Title: Stepping Stones
Summary: A collection of short stories between characters. Each story will come with it's own notes if needed.

1. Do Good

Notes: I was inspired by a quote I read from Andy Lincoln and basing this a little from the events of Sick and what happens after that episode.

"Psst?"

It was getting late.

C block was locked up for the night yet he heard the footsteps. No one could really leave this block without him noticing, not out on the perch as he was.

And of course it was Rick going. Only other one with keys.

By the time Daryl had pulled his shoes on, Rick was outside. That was when he drew his attention.

He noticed Rick jump a little at the presence, hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings at all.

Didn't surprise Daryl one bit though. He watched Rick carefully all the time. Might have saved Rick's ass more times than Rick was even aware of.

Rick seemed relieved to see Daryl there. "Everything okay?"

Daryl nodded. "Over here it is, how 'bout your side?"

Rick frowned a little at the comment. "How's that?"

"You're becoming a little distracted..."

Rick's frown deepened. "You got something to say?"

There was something like hurt on his face. "Yeah, get a fucking grip. Things are shit I get that, but you're leading them," Daryl pointed vaguely in the direction of the prison, where the others were. "You gotta lead 'em the right way."

Rick wiped a hand over his face, not meeting Daryl's look any longer. "You can do better, I suppose?" There was bitterness there. As well as harsh reminders of Shane. Those were dark times, they didn't want to be heading back that way.

Daryl moved purposely in front of Rick, so he had to look at him. "I'm the same as them. I'm following your lead but ya know what the difference is? If you take 'em down the wrong path, I think Maggie and Glenn and T might just have the guts to go their own way now. And if they go, the others might just go with 'em. But you're stuck with me, and you're stuck with your boy and if you fuck up, you're gonna kill us both."

Rick looked Daryl in the eyes, searched for any sign of a deception and didn't see anything like it present.

Of course not, he scolded himself. Daryl isn't like Shane. He's telling you the truth.

Rick visibly relaxed and looked away from Daryl. "I'm sorry, you're right... I jus'..."

"I don't need it," Daryl interrupted. "Don't need no apologising or nuffin', jus' ... do good."

Rick felt a brief pat on his arm before Daryl headed back inside.