RC Timing Circuit output into another RC circut

I have built two identical RC circuits that seem to work perfect. But I have connected the output signal from one RC circuit (A) into the voltage input of the other RC circuit (B) to try & create a timing signal with a "gate time" or delay. ie. One pulse every second from circuit B and circuit A turning circuit B on for 5 seconds then off for 5 seconds. When I check these circuits with the DMM for frequency & duty cycle they're fine until I connect them together. When connected together the DMM gives some erratic readings (during off state of circuit A I think?... not sure). I tried a diode on circuit A output incase there was some sort of signal coming back from circuit B but didn't seem to effect the readings. The voltage levels out of circuit A seem to meet the specifications for minimum voltage input for circuit B 555. Should I have a transistor after both RC circuits to boost voltage back up to