He never had a sense of want for anyone, nor did anyone ever care to love him. Daryl was a loner, even more so now since Merl passed. Though his attitude softened ever since he found the group, which he now called his family, he still held up mile high walls towards everyone. Aside from Rick being the dominant force of the bunch, Daryl was just as much in charge of taking care of everything and keeping a hold on reality. Everyone trusted Rick and Daryl to keep the prison safe; secretly the group had more confidence in Daryl more than ever because of Rick's mishap when Lori died a few months back.
Daryl at times felt he was alone in this small crowd of people, as if anything like that was new. He knew his responsibilities towards the group and he did them without thought. Even though his responsibilities were more of a natural doing, he often felt as if no one cared for him as much as they should. He secretly craved a sense of care more than just keeping everyone safe and they'd thank him later. His thoughts drifted often to what he never had; love. It was a stupid thing to think about when he didn't even know what love was. Sure, he had his brother to take care of him his whole life, but that wasn't much of a relationship other than safety, much like what he dealt with now.
He didn't dare open up to anyone about what his true feelings were about this situation. Shrugging his shoulders towards death and acting as if it wasn't a big deal seemed to work just fine up until now. There was no use though, wondering about something that he knew wouldn't happen, especially with the selection of women around the prison. Granted, he would flirt every once in a while with Carol, but that was nothing more than messing around. She was his friend and thats all it would ever be. His mind and body lately would drift towards Beth. He increasingly had quick glances at the young girl who would be in the background of everything. Beth was hot, he knew that, but he never messed with her too much since Hershel seemed to be old fashioned. There was no way in hell he would piss off the man who could save his ass with his knowledge and experiences of medicine.
He felt like a pervert staring at her when she was around. Naturally, Daryl would smirk at her if she caught him looking, but she would just blush and walk past him. Not much was said between the two. Beth always was working in the kitchen or tending to lil AssKicker. Hell, the only interaction they had was after his runs she would always be grateful to fix him up a plate. Quietly placing it in front of him and without much chit chat. Daryl was always content with her making him food. When Beth would give him the leftovers of her lunches or dinner, she'd walk out into the cafeteria, letting Daryl eat in silence. Daryl would anticipate her leaving, just so he could get a good view of her body. He knew thinking of her in that way would only bring trouble, but it was hard not to stare. Her small body-aside from her luscious hips and perky breasts- always brought his mind to a place he thought he'd never be since the world ended.
His fantasies of taking her and fucking weren't often. Usually, his thoughts were more tender with her, unlike all the other women he used to think about. Beth was different. She was young and caring. Most the women he would see were around his age and only fucking him when he was horny and alone. There never was a sense of romance in his thoughts before. Lately, every time he saw the girl he couldn't help but want to know her better.
After these thoughts would settle he reverted back to the old him that he knew so well. What ta hell am I thinkin'? She's a damn teenage girl, practically a lil 'un. I ain't ever going to deal with them emotional girls and their whinin'. Quit thinkin' about a bitch that wouldn't want anything ta deal with ya in the first place.
Weeks went by with everything being a routine. Daryl, Rick, and Michonne would wake up before everyone else, check the fencing, and would go about their patrols of the inner prison. Walkers would sometimes sneak into the halls, leaving Daryl and Michonne time to practice for herds. Breakfast would come around day-break. The group always tried to come together and eat. Maggie and Glenn would come in from night watch and eat before heading off to bed. They always volunteered to keep watch in the tower, but everyone knew the last think they were doing was watching for Walkers. After breakfast, the group would do their duties along with chores. They would separate until dinner and that was most of the day by day occurrences.
Today seemed nothing less than any other day. Daryl woke up from a light sleep and stretched his arms. Damn I'm gettin' too old. I needa go on a run sometime soon before I lose my skills. He moaned as he stretched and sat on the edge of his bed. Something felt off with him. He usually was a morning person and enjoyed getting ready for the day's work. The best part of the day for him was morning, just before day-break. No one was ever up before then, giving him time to be alone to his own devices.
I ain't myself today. Need me a woman to wake up to.. What ta hell? He sat on the edge of his bed and put his hands on his head, rubbing his forehead. Why was he thinking of women so often now? Granted, he hadn't busted a nut ever since Walkers started roaming around, but he was perfectly fine up until now. Daryl sighed and got up. Women were always too much to keep up with. Most of the women in the prison weren't bad, but they had their days. The one he never heard complain before was Beth. Never had he heard any sorts of whining coming from her when the group would make her do the Bitch work. She always sat quietly, and when told to watch Judith, she wouldn't say much of anything really.
I oughta talk her. Pick her mind. I bet she ain't ever enjoy doing the Bitch work. She probably be as pissed as I am when people tell me what ta do. He finished getting ready, picking his bow up on the way out of his cell.
"Shit! What ta hell do ya think you're doing?" He stumbled back, running into a small figure who was just as surprised as him.
"I-I'm sorry I was just about to ask you if I could do a check of the fences today. I got up early and heard you in your cell. It's been pretty boring lately around here. I was just wondering if it was okay to go with you." Beth's blue eyes shied from the man who was standing in front of her. She never talked to him much, unless she was told to be with him if there were Walkers close by. Every once in a while she'd sneak peeks at him from across the room. Curiosity always got to her. Why is he like the way he is? He probably forgets I'm here most of the time. She would often admire the way he protected the group. Never had he not tried to save everyone. Daryl never wanted to leave anyone behind. Somehow that made Beth like him a little. What am I thinking? Liking a grown man? He's more than half my age! He probably sees me as just a little kid. That's how everyone sees me.
"Sure, I guess ya can come 'long. Best not chit chat while it's still dark out. I ain't gonna change my surveyin' cause a girl's around," Daryl's hard face showed no emotion. Beth couldn't help but think he was a bit annoyed that she asked. "S'long as you be quiet you can come." She nodded and smiled shyly. It was still quite dark in the room but she swore a slight smirk came from him after she nodded.