I'm coming home.
In a few hours, he reminded himself. In a few hours, he would be back at the prison. Back with her.
When the group had taken Woodbury, he was surprised to find that it wasn't as well defended as they had been led to believe. While they had fire power, the town needed men to wield that power and once The Governor had declared Merle Dixon a traitor, Woodbury's men took a stand. They stood with Merle.
Now, after so much blood being spilt, after nearly losing Glen and Maggie, Daryl was on his way back. Back to the small refuge that the group had created. He was heading home, to her.
Merle sat, squished up next to his brother in the car that Rick drove. He had been quiet and polite which Daryl was shocked and thankful for. Rick understood that blood is blood and had agreed to let Merle stay, but he'd have to prove himself. Daryl looked out of the window thinking. Thinking that Merle could cause problems, thinking that Carol would be angry for him bringing him back. He turned to look at Rick and cleared his throat.
"You think we'll be back soon, guess everyone's gonna be getting worried" he said quietly, fiddling with the hole in his jeans. Rick had glanced back with a smile. "I'm sure Carol's just fine Daryl, we're gonna be there before dark." Merle had glanced between the pair and he smirked, "Ya got a girl baby brother? Only took ya till the end of the world." Daryl shifted uncomfortably and looked down. He knew he had it bad, hell if they could see it he must have it real bad. He just hadn't told her yet.
When they arrived, everyone was introduced to Merle, reunited with Maggie and Glen and everyone but Beth and Carol were helping them back into the prison with new supplies and weapons. Rick and the others were led into the small mess hall where the ladies had dinner ready and waiting. Carol and the young blonde greeted everyone warmly, making people sit and handing them bowls and plates full with food. Merle had kept his head down thus far and when Daryl caught him looking at Beth he smirked. "She's way too young for ya brother" he whispered quietly. Daryl hadn't even looked at Carol properly, scared that she would also find out about his feelings. The meal was light hearted and full of celebrations. Afterwards, the group had moved back towards their block. Merle had moved into a cell next to Axel, they had been talking about bikes most of the way through dinner. Daryl sat down on his makeshift bed, pulling off his boots and socks. He was lying down now, the others talking away happily to one another.
"Daryl, can I come in?" He rolled over, seeing her. Carol stood at the foot of his bed with a blanket. He raised a brow and eyed the group that had now gone quiet, watching them. Great, he thought, now everyone's gonna get talking 'bout him and his shit. He looked her up and down, moving to the side of this mattress, pulling the blanket back quickly. "Come on woman, freezing my ass off now" he spoke, trying to sound annoyed. She moved down, lying on her side, her back to his chest and threw the blanket she had brought over them. She didn't speak, just simply kissed his cheek and took hold of his hand, put her head on his pillow and feel asleep. He looked down from his perch to see the group watching them still. He met his brothers eye, then Ricks and raised his hand, giving them all the finger. "Go to sleep assholes."
Daryl watched her sleep for a while. This woman, lying next to him, had him wrapped around her little finger. He was lost without her. He kissed her cheek lightly and laid his head next to hers, falling asleep holding her hand.