Daryl often found himself alone on a run or hunts. He preferred it that way to anything else. He was more of a lone wolf then a group person. It was quiet out. Deer were moving through the woods and he was following them with stealth. His blue gaze locks on them and lines up his crossbow against his shoulder. He let out a breath then pulls back on the trigger with his index finger - he watches the bolt fly through the air until hitting his target. The deer took off and Daryl was following the blood trail left behind. He found the deer dead and he was getting ready to gut it when his eyes find a small shack. He walks inside and leans his head to the side. “I hear you. I’m armed so come out slowly with hands where I can see them.”

Beth’s eyes darted to the door then squeezed her eyes shut before slowly stumbling out of the shed before groaning as the sunlight burned her eyes, “Don’t… don’t shoot,” she whispered softly as she swallowed harshly - her throat burned as it was so dry. After the prison had been run over she was on her own, of course she knew life wasn’t gonna be easy on her own, but she tried - she really did. “Please, don’t shoot,” her body was near collapsing as she leaned on a tree then her eyes focused on the man with the crossbow, “I just need water,”

Daryl wasn't sure he was actually seeing her. Another cruel day dream. He hadn't seen her in months. He lowers his weapon then fishes for a bottle of water. He tosses it to her. “Beth? Is it really you?” He asks not taking his eyes off her just in case it as all a figment of his mind. No one had seen her but here she was. “Your real, right?”

Open Starter

The guilt was what he carried around everyday after she was taken. It motivated him to keep going day after day. To deal with the Claimers and find Rick, Carl, and Michonne. The nerves of steel to deal with the likes of Gareth and his group of freaks. The hope she gave him though in those months they were together gave him the motivation it took to continue to look for her. To never give up on her. To realize that she was tough and taught well by him. Daryl might be a dirty redneck but he loved the people in this group like family. She was trying to ease his guilt like the sweet farmers daughter that she is. Such sweet words spoke as her hands caress his gruff facial features again all trying to ease that guilt telling him not to be guilty. How was she still so so sweet and caring after everything she has been through? Noah did explain how horrible it was at Grady. She kept that sweetness but gained a toughness that he loved in her.

“I’m just sorry I wasn’t there to help you in your time of need darlin’. Ya have no idea how much I just wanted to have ya back here.” The archer brings his hand up after she kisses his shoulder and smiles as he caresses her cheek. “Together as a group we will make it through anything darlin’. We’ll go to DC and hope for the best then prepare for the worst. Then go from there. There has to be something better up there then here don’t cha think?” He had no idea why he was changing the subject to their earlier conversation but Daryl didn’t have any clue how to express his feelings verbally. It was hard enough on him admitting what he had earlier to her.  “Ya give me hope in this dark world darlin’.”

     Her experience at Grady could be summed up in one word—hell. She was sure that Grady would give her nightmares, and even though she was out of that place the damage that it had done would probably linger with her. She wouldn’t let that place break her though, she was still the same person she had just gained the strength that was needed in order to push through and survive that place. Being on the road with Daryl for a few months really toughened her up, he didn’t baby her like the rest of the group had and he taught her how to survive. He gave her a taste of reality that she needed and in turn she gave him hope and kindness. The thing was the officers that took her had most likely been stalking them, they had perceived Beth as weak and only took her, Noah said they only took people they thought were weak. Boy had she proved them wrong. 

     ❝I asked ‘bout you—when I first woke up, they said they found me on my own and that’s when I knew right away they were liars and none of ‘em could be trusted.❞ She knew Daryl wouldn’t leave her. ❝’m just happy to be back.❞ She said with a soft smile, lifting her hand to wipe at her tears—happy to have her family back. The blonde nodded in agreement, their group had been through hell and back together and they still came out on top. A small smile tugged on her lips as she realized how Daryl sounded, he sounded more hopeful. ❝There’s gotta be somethin’ more out there than just this, not just survivin’ but livin’.❞ She murmured. Her hand moved to take his free hand, her fingertips running over his knuckles and then his palm—feeling a small burn like mark on his hand but figured it was something he endured since she had been away. ❝’m glad I could give you somethin’ when you’ve given me so much.❞ 

Daryl didn't know who had gotten the worst end of their ordeal. She had been stuck in Grady while Daryl had found the group but ended up with cannibals. He was sure that it was her since she had to spend more time in Grady then he had in Terminus. So much happened in her absences. The Redneck felt like she was saved from the Claimers that he had met up with after she was taken. His bluish gray hues glance down at the hand that was holding his with a small smile on his face. He had so many people in this group that he loves and he could deal with that. They were like family to him. When it came to Beth, though – something happened while they were on the road. She took a damn sledgehammer to the wall that he built up around his heart. He didn't see her the same as he had at the prison anymore. She was a strong woman willing to do what it took to survive now and that made him proud.

“Yer right there has to be somethin' out there. Somewhere we can live and have a semi-normal live with the occasional walker to kill. Somewhere for Judith to grow up.” The archer sighs softly while turning his head to look at her again. “Things were rough after ya were taken. I ran into this group of men who were outrageous but they brought me back to Rick. They were bad men though and we killed 'em. We found the rest of the group at Terminus. It was supposed to be a safe haven but turned out to be run by assholes eatin' people.” He shrugs then glances up at the sky through the trees. “Carol helped us escape and we made it here. I saw a car with that cross in the back and followed it. Found Noah and he told me ya were there. I think that catches us up on what happened with me while ya were gone.”

He was ramblin' on and he knew it. Daryl curls his arm around her neck and pulls her close then places a kiss on her cheek. “I been thinkin' about this moment. Please don't hate me.” He uses his free hand and guides her face up to look at him. The archer runs a thumb along her bottom lip before pressing a kiss to her lips. Not a lingering one but a short kiss just enough to show how much he cared about her. He cared about her in ways that he hadn't known in his life.

|| @madredneckdaryl ❤︎’d for Beth ||

Humming softly Beth could not keep the constant smile off of her face. “Ya know, I’m kinda glad I got stuck out here with you.” It was the honest truth, after what happened at the prison as much as she missed Maggie she couldn’t help but think she would have the best chance to not only survive but find everyone with Daryl. “I trust ya, plus you seem to know what you’re doin’ and considerin’ I ain’t the best with takin’ out walkers I’m glad I got you havin’ my back.” There was a pause before the blonde jokingly nudged his arm. “So thank ya Mr. Dixon.”

It had been weeks on the road with Beth and at first – he wasn't thrilled about it because he had given up hope. There was no way they would find their people again. Beth was always pushing him to continue on and that faith she had in finding her sister and their people was blinding sometimes. Dixon still carries a lot of guilt after what he had done to her when they were drinking. His bluish gray hues watch her as she hums and shakes his head at her words. “Ya are silly girl. I got ya back.” He didn't need praise from her and didn't want it. She was all he had left of the family at the prison. He was going to protect her and teach her his ways. “Ya pick up quickly on the things I am teachin' ya. I think tomorrow we can start with trackin' not that ya can use my crossbow.” He ruffles her hair and chuckles softly.

“Thank ya darlin’.” Daryl goes into his tent and gets dressed in dry clothes. He carries his crossbow back out with him. “Ready to train?”

“I’m ready, I guess… I don’t know how good I’ll be, and you’ll probably want me dead before the end of the day but…” Carol shrugged. She wanted to learn to protect herself in case a situation ever presented itself where she was alone.

“Ya really don’t know what ya can’ do until ya try darlin’.” Daryl leads her out to a field then turns looking at her. “Stance darlin’. Always plant yer feet to keep yer ground.”

Daryl rolls his eyes at her teasing as he removes his shirt hanging it up. “Not funny woman.” He kicks off his boots getting pants out of his bag. He waits on her since his boxers were wet.

“It was kind of funny.” She chimed as she slipped on a set of dry clothes. When she finished, she stepped out of the tent. “All yours.”

“Thank ya darlin’.” Daryl goes into his tent and gets dressed in dry clothes. He carries his crossbow back out with him. “Ready to train?”

Open Starter

Daryl was content to let Rick make the decisions about the group. Only giving his opinion when asked or if he thinks Rick is taking them down a dangerous path. Rick, Maggie, and Glenn were both going to chew his ass for doing this his way. The Archer could take it as long as Beth wasn’t around. He did what he thought was best to try and get her out with her getting killed. He might not have gotten to get her out but she was here alive and back with her people. To him, that is all that mattered. This is where she belongs with him and the group. She opens up his eyes to so much and he was so grateful to her for it.

“I guess we will have to wait and see. Ya know I don’t have much faith in the world or people in it. I know there are good people left but a cure just sounds too good to be true.” The redneck sighs softly then turns to her reaching for her hand and brings it up to his lips to kiss it. It was so odd for him to feel the need to do such things to anyone. There was so much he could say. That he should say. But none of them seem to want to be said. “I thought ya was gone forever. I never gave up but I felt that hope dwindle every day. Ya have no idea how much I blamed myself for what happened. I shoulda let ya stay with me.”

He hung his head feeling the tears stinging his eyes from the guilt and sadness. Those negative emotions were heavy in his mind but he knew this was a happy moment with her. His fingers intertwined with hers squeezed her hand not able to say anything else to her right now.  

     While a cure sounded farfetched she wanted to believe the best in Eugene, if he thought that he could find a cure to all this then who was she to call him a liar? They’d get him to DC and either figure out that he could do it or it would fail—regardless it wasn’t like they had another option right now. With the prison gone there was nowhere clear to go to so why not Washington DC? The trip would be long and it would be difficult but as long as they stuck together they’d be able to do anything, Beth honestly believed that. They were strongest when they were together. 

     ❝I know what ya mean, better to go in with zero expectations so we don’t get disappointed, if he can do it then great—if not, then we’ll figure out to go from there.❞ She said softly, they just needed to keep pushing forward. A blush crept up her cheeks as she felt him kiss her hand, she wasn’t used to this sort of affection from Daryl but she had to admit—she was loving it. Her face then fell when he spoke up, the last thing she wanted was for him to blame himself, it wasn’t his fault—it was those officers that took her, they had set them up. ❝Hey—❞ She began to say, scooting closer to him and took her hands to gently cradle his face in them. She tipped his head up slightly so she could look at him. ❝Don’t do that, it wasn’t your fault Daryl.❞ She said softly, ❝You had no idea there was crazy people outside waitin’, you were just tryin’ to keep me safe and I would never blame you for that—❞ 

     It nearly broke her heart to see him in tears, her own eyes watering at the sight of his sad eyes. Her hand moving to give his another squeeze before her free arm moved to wrap around him, resting her head on his shoulder. ❝Everythin’s gonna be okay now, ‘m here and ‘m not goin’ anywhere, okay?❞ She said softly, pressing a gentle kiss to his shoulder. 

The guilt was what he carried around everyday after she was taken. It motivated him to keep going day after day. To deal with the Claimers and find Rick, Carl, and Michonne. The nerves of steel to deal with the likes of Gareth and his group of freaks. The hope she gave him though in those months they were together gave him the motivation it took to continue to look for her. To never give up on her. To realize that she was tough and taught well by him. Daryl might be a dirty redneck but he loved the people in this group like family. She was trying to ease his guilt like the sweet farmers daughter that she is. Such sweet words spoke as her hands caress his gruff facial features again all trying to ease that guilt telling him not to be guilty. How was she still so so sweet and caring after everything she has been through? Noah did explain how horrible it was at Grady. She kept that sweetness but gained a toughness that he loved in her.

“I'm just sorry I wasn't there to help you in your time of need darlin'. Ya have no idea how much I just wanted to have ya back here.” The archer brings his hand up after she kisses his shoulder and smiles as he caresses her cheek. “Together as a group we will make it through anything darlin'. We'll go to DC and hope for the best then prepare for the worst. Then go from there. There has to be something better up there then here don't cha think?” He had no idea why he was changing the subject to their earlier conversation but Daryl didn't have any clue how to express his feelings verbally. It was hard enough on him admitting what he had earlier to her.  “Ya give me hope in this dark world darlin'.”

      Shane left the farm weeks after the others, when the food was gone and he was strong enough to move he took the medicine and whatever was left before he headed on the road. There was days, months, when he could barely breathe from the pain in his chest from missing his best friend, missing his brother. He missed Carl. He wished had never looked at Lori, he wished he had never fallen in love with her. He should have died in the city so he lived like a man that had been turned. He waled everywhere, avoiding walkers and only killing when he needed too. It wasn’t until he was found by someone did he find a reason to live. A friend that didn’t know him or want to judge him, a friend that didn’t make him feel as if he had lost his mind and didn’t care about the bad things. 

      Together, they traveled and left Georgia, the road was long and hard but when they made it out to Fort Belvior they had already found five other men along with several women that were tough as nails. They lost many and found several others to replace them and by the time they reached the military base it took almost two weeks to clear the geeks out and another three months to dig moats and improve the walls that the soldiers had put up before they all died. 

      They had been surviving for months and the runs took quite some time to get use to because Virginia was surprisingly quiet until all hell broke loose and the amount of walkers fucking increased by the hundreds. It was exhausting. That day had been no different, he had men on runs and he was standing at the top of the gate while on watch, waiting for their return hoping they had people or more food or medicine. 

Daryl hated that eerie feeling he got when someone was following him. He had seen some of the people left in this world and he was not impressed. There were some crazies out left. Then some down right psychos that enjoy killing other people not just the dead. So whoever might be following him could be one of those crazy ass people wanting to kill him. Blood hungry bastards ready to tear into him just for the hell of it. He stops and turns raising his crossbow with a sharp eye scanning the area around him for any signs of movement. “Whoever ya are I suggest ya show yerself. If I have to come find ya it won't be pretty.” The redneck's bluish gray hues narrow when he seen someone step out from behind a thick tree with his rifle trained on Daryl. Daryl's crossbow trained on him and there was a tense silence between the two men before another man moves to join the first one. Two on one was not bad odds – then two more join the first two all with guns trained on him.

“Put your weapon down because we don't want to hurt you.” The first man instructs and Daryl grinds his teeth in frustration before lowering his crossbow but keeps a tight hold on the weapon. “What do ya want?” The gruff tone in his voice let the man know just how annoyed he was at this moment. A laugh rang through all four men before each of them lower their weapon. “We have a community and we'd like ya to join us. We've been watching you and your good.” He explains and Daryl was tempted to say no but this could be somewhere he could find lay down his head and be safe for a little while. He sighs softly because he knew he was low on food and water anyway. “Alright.” He says to the men who smile at each other. The redneck follows the men back through the woods heading the opposite direction hoping he wasn't making a big mistake by doing this.

“Before we get there, you are going to have to go through some questions from all us. We don't want to give you our names until after we know for sure you are safe.” The first man explains and the archer nods his head solemnly keeping pace with them. It was quiet the rest of the trek through the woods then hard top before heading to what looked like a wall built around this community? Daryl curiously eyes the place as the first man yells to another to let them in with a new man to join them.

Open Starter

Daryl got to watch her with the group. Their reunion was bittersweet. He knew how much that she loved her sister and everyone else. It was clear though that she missed Judith the most. Beth was a lot like that little girl’s mother. She took care of Judith for so long before the prison fell. Noah was excited to see her and pulls her into a hug. It felt odd to have this feeling in his stomach seeing him hug her. He didn’t know Noah and the young man liked Beth that much was clear. The archer forces his eye and sees Rick along with Maggie and Glenn giving him a look. All three of them were going to have a talk with him that much was clear.

He offers Beth a smile when she got back over to him and shakes his head. “Ya learned quickly and I’m glad I got to teach ya.” He looks around at everyone then offers her his hand. “Ya up for some time just to catch up? Me and ya?” Daryl pulls on her hand taking her outside away from eyes watching them. He walks over to some trees and sat down looking up at her. He pats the grass next to him not wanting to admit that he had been looking forward to this. It had been a while since they had seen each other.

The redneck sighs and nods at Michonne who disappeared into the church. “What ya thinkin’ about darlin’?” He folds his arms over his knees and looks over at her. “Oh, Eugene says he knows the cure to this and I think we are all gonna follow them to D.C.” Daryl still wasn’t sure if he could believe in this man but it gave so many of the others hope.

     Beth took his hand in hers, lacing their fingers together before giving his hand a gentle squeeze.  ❝Yea, ‘course.❞ She said, offering him a small smile as she could use the fresh air. As nice as it was to see everyone she still felt slightly overwhelmed in the large group as everyone had bombarded her with questions. What was Grady like, what happened to her—she wasn’t ready to answer those, she didn’t know if she’d ever be ready to answer those questions as she was still trying to wrap her head around everything that happened while she was away. Not only that but she was looking forward to slipping away and catching up with Daryl, she missed him terribly. 

     The new people seemed nice enough, Abraham seemed a bit intimidating and Eugene a bit odd but Rosita seemed alright. She didn’t have much time to talk to them though as she was busy with her reunions, though she figured in the coming days she’d get to know them better. She had no idea how long they’d be staying at the church or what there next move was—all she knew was she was grateful to be back with her group, where they were didn’t matter. The blonde slipped outside with Daryl, offering Michonne a smile as the woman returned to go inside since the two of them were out there. She moved over to the grassy area taking a seat beside him, moving to sit criss cross. 

     ‘What ya thinkin’ about darlin?’ Honestly? Her mind felt like it was going a mile per second as she was feeling different emotions about everything from joy to being back here to fear of being taken again. Her mind also was back at the funeral home, where she swore there was something more that Daryl wanted to tell her. She didn’t have the nerve to ask though, not now anyway.  ❝A cure?❞ Beth perked up slightly, hope written all over her expression. Even though it sounded too good to be true—why would the man lie about something like that? A cure—all of this would be over, she knew not to put too much faith into a man she just meant but she had hope that maybe he was telling the truth.  ❝Jus’ thinkin’ ‘bout how happy I am to be back here with everyone—with you.❞

Daryl was content to let Rick make the decisions about the group. Only giving his opinion when asked or if he thinks Rick is taking them down a dangerous path. Rick, Maggie, and Glenn were both going to chew his ass for doing this his way. The Archer could take it as long as Beth wasn’t around. He did what he thought was best to try and get her out with her getting killed. He might not have gotten to get her out but she was here alive and back with her people. To him, that is all that mattered. This is where she belongs with him and the group. She opens up his eyes to so much and he was so grateful to her for it.

“I guess we will have to wait and see. Ya know I don’t have much faith in the world or people in it. I know there are good people left but a cure just sounds too good to be true.” The redneck sighs softly then turns to her reaching for her hand and brings it up to his lips to kiss it. It was so odd for him to feel the need to do such things to anyone. There was so much he could say. That he should say. But none of them seem to want to be said. “I thought ya was gone forever. I never gave up but I felt that hope dwindle every day. Ya have no idea how much I blamed myself for what happened. I shoulda let ya stay with me.”

He hung his head feeling the tears stinging his eyes from the guilt and sadness. Those negative emotions were heavy in his mind but he knew this was a happy moment with her. His fingers intertwined with hers squeezed her hand not able to say anything else to her right now.  

Open Starter

Daryl was exhausted himself but he was good at staying awake and running on little to no sleep for days. His father made sure of that when he got on his drinking binges. “They are good people.” He admits then glances over to see her close her eyes. Relief filled him because he was happy she was getting some sleep. It was clear she needed it. He had to wonder when the last time it was she ate. Noah told him everything about that place and if he knew Beth, then she would take as little as she could so she wouldn’t owe those people. He sighs softly still guilty for letting all this happen to her. The archer had no idea people were outside waiting to grab her when he told her to run.

He was quiet letting her rest the whole ride back to the church. It was safe there for now. She could reunite with her sister and everyone else that she loves. Judith included. The redneck spent the hour thinking about the past few months on the road. If Eugene was who he said he was - then it was possible all this could be over before long. There was much faith in that for him though. There was no cure of this mess. Before he knew it, he was pulling up outside of the church and he cuts the engine. A smile spread across his face seeing Michonne standing guard. “Welcome, ba..” Her words trail off seeing Beth inside the car asleep.

“She found me when I was on my way back. She escaped on her own.” Daryl told the woman as he opens the passenger side door and kneels down. He gently shakes her and instantly regrets it because she is so tired but knew she would want to be awake to see everyone. “Come on darlin’. Time to wake up. We are here and people will be waitin’ to see yer pretty face.” He teases then brushes a few fallen strands of golden locks from her face. 

     She didn’t have one single nightmare the hour that she slept, the sleep was much needed and she knew that she’d sleep like a rock tonight. While she was so anxious to see everyone she couldn’t help but to fall asleep on the ride back, back in the old world car rides used to make her sleepy—add the lack of sleep on top of that it and she was out like a light. She wanted to catch up with Daryl but she figured she could after they got to wherever they were going, she’d see everyone and make sure they were okay and then maybe she could get some time with the archer. They had a lot of catching up to do. The one thing that she couldn’t stop thinking about was when the two of them were seated together at the funeral home when she had asked him what changed his mind. 

    Blue eyes slowly fluttered open as she felt Daryl gently shaking her, ❝Mm—’m up.❞ She murmured, a sleepy grin tugging on her lips—her gaze meeting his as he moved to brush the blonde hair from her face. A flush crept up her cheeks as she realized how close he was to her and how badly she wanted to stay like this but she knew the two of them needed to head inside. She shifted moving to get out of the car, her hand instinctively reaching for his to lace their fingers together looking up to the building, realizing that they were at a church and it brought a smile to her face. It made her think of her family and how they used to go to church every Sunday. 

    The first person she greeted was Michonne who was on guard duty, giving her a hug—Michonne looking shocked to see her. Once inside she couldn’t contain the tears when she saw Maggie, reluctantly letting go of Daryl’s hand to greet her sister. After about an hour Beth was finally settled, kissing the top of Judith’s head before finally passing her back to Rick. She couldn’t believe how big the little girl had gotten in her absence. Her gaze shifted around the room until she spotted Daryl once more and moved back over to him. ❝Hey—so I wanted to thank you, for everything you taught me when we were on the road together.❞

Daryl got to watch her with the group. Their reunion was bittersweet. He knew how much that she loved her sister and everyone else. It was clear though that she missed Judith the most. Beth was a lot like that little girl's mother. She took care of Judith for so long before the prison fell. Noah was excited to see her and pulls her into a hug. It felt odd to have this feeling in his stomach seeing him hug her. He didn’t know Noah and the young man liked Beth that much was clear. The archer forces his eye and sees Rick along with Maggie and Glenn giving him a look. All three of them were going to have a talk with him that much was clear.

He offers Beth a smile when she got back over to him and shakes his head. “Ya learned quickly and I’m glad I got to teach ya.” He looks around at everyone then offers her his hand. “Ya up for some time just to catch up? Me and ya?” Daryl pulls on her hand taking her outside away from eyes watching them. He walks over to some trees and sat down looking up at her. He pats the grass next to him not wanting to admit that he had been looking forward to this. It had been a while since they had seen each other.

The redneck sighs and nods at Michonne who disappeared into the church. “What ya thinkin’ about darlin’?” He folds his arms over his knees and looks over at her. “Oh, Eugene says he knows the cure to this and I think we are all gonna follow them to D.C.” Daryl still wasn’t sure if he could believe in this man but it gave so many of the others hope.

“Yer welcome darlin’.” Daryl smiles glad the blush was faint he felt in his cheeks. He took her hand and leads her back to the camp so they both could change. “Ya go ahead.”

“I’m surprised you don’t want to watch.” The woman teases, and slips inside the little tent. It would be a little awkward changing in such a small space, but she’d manage.

Daryl rolls his eyes at her teasing as he removes his shirt hanging it up. “Not funny woman.” He kicks off his boots getting pants out of his bag. He waits on her since his boxers were wet.

Open Starter

“Yeah, Yeah - don’t brag too much about bein’ right.” He teases back then squeezes her hand that was now laced with his. She did tell him that he would miss her when she was gone. He didn’t believe her until she was gone. Daryl grew close to her at the prison but he feared for her. She wasn’t prepared to be outside of the prison and surviving back them. The archer taught her everything that he knew when they were together before she was taken. That was one of the reasons he thought she was still alive out there. She caught on quickly and really impressed him then. Beth also brought out the good in him.

He jogs with her through the woods keeping her hand in his. There was no way that he was letting her go until they were safely in the car. It was so humid and sweat was pouring down his face and neck. It was crazy for so late in the day. His bluish gray hues scan the areas they run through quickly. His crossbow snug on his shoulder. The sun was just starting to disappear when he made it to the car with her. “Damn I thought we were closer than that.” He mutters breathlessly then opens the door for her letting her get in. Daryl walks around and climbs into the driver’s seat. 

“I warn ya that we have new people in the group. Ya will meet them. Ya should rest darlin’. It’ll be an hour before we get to where we are goin’.”

     When she had told him that he would miss her when she was gone, she had no idea that it would happen so soon. She almost felt like she had jinxed herself and she regretted ever saying it, she missed him too—God she had missed him. She was so grateful for everything that he had taught her, if it wasn’t for him she doubted she would have been able to survive in Grady, or escape for that matter. She had learned to track and how to read the stars, which way was North and how to find her way back to the woods which was the last place she had seen Daryl. She wanted to tell him thank you, there were a lot of things that she wanted to tell him but she was sure there would be time for that later. Right now all she was thinking about was getting out of the woods and as far away from Grady as possible. 

    She holds on tightly to his hand as she kept up with him, jogging through the woods and keeping her eyes peeled for walkers—or people. By the time they made it to the car the sun was nearly set but it was so hot, the weather was rather humid and she moved to wipe the sweat from her forehead with her forearm. She panted softly, her body exhausted as she hadn’t been eating much at Grady because everything you took, you had to pay back. She was tired of owing that place anything so she ate just enough to survive—sleep didn’t come easy to her, it was difficult for her to fall asleep there and when she did she usually jolted awake from a nightmare not long after.  ❝Thank you—❞ She breathed out as he opened the door for her and she moved to get in, letting out a sigh of relief as they had made it to the car and headed back to their people. 

    Beth had no idea where they were going and honestly it didn’t matter as long as they were all together. She leaned back in her seat getting comfortable as she fought to stay awake, exhaustion really kicking in.  ❝Are they good people?❞  She murmured, if Daryl trusted them then she would as well.  ❝Jus’ gonna rest my eyes—❞ She murmured, the sleep evident in her voice and it was only a minute or so later until she drifted off to sleep. 

Daryl was exhausted himself but he was good at staying awake and running on little to no sleep for days. His father made sure of that when he got on his drinking binges. “They are good people.” He admits then glances over to see her close her eyes. Relief filled him because he was happy she was getting some sleep. It was clear she needed it. He had to wonder when the last time it was she ate. Noah told him everything about that place and if he knew Beth, then she would take as little as she could so she wouldn’t owe those people. He sighs softly still guilty for letting all this happen to her. The archer had no idea people were outside waiting to grab her when he told her to run.

He was quiet letting her rest the whole ride back to the church. It was safe there for now. She could reunite with her sister and everyone else that she loves. Judith included. The redneck spent the hour thinking about the past few months on the road. If Eugene was who he said he was - then it was possible all this could be over before long. There was much faith in that for him though. There was no cure of this mess. Before he knew it, he was pulling up outside of the church and he cuts the engine. A smile spread across his face seeing Michonne standing guard. “Welcome, ba..” Her words trail off seeing Beth inside the car asleep.

“She found me when I was on my way back. She escaped on her own.” Daryl told the woman as he opens the passenger side door and kneels down. He gently shakes her and instantly regrets it because she is so tired but knew she would want to be awake to see everyone. “Come on darlin’. Time to wake up. We are here and people will be waitin’ to see yer pretty face.” He teases then brushes a few fallen strands of golden locks from her face. 

Open Starter

Daryl knew that everyone would be excited that she was back. Things were better now that they group would be reunited with a few extra. The things that he heard about Grady made the place sound horrible. Women getting raped by the male officers there. This Dawn woman ruining the place. Noah was scared for Beth that was the reason he gave Daryl a time limit. “I’m glad that ya made it out. Noah was scared for ya being in there alone. I was just headin’ back to get the group so we could come back for ya.”

The Redneck brushes his thumb across her cheek then nods his head. “I have a car on the road that I left. Ya ready to get there? If we hurry we can get there before dark.” Daryl was nervous about getting back to the car before dark. He didn’t want to be out here at night and risk them coming for Beth. So over come with all these emotions he wasn’t use to, he leans over and kisses her forehead. “I missed ya, Beth Greene.” He chuckles and took her hand so he could lead her out of the woods and back to the road.

    One thing Beth knew for sure was that Noah would do his best to find her group and she was so relieved that he had not only made it out but had also found their group. He was alive and he was okay, everything felt like it was finally going to be okay again. ❝Thank you, for not givin’ up on lookin’ for me.❞ She said softly, it would have been so easy for the group to just assume that she was dead and move on. She was overwhelmed with emotions and was doing her best to contain them all as she still remained close to him, not ready to move away yet. 

    She leaned into his touch slightly, a small smile tugging on her lips as she smiled through the tears—they were tears of joy for finally escaping that hell and finding Daryl and she’d soon be reunited with the rest of her family. Beth nodded eagerly when he asked if she was ready to get out of here, ❝Yeah let’s try to get back before dark.❞ She murmured, she knew she’d be afraid to be out at night now because that’s when she was taken. The blonde slowly closed her eyes as she felt him press a kiss to her forehead, the smile on her lips only growing larger. ❝Told ya you would—❞ She teased at first, gently nudging him. ❝Missed you too, was worried somethin’ happened to ya back at the funeral home.❞  The first person she asked for when she woke up at Grady was Daryl, the last time she saw him was when the small herd had swarmed the house and she had no idea if he made it out. Her fingertips laced together with his, giving his hand a gentle squeeze as she followed him toward the road. 

“Yeah, Yeah - don’t brag too much about bein’ right.” He teases back then squeezes her hand that was now laced with his. She did tell him that he would miss her when she was gone. He didn’t believe her until she was gone. Daryl grew close to her at the prison but he feared for her. She wasn’t prepared to be outside of the prison and surviving back them. The archer taught her everything that he knew when they were together before she was taken. That was one of the reasons he thought she was still alive out there. She caught on quickly and really impressed him then. Beth also brought out the good in him.

He jogs with her through the woods keeping her hand in his. There was no way that he was letting her go until they were safely in the car. It was so humid and sweat was pouring down his face and neck. It was crazy for so late in the day. His bluish gray hues scan the areas they run through quickly. His crossbow snug on his shoulder. The sun was just starting to disappear when he made it to the car with her. “Damn I thought we were closer than that.” He mutters breathlessly then opens the door for her letting her get in. Daryl walks around and climbs into the driver's seat. 

“I warn ya that we have new people in the group. Ya will meet them. Ya should rest darlin’. It’ll be an hour before we get to where we are goin’.”

Open Starter

     For a while there she had started to lose hope that she’d ever see her family again, that she’d ever see the outside of Grady memorial. When Noah had managed to escape though, that gave her hope. Security had gotten tighter but she worked with the patients in the prison, finding the weaknesses and the shift changes and she was able to slip out during a shift change. She was sure by now that there were people that noticed she was gone, she had no idea though if they would go after her—no one had gone after Noah as they just assumed he had died in the city because of how many walkers there were. 

     ❝’s hard to see from the outside, that place is like fort ‘n ox—I got really lucky, studied shift changes made friends with people who could cover me.❞ She said softly, quickly lifting up her hand to wipe away at the stubborn tears that had rolled down her cheeks. She shook her head lightly when he asked if they were coming for her. ❝I don’t think so, don’t wanna stick ‘round here to find out—let’s just get far away from here okay?❞ The only person that she wanted dead was dead—Gorman, and she had killed him herself. She thought it would make her feel better but it hadn’t, however it did put her mind at ease knowing now that he was gone he couldn’t hurt any of the other women there. 

Daryl knew that everyone would be excited that she was back. Things were better now that they group would be reunited with a few extra. The things that he heard about Grady made the place sound horrible. Women getting raped by the male officers there. This Dawn woman ruining the place. Noah was scared for Beth that was the reason he gave Daryl a time limit. “I’m glad that ya made it out. Noah was scared for ya being in there alone. I was just headin’ back to get the group so we could come back for ya.”

The Redneck brushes his thumb across her cheek then nods his head. “I have a car on the road that I left. Ya ready to get there? If we hurry we can get there before dark.” Daryl was nervous about getting back to the car before dark. He didn’t want to be out here at night and risk them coming for Beth. So over come with all these emotions he wasn’t use to, he leans over and kisses her forehead. “I missed ya, Beth Greene.” He chuckles and took her hand so he could lead her out of the woods and back to the road.

                            They have no idea what it’s like                               to seek safety in other people                   For home to be wherever you lie your head

                                                    Indie. Selective                                                         Beth Greene Of The Walking Dead                                                                     Penned By Arya

Daryl frowns and pulls her into his arms tucking her close to his chest. “Come on darlin’. Let’s get ya some dry clothes and we can start with a lesson in self defense.” He whispers against the top of her head not ready to let her go because she needed a hug.

Carol clung to him for a few moments, before pulling back slightly. She presses her lips to his cheek, giving him a lingering kiss before she pulls back. “Thank you, Daryl…” She says quietly, wiping at her eyes.

"Yer welcome darlin'." Daryl smiles glad the blush was faint he felt in his cheeks. He took her hand and leads her back to the camp so they both could change. "Ya go ahead."

Open Starter

     The blonde had no idea who was behind that tree, the last person she was expecting though was Daryl Dixon. She nearly dropped her knife as she heard the voice speak up, she recognized it instantly after spending months on the road alone with him, that being the only voice she knew for awhile. Beth’s lips parted slightly as she stared at the man in disbelief, he was alive—he was here and for the first time in a long time she felt like she was safe. She nearly burst into tears at the sight of him, quickly sheathing her knife before lunging forward, her arms wrapping around him as she tugged him close. 

     She wanted to make sure that this was real, that he was real. She held on tightly, so afraid that if she were to let go she’d wake up in her bed at Grady and realize this was all a dream. Beth opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out at first, her eyes watering slightly as she buried her face in his chest. She stayed like that for at least a minute, finally pulling back slightly just so she could look at him. ❝Why are you out here alone? Are you alright? Is everyone alright?❞ She had so many questions but she didn’t want to bombard him right away. 

Open Starter

     Noah had escaped two days prior to her, that was a failed escape plan on her part. She was grateful that he had gotten out though, it took her another two days before she finally escaped that hell. Getting out of the city was difficult, there were walkers everywhere so she did her best to stay on the outskirts of town until she finally made it to the woods. The blonde had tried looking for Noah but it seemed as though he had gotten out of the city, smart thinking on his part—the city wasn’t safe. 

     With only her knife she traveled through the woods, no idea which way to go but hoping she was going in the right direction to find her family. It was growing late, the sun was to set soon and she knew she needed to find somewhere to hole up for the night. She was exhausted, practically dragging her feet as she pushed through the woods but then stopped in her tracks when she swore she saw something moving behind the tree trunk. Her hand quickly moving to the handle of her knife as she pulled it out of it’s sheath.  ❝I don’t want any trouble—❞ Her voice betraying her and wavering slightly. What if it was someone from Grady?