were always at the front of her mind and surely she was thinking of them and what this sickness could do to someone was weak as Annette. Even Daryl had to grimace at the thought of it all. Thankfully he truly felt that before anyone of them would ever have to reckon with that notion, the people at the disease place would figure this out and it would be done.

He remembered how after 9/11, the only day he could ever remember his brother feeling sorry for someone other than himself, how panicked everyone was about Anthrax in the envelopes. And then a few years after that SARS and then the bird flu. All of it a big hubbub on the news, doom and gloom and a whole country on edge. And then just as suddenly as it had all appeared it was gone. The government no doubt pulling all of its resources and clout to make the beginnings of a national health crisis disappear over night. This would be no different, he was sure of it.

Daryl had been so lost in thought that he didn't realize he had walked back to the groceries and as now staring at the hotdogs. Tonight he and Beth were going to take a walk in the woods to a little clearing he had found last Sunday while scouting. It wasn't much just a field with a small pond and wildflowers blooming all around. When he found it, he thought it might be just the sort of place to take her mind off of things. Daryl didn't know why he suddenly felt the need to do that but he did and that girl's happiness was becoming more of a concern than he could have ever imagined. Staring at the packs of hotdogs he wondered if bringing food made it a date. He had already planned to build a small fire and what better to have than roasted hot dogs. He picked a pack of Ballpark Franks up staring at them. Maybe it was too much, too forward…maybe she wouldn't like it at all. A walk and a fireside chat, well friends could do that…God knows he'd done it with Merle enough times. A picnic, even one as pathetic as wieners roasted on a stick, well that seemed to take it up another level. Did he want that? Would she want that? Daryl sighed as he wavered with indecision over hot dogs of all things.

"Stop being such a little pussy and buy the damn things. Ain't like it's your wiener she'll be eating…"

Daryl shook his head. Sometimes, like right now, he heard Merle's voice clear as day. Never much for reassurance, it seemed fitting that his message was crass and taunting. Throwing the hot dogs in the cart, Daryl tried not to think about it anymore. They were just hot dogs…cooked on a stick. No big deal. At least that what he was telling himself as he pointed the cart back toward the registers. His keen eyes roved over the store taking quick note of a small crowd gathering around one of the TVs in the Electronics section. Shoppers and store employees alike stood staring some with mouth agape, others with arms crossed over their chests. If Daryl had to guess he would say the media was inciting a frenzy as usual. He almost didn't stop but as he cruised past the crowd his eye caught the image on the screen.

Some city in China or anywhere else in Asia for that matter. Daryl had obviously never been but he knew enough to know the general look of the place. Street vendors and carts, open store fronts and hordes of people running in terror, complete chaos, and screams in a language he didn't understand. Chinese symbols scrawled a headline across the bottom as the English translation followed.

'Police Find House Full of Dead'

Daryl read it once, twice, three times. His eyes glued to one word, Dead. Not sick or psychotic….dead. On the screen a Chinese cop in full riot gear attempted to fight one off but he just kept coming. The dead knocked the cop over, the only thing between them was a riot shield as the man on the ground tried desperately as the dead snapped its jaw searching for any scrap of flesh. Daryl stared silently with hooded eyes; he wasn't shocked like everyone else, world had always been ugly and he knew that better than most. But still he was paying attention, close attention.

Another cop came into the frame and began beating the dead across the back but it had no effect. Finally, seeming out of options, he drew his gun and shot him once in the back. Nothing. Twice. Nothing. A third and fourth time. The thing just kept on going. The sound drew more of them as they began to close in around the two cops. The people standing around Daryl gasped and a few turned away. Distracted, the cop who was shooting didn't know until it was too late. One of the dead going straight for his neck taking a piece out on live TV as blood squirted everywhere. People screamed covering their faces as they walked away not wanting to see anymore. Daryl's own hands tightened around the rail of the cart but he didn't look away. The cop yelled; a blood curdling, awful scream before the group of them took him to the ground. Desperately, he began squeezing off rounds hoping to hit anything at all. Daryl's eyes narrowed as he watched silently. One last round fired and a direct hit right between the eyes of one of them. It fell immediately. Didn't do much in the grand scene of things as the rest of them devoured the poor bastard off screen.

One shot to the head.

The screen went black as everyone else walked away murmuring softly about what they had just seen. Daryl, however, stood there alone continuing to stare at the screen. Life had always been ugly for him, a non stop struggle for survival if he was being honest. So this didn't shock him but it did ignite a deep fear in the pit of his gut. This wasn't the bird flu or SARS or Anthrax in a white envelope. It wasn't just a sickness, it was something more. Daryl had heard about the guy in New York, the one who had come back from China sick. They had him under lock and key and the entire country had been reassured that any threat of infection had been contained. Beth had told him all about it with the same worried expression she had been wearing since this whole mess started. She thought it was a blessing in disguise; that now everyone would need to wake up and pay attention. That the hospital would be forced to take precautions and that whatever this was would be handled properly and eventually eliminated. He listened to her and gave her a clipped nod reassuring her that the back country of Georgia was as safe a place as any to be.

It was a sickness that progressed to psychosis and then death. Except the dead didn't die, they came back and killed others. The worst of it was still a world away but as Daryl stood there staring at the blank screen a terrifying realization dawned on him. What this was…it was coming…and there wasn't going to be anything anyone could do to stop it.

Beth knew she shouldn't be putting this much effort into a walk in the woods with Daryl but she couldn't help it. One- because this entire week had sucked and she desperately wanted something to go right. Two- because Daryl was just the farmhand who she was certain had absolutely no interest in her more than being friends, and that was if she was lucky. There were also bigger things to worry about aside from what color shirt she chose or if she wore her hair down or not. Pulling the braid out, Beth sighed in frustration as she shook her hair out letting it hang loose over her shoulders and down her back. The humidity had made the ends curl up wildly as she frowned, not having the time or patience to do much about it.

She wore jeans tonight, dark with a rip just above the right knee, and a black tank top. It was hot and she wished she could have stopped there but traipsing around in the forest demanded more protection lest she wind up with poison ivy. Beth grimaced at the thought. Just what she would need, another thing to worry about. Across the hallway she heard the Hallmark channel. Annette had given up her usual fare for a network with much lighter offerings and absolutely no news interruptions. Taking a green and white plaid shirt from her closet Beth slipped it on over the tank top. She promised herself that tonight she would think of nothing other than being with Daryl, learning whatever she could from him, and spending time together out in the woods. Enjoying the peace and quiet with no interruptions.

Sitting down on her bed, Beth pulled on her Danner work boots; they were brown with red laces and well worn in all the right spots. The hiking boots had given her terrible blisters last time so this go she opted for the sure thing. It took a tremendous effort for her not to dwell in constant anxiety. This virus was bad; the things it was doing to people around the world well they were unspeakable. It hadn't taken hold here in America yet, but in her heart she knew it was only a matter of time. People were walking around with their head in the clouds acting like this was never going to be their problem. She actually overheard one of the doctors yesterday bitching that his Mediterranean Cruise had been cancelled and pushed back six months. Beth fought the urge to throttle him right then and there. She worried for her mama; weak as it was and always one step away from going to the hospital or nursing home- places were this virus was sure to lurk. She worried for her daddy; his addiction making him stupid and reckless at times he seemed to think this would all go away. That it was like the AIDS crisis and that theses people could be healed with time and understanding. And then, shamefully, she worried about herself. Working where she did put her at a much higher risk than the average person to come in contact with this thing. She didn't want to die but before she thought of herself she thought of who would care for her mama, who would keep this farm running, and, if she was being honest, who would look out for Daryl Dixon.

Beth knew damn well that Daryl would have been downright offended if he knew that. Offended and insulted. When it came to logistics, Daryl needed no one to care for him. He could hunt for his meals, and build a shelter with his bare hands. Fight off anyone or anything, and survive no matter what. But living was about more than just surviving and Beth had seen so much change in the quiet, backward man she first met in the ICU. Daryl was funny, he liked to tease, he was thoughtful and kind, generous to a fault. She would never take credit for any of that, it had always been who he was. Beth had just given him a safe place to be himself; no judgment or pity- just acceptance. That part of Daryl is what she had to look out for and nurture. Yes, he could survive without that but the more Beth got to know the more she wondered why he would ever want to? Daryl was a good man and a wonderful person, he deserved to be himself be happy doing it.

Looking in her on mama she saw that she had fallen asleep watching a Christmas movie. Her daddy was downstairs as usual having come up briefly for a sandwich at lunch time and then retreated back down without so much as a few words. She thought, for a while, that he was turning a corner but with all the things on TV he had seemed to fall back into his old ways. Depressed and despondent about the state of the world they lived in, more hopeless than ever about Annette, and guilt-ridden as usual over Shawn. Beth's eyes roved over the living room making sure she had turned everything off before heading out. Unwittingly her gaze fell on a picture of Maggie sitting on the mantle.

If there was one person she wasn't worried about it was Maggie. Her older sister had made it perfectly clear that Glenn was her priority and she wanted to live her life with him, in Michigan. Maggie had always been tougher than Beth; beating a date's nose bloody when he tried to grab her breast without permission at the drive in. Pursing her lips, Beth shut the door. Yes she was mad at her sister for all but abandoning her in this mess, and yes she absolutely knew Maggie could take care of herself and even if she couldn't she had Glenn…she always had Glenn. But underneath all the complicated emotion was one pervasive feeling. She missed her…missed her every single fucking day.

Daryl saw the knot of worry on Beth's face as she descended the porch stairs coming to stand in front of him with her bottom lip pinched between her teeth. In his pack he had the hotdogs, a compass, knife, and a fire starter. Was planning on showing her how to set up a camp and start a fire out of nothing. Swallowing hard, Daryl had been turning over so many things in his head all day long. The virus, the farm, Beth, her parents, what he could do to help. Was there anything he could do to help ? Fuck he thought about it so much he swore smoke was coming out of his ears before long.

After he got back from Walmart and stowed his things he took a walk around the farm and made a mental list of things that could be done to fortify this place in the coming weeks. Nothing big and certainly nothing expensive, he had no right to go there, but small things that could help make it safer. It was a big swath of land with a lot of buildings but Daryl already had a few ideas. He would run them by Beth, of course, but just not tonight. Tonight he wanted to have a nice evening with her because if there was one thing he knew for sure it was that nice evenings were most likely numbered now. Daryl felt like a tidal wave was coming but it was still far away; the birds had flown out, the animals had disappeared, and the water had begun to pull away from the shore but it wasn't here yet. They still had some time.

"Hey…" It came out as grunt as he adjusted the crossbow on his back.

"Hey.." Beth offered a small smile before looking away. Her shoulders were tights, her teeth clenched, her eyes darting here and there. Daryl knew the look anywhere; seen about a hundred animals look just the same.

"What's wrong ?" Two words, genuine and full of concern were all Beth needed to hear before she cracked wide open.

Eyes watering a sob rose up in her throat and escaped her lips in a strange half laugh/half cry sound. Hand clapping over her lips she shook her head clearly embarrassed that this was happening yet also unable to make it stop. Daryl lowered the crossbow but made no move toward her definitely unsure of what was happening right now.

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry." She wiped her eye furiously as she looked out at the fields her eyebrows knit together with emotion. "Everything this week has just been a complete fucking mess. Work is crazy- they have no clue what to do about this virus. None." Well that didn't surprise Daryl but it also didn't make him feel any better. "My mama is always on my mind and what will happened to her if she has to go into the hospital or a nursing home. She's always just a second away from falling, Daryl. Just a second." Beth's face was red and wet with tears as she went on. "And my daddy's all but barricaded himself downstairs, drinking god only knows how much..another accident waiting to happen." Beth was spiraling now, "Maggie's in Michigan and doesn't give a shit." Well that wasn't entirely true but it felt good to say out loud. Beth huffed as she covered her eyes, another sob shaking her thin shoulders.

Daryl forced himself to look at her right now no matter how uncomfortable it made him feel. He had no encouraging words and definitely no physical inclination of how to comfort someone so the best he could do is look at her and let her know he was hearing her. Beth stopped talking abruptly as she made eye contact with him and forced her gaze to the ground. She was embarrassed, mortified even. She'd lost control and she was sure Daryl had no interest in hearing about her problems when he had clearly dealt with worse in his own life.

"I'm sorry, I'm sure you think I'm being silly right now." He pushed off the old tree stump shaking his head.

"Nah…I don't think that at all." Her lips twitched slightly before she wiped her face looking over his shoulder to the woods.

"Well we better get going….light won't last forever." It was seven pm but it was mid-June and the days were longer than ever with light stretching until almost nine-thirty. Daryl followed her gaze before looking back toward the barn and the road. A walk in the woods and wieners on a stick sounded…well they sounded inadequate. Beth clearly was wilting under a tremendous amount of stress and this was the best he could do to take her mind off of it? Not to mention his gut feeling that the entire world was winding down to some sort of apocalyptic end. Well….maybe he was blowing that part out of proportion but something was definitely going to happen. He bit his lip for a moment as he looked down.

Beth had become his friend…his best friend, the only real friend he ever had. He was attracted to her which was hard to admit, even to himself, because he didn't even know how any of that shit worked. All that aside, she had given him a home and job and purpose in life. She took a chance on a stranger and he would be grateful until eternity for that. So if he had just one night left with this wonderful, amazing, perfect, beautiful woman in front of him did he really want to spend it cooking a hotdog on a stick? He could do better…even he knew that.

Holding a hand up, the corners of Daryl's lips twitched up in a smirk. "Wait here." Beth stood there confused as he disappeared back into the barn. Once inside, he dropped the pack and crossbow and grabbed his wallet. If this was the only night he had with her he was going to make it count. Grabbing the motorcycle helmet he took a deep breath.

When Beth saw Daryl re-emerge from the barn with nothing but a helmet she cocked her head quizzically at him. In all the time she had known Daryl Dixon she never knew him to be spontaneous; he stuck with the plan, always.

Chucking his finger toward Merle's bike in the driveway the corner of his lip twitched up in a smirk. "You ever been on a bike before?"

Beth had never been on a bike before but as Daryl gunned the engine and they skimmed over a ribbon of black asphalt she found that she didn't hate it. Far from it in, in fact. Aside from feeling like she was flying there was the one very small detail that she currently had her arms wrapped around Daryl's middle and was holding on to him…tight. Her chest pressed against his back, her head turned to the right as she watched the passing countryside. The late evening sun cast a warm orange glow over fields of cotton and orchards of peaches. Beth felt the bike rumble between her legs as she tightened her grip across Daryl's very hard mid section. Thank God they couldn't see each other right now because he was sure that her face was six shades of red.

Daryl felt Beth tighten her grip on him as he told himself she was just afraid of falling off. Nothing more, hell he'd ridden double with Merle before and held on tight while the asshole did ninety on the interstate. That sure as hell didn't mean a thing. And yet no matter how much he tried to talk himself out of it he couldn't deny that something felt different about this. It was Beth obviously and not his foul mouthed, drug addled brother, but still there was something more. Her touch was firm but gentle, her body warm and contoured against his and hugging every part of him that she touched. He felt her small breasts against his back and her thin shoulders digging in just below his own. If she hadn't been wearing a helmet he would also certainly feel her cheek and lips against his back. Nothing but a flimsy piece of material separating the worst shame of his life from that absolutely perfect mouth. Swallowing hard, Daryl was thankful that she had the helmet on as he shook the rest of the thoughts from his mind before he wrecked. He was going to have a good time with her tonight and get her mind off all the shit in her life. Last thing she needed was him getting all perverted and coming on to her like some creep.

Still…Daryl had to admit that he didn't hate any part of this. Slowing the bike to a stop he pulled into a roadside tavern about twenty minutes from the farm. Notching the kick stand he shut down the engine and Beth took that as her reluctant cue to let go of him. Sitting herself up, she stretched her back out as she pulled the helmet from her head. It was hot out and without the need for additional protection walking around the woods she unbuttoned the flannel and laid it across the back of the bike. She was't sure where they were but it looked like some kind of bar. Taking stock of the bikes lined up outside she corrected herself. Some kind of biker bar.

Daryl took the helmet and rested it against the handlebars. Beth stood in front of him taking in her surroundings and looking everywhere but him which gave him the opportunity to look no where but her. Her blonde hair hung in loose, casual waves over a tight black tank top and dark blue jeans that were just as snug. Cuffed up just above the work boots, Beth had unknowingly dressed perfectly to come to such as place. Really, she looked perfect to go just about anywhere and Daryl could not stop looking. She was beautiful, that he knew a long time ago, but tonight fresh off the bike and dressed like one bad ass girl she was fucking hot. Her milky white skin had a delicate tan to it, from working in the blazing sun all week in the fields. On left wrist she wore a stack of bracelets, black leather and beaded; they covered something and Daryl hadn't yet found the courage to ask what. Hanging against the tank top was a silver necklace that looked like a feather.

"Daryl?..." It took him moment to realize that she was looking at him. He had been caught staring and just for that his ears began to burn. Quick to tear his eyes away he nodded toward the bar.

"Yeah…I just hope you like wings." Beth's face broke out into a smile as she nodded.

"I love them."

And boy did she ever. Daryl tried not to stare as she packed them away, making quick and efficient work of each one. Daryl had been to this place a few time with Merle, one of the more above board locations his brother had been known to frequent, and he knew for a fact that their wings were some of the best. They had a special sauce called 'The Kitchen Sink', a mixture of buffalo, garlic, ranch, and parmesan; his absolute favorite and apparently also Beth's.

A pitch of Miller Lite sat between them as well as a basket of fries, which she now used to mop up all the kitchen sink sauce from the bottom of the paper tray. Daryl took a sip of beer and felt his lips twitch into a smile. She looked so much more relaxed, it made him feel good…like he'd done something right.

"Daryl I love this place…we have to come back." Beth smiled at him as she took a drink of her own beer. For his part all Daryl could do was nod and duck his head with understanding. Praise was not something he knew how to take. "How did you know about the wings here?"

Daryl shrugged, "Merle and me used to come here on ten cent wing night. Asshole could pack in a couple dozen if he wanted to…" Beth grabbed one of the Honey Cajun wings and began munching away, a smear of sauce on her chin.

"Mmm…me too." Daryl looked up at her as his brain short wired for a moment. Everything inside of him except for logic was begging and pleading to wipe that bit off sauce away. To reach up and swipe his rough and calloused thumb across her perfectly smooth, soft skin. To graze her bottom lip in the process and know they were just as soft as the rest of her. Inhaling sharply he looked way back toward the floor and his shoes. Fuck, he was losing it.

"Alright…Alright everyone…as promised we are going to have karaoke tonight." Two blondes with huge boobs and fake eye lashes ambled up on stage practically chomping at the bit to be first. Daryl felt himself groan inwardly, maybe he could have picked a better spot. While he wasn't really full of conversation himself he also didn't fancy spending the night listening to two broads belt out Journey. Beth swallowed what she was eating as her eyes went wide. Turning in her chair she saw the stage and a sudden light came over her that Daryl had never seen before. Maybe it was just the beer.

The music started as Beth drug her chair across the table so that she was now sitting next to him instead of across from him. She wanted to see the stage…of course she wanted to see what was going on…that was it. Daryl sat up a little straighter nonetheless, taking his beer and holding it just so he would feel occupied. "This is going to be so much fun…" He heard Beth say over the noise as a wide smile plastered on her face. Daryl wasn't sure about that but he was sure that it made him happy to see her this happy.

"Cheers to the freakin' weekend…I'll drink to that..yeah ah yeah.." Both girls were horribly off key and out of sync stimulating a chorus of laughs and cheers. Even Beth had to hand it to them, they had no shame. The lights in the bar dimmed with spotlights on the stage ad multi-colored Christmas lights hung around the rest of the room giving a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

More people went up on stage; an older man sang Creedence "Have you ever seen the Rain?" And he was good having most of the bar clapping along with him. Another woman sang a Trisha Yearwood song that Daryl didn't know, something old and from the nineties. Two guys who were clearly drunk sang "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd and totally butchered a song Daryl didn't think could possibly be screwed up. Booed off stage he didn't think it could get any worse until a half shaved head woman appeared with a grudge and a need to air out her grievances.

Her voice wasn't awful but she put no effort into musicality and stared at someone in the back of the room. "I want you to know /that I'm happy for you /I wish nothing but the best for you both/. An older version of me / is she perverted like me /would she go down on you in a theater ?"

Daryl's eyebrows raised as everyone in the bar turned to see a brutish looking man standing near the jukebox with shades on, a beer in hang as a smirk came to his face. A laugh brewed in Beth's chest until it erupted from her lips as she turned to look at Daryl unable to stop laughing. And it was contagious as Daryl also started to laugh, not as loud or as freely as Beth but laugh all the same. The song ended and the woman smacked the microphone as she walked off stage causing a loud pop to echo in the bar. Daryl was thinking of asking Beth if she was ready to go when something strange happened….something not even he could have seen coming.

The emcee, a fat white guy with a goatee and a leather vest, reappeared as he fixed the microphone throwing a hairy eye at the last act as she disappeared in the crowd, presumably to murder someone in the back. "Alright…how about we slow it down now… Something a little softer on the ears.." Without warning Beth shot up taking one last swig of her beer. Daryl assumed she was going to the bathroom but then she began walking toward the stage like a moth to light. "There we go. Come on up here, honey, and give our poor ears a break…". Beth stepped onto stage and up until that moment Daryl had no idea what the hell she was doing.

Blinking in the spotlight she searched the crowd finding Daryl near the back as she gave him a soft smile. Beth adjusted the mike in front of her face as her voice resonated in the bar. "I was having a real shitty week…but a good friend brought me here…" She felt herself blush in the spotlight, the alcohol making her feel braver than she actually was. "So this is for him."

In the back of the room Daryl's heart was in his throat pounding furiously. There were a few whistles throughout the bar but the general raucous din quieted down.

'It's unclear now what we intend

We're alone in our own word

You don't wanna be my boyfriend

And I don't wanna be your girl

And that, that's a relief'

The bar fell silent at the sound of her sweet voice singing a song no one knew. Unlike the others there was no background music and the teleprompter was black. Daryl's mouth went dry and his head spun.

'We'll drink up our grief

And pine for summer

And we'll buy beer to shotgun

And we'll lay in the lawn

And we'll be good'

'Now I'm laughing at my boredom

At my string of failed attempts…..'

She kept singing but he wasn't sure he heard a word she said. He had no idea she could sing. Sure her speaking voice was lovely and melodic but he hadn't given it a second thought. Staring at her, everything around him fell away as she made eye contact with him and held it. Even from far away he could see how blue her eyes were, how perfectly creamy her skin was, and the slight upturn in her shining pink lips. Her golden hair glistened in the shining light. She was perfect in every way. Exhaling a shaky breath, Daryl realized that he was falling for this girl. Falling hard.

'…So we will drink beer all day

And our guards will give way

And we'll be good.'

Beth closed her eyes as she sang the last bars of the song, her voice fading away and being replaced by a round of applause. She opened her eyes, smiling and feeling dizzy by both the alcohol and what she had just done. Giving a a small wave to the crowd she thanked them and stepped out of the light and back into the bar. A few people complimented her or pat her on the shoulder as she weaved through the crowd on her way back to Daryl. When she got to him she saw, even in the dark, that the tips of his ears were red. Beth worked her bottom lip between her teeth wondering silently if she had made a mistake and taken this whole night a bit too far.

Then, just as she was about to apologize and run to the bathroom to wash away her obvious embarrassment, Daryl looked up and smiled. A real, honest to God smile.

"That was amazin' ." Three words and somehow all the blood in her body rushed to her head making it spin so violently she had to steady herself with the back of a chair. Her face burned, her heart pounded, and yet she had never felt better.

"Tha…Thanks.." All she could do was stare at him like some dumb, lovestruck teenager. Thankfully Daryl didn't seem to mind or notice as he nodded toward the door.

"Checks all taken care of…you ready to get out of here ?" Beth nodded automatically as her legs numbly began to move behind himl out the door and into the warm night air. "Didn't know you sang…" His voice sounded like gravel, low and rough.

Beth's head snapped up as she shrugged, "I haven't in a real long time…." Daryl was silent as they arrived back at the bike and he handed her the helmet.

"I don't know that song, though…whose is it ?" Beth let out a soft laugh as she shook her head.

"It's mine. I wrote it…" Daryl's face must have registered an excessive amount of surprise because Beth suddenly felt the need to downplay the whole thing. "I mean it's nothing special. I just used to sing at open mic nights on campus in college…"

Daryl studied her silently for a moment before ducking his head, "Nah…it was beautiful." He meant it too, the words, the melody, and the way it suited her voice.

Beth laughed as a smile spread across her face. Thankfully he started the bike and any further awkward exchange they may have was drowned out by the engines.

If Beth felt like she was flying during the day, riding at night was a whole other thing. Daryl guided the bike with deft skill as it skimmed over the pavement. With everything black except the stars above it felt like she was floating through the night, weightless and in a dream. This time having her arms wrapped around him didn't feel quite so awkward or foreign, it felt right. Sighing she wished that they could ride like this forever, never going back to reality.

Daryl let up on the throttle as they came to an intersection not far from home. Overhead the light turned red as he brought the bike to a stop. They were the only ones there with the traffic light casting a reddish hue onto the street around them. Around his stomach he felt Beth tighten her grip even though there was no reason for it, they weren't moving. Daryl didn't think, he just did it. Reaching up with his left hand he put it over hers giving it a gentle squeeze, rubbing his callous palm over her knuckles in the process. In response to his touch, Beth squeezed her thighs around his hips. She was holding onto him and holding him at the same time and it made his entire body tremble.

The light turned green and Daryl's unsteady hand hit the throttle making the final turn toward the farmhouse. It was dark this time of night as they rode up the dirt driveway parking near the barn. Notching the kick stand and cutting the engine, Daryl got off the bike his legs still feeling weak and shaky. Beth pulled the helmet off, thankful that there was no way Daryl could know the entire front of her body was tingling.

The night was over as she handed it back to him suddenly feeling quite sad. "Thanks for a great night, Daryl…" He ducked his head, not sure he could trust his own voice right now. Beth's heart pounded in her chest as she worked her lower lip between her teeth.

Should I ? Shouldn't I ?

Then before she could second guess herself again she took one step toward him and got on her tip toes planting a kiss on his cheek right near the corner of his mouth. Daryl felt his stomach clench and somersault, he felt dizzy and excited and sick all in the same moment. Not knowing what else to do, Beth let out a nervous giggle.

"Alright..I'll see you tomorrow…" And with that she turned on her heel and stalked toward the house in the dark. Anymore embarrassment tonight and it might just kill the both of them. Still….the kiss was nice, not more than a peck really but nice just the same. The small corner of his lip that she touched was soft, softer than she could have ever imagined. Beth's steps were light and her head was in the clouds as she walked up onto the porch. She had just kissed Daryl Dixon.

Maize greeted her at the front door as she slammed it behind her taking the stairs two at a time. Her excitement over tonight coming to an abrupt halt at the top of the stairs. The TV was off in her mama's room and the bed was empty. Beth felt a surge of panic shoot down her spine. Flicking the light on she tore into the room sure that she would find Annette face down on the floor, but much to her surprise the bedroom was empty. Bolting toward the bathroom, her heart was in her throat. God was tonight going to be the night ? But then she found the bathroom empty as well. Her mama's wheelchair was missing from behind the door as she rushed into the other rooms upstairs.

"Mama ! Mama !" She was met with silence and an apparently empty house. Panic began to rise up in Beth as all sorts of crazy scenarios went through her mind. Annette could have fallen and Hershel could have called an ambulance and gone to the hospital with her. It sounded reasonable as she thundered down the stairs flying through the kitchen. Except that all the local EMTs knew her and they always called her if she wasn't home and Annette had to go. Sure the bar had been loud but she kept her phone on her at all times; she had to. Nearly tripping down the basement stairs she found the couch empty and the lights off. Tears sprung up in her eyes, something was wrong.

Daryl had just climbed the hayloft on legs that felt like Jello when he heard her scream. "Daryl ! Daryl !" In an instant he was back down jumping most of the rungs of the ladder landing hard on the ground. Grabbing his crossbow his mind immediately went to one thing.

It had started. Those monsters…the dead….or whatever the hell they were; they were here.

Bursting from the barn, Daryl's heart was in his throat. Seeing no apparent threat other than a very upset looking Beth, he relaxed slightly. Still, her face with wet with tears and it was obvious that something was wrong.

"What ? What's wrong?" Pointing toward the house Beth threw up her hands.

"My mama and daddy are gone. I didn't even notice the truck missing when we pulled up I'm such an idiot…and her wheelchair is on the front porch…" Beth sucked in a sharp breath as a sob erupted from her throat.

"Well hang on a minute maybe he just took her somewhere…" It seemed obvious he wondered why Beth was so hysterical.

"Yeah ok except he's always FUCKING DRUNK." She didn't mean to yell, she really didn't as she slapped a hand over her mouth shaking her head, "I'm sorry, Daryl…"

Reaching out he put a hand on her shoulder, "No, don't gotta apologize..we'll find em..I promise." Daryl could track a squirrel through a sandstorm, and while the truck complicated that, it didn't make it impossible. He just needed a light and a few other things and they would find them.

In Beth's pocket her cell phone began to ring. Pulling it out, her face screwed up in confusion. "It says it's work." She was tempted to hit ignore and continue freaking out.

"Better answer it." Just seemed logical to him. Somebody might have seen Annette or Hershel.

"Hello ?!" She paused, her eyes searching the darkness but not really seeing anything, "Yes…yes it is." Bringing a hand to her face, Beth covered her eyes as she shook her head, "Oh my God….yes I'll be right there." She hung up and spun toward Daryl.

"What happened ?"

"My parents are in the ER…they were in a car accident…"

TBC obviously !

Sorry for the gap in updates was busy and updated another story.

Songs in this chapter

"Cheers (Drink to that)" Rhianna

"Sweet Home Alabama" Lynyrd Skynyrd

"Have you Ever Seen the Rain ?" CCR

"You Oughta Know" Alanis Morissette

"Be Good" Emily Kinney

Please Read and REVIEW ! I love them !