A/N: I know it might not be the wisest decision to start another story while the other (Second Chances) is still in its early stages of development, but I got the idea to this and thought you guys might appreciate it.

English is not my first language, and lemme tell ya, Daryl's accent is a bitch to write, so please excuse any wrong abbreviations or slang terms or whatever. Feel free to use the comment section to correct my mistakes :)

Another thing, this will most likely not be a Daryl/Carol story. I rather like the friendship they've developed as of Season 3, and I will keep their connection on that level in this story. So, no slash, but you get Daryl and Carol bonding, if that counts for anything.

Alright guys, have fun reading.

He'd gotten back out there to look for her. Of course he had. As soon as he was allowed out that bed after Andrea had nearly blown his brain out-and not in the good way either-he'd made plans to continue his search. He was dead-set on finding her, now more than ever, as even Carol was beginning to lose hope.

So that morning he'd packed a bag and had taken off, on foot this time. He'd stay away from horses for now, especially ones nicknamed Nervous Nelly.

Carol had thanked him in advance for his efforts and given him something to eat, which he reluctantly took and left. He didn't need anyone making him a sandwich, he was fine on his own. But noon came, and he found himself eating half of the PB&J as he entered a part of the woods he'd neglected until then.

"Sophia!" He yelled. "Sophia, you out here?"

Receiving no answer he kept on walking and shouting, until the sun began to set and he was almost ready to call it off for the day and return to the farm.

Giving it one last try he cupped his hands around his mouth. "Sophia! Sophia, if you're here, it's safe to come out! Sophia!"

Sighing he turned to leave, when he saw something move in the tree next to him.

It took him only a second to grab his crossbow and point it at the possible threat. It took him a few more seconds to realize that the something in the tree wasn't a threat. In fact, it wasn't even a 'something'.

Daryl dropped the crossbow to his side.

"Sophia?" He asked, looking up the tree in disbelief. "Sophia, 'that you?"

Of course it was. What other 12 year old girl did he know of that could be hiding in that tree?

He'd found her. He couldn't believe he'd finally found her.

But nothing was set in stone yet. If she'd been bit, there'd be nothing he could do.

"Sophia. Honey," the unfamiliar word felt uncomfortable in his mouth, "go on an' climb down, I got ya."

"Mr. Daryl?" Her tiny voice answered him.

"Don't be scared Sophia, ye're safe now. C'mon, lemme take ya back to camp." He tried to encourage her.

Slowly she made her way down the tree until she stood in front of him. No blood anywhere on her, as far as he could tell. Now to the awkward part.

"Sophia, I need ya to be honest with me right now." He announced, and she nodded, wide-eyed.

He took a deep breath, dreading her answer. "Have ya been bit?"

She shook her head vehemently. "No, sir!"

He frowned at the formal address, but thought nothing of it.

Daryl looked her over. "You mind if I check, just to make sure?"

She was scared, he could see that. But she squared her little shoulders and lifted her chin up, as if giving him the go-ahead.

"I'm not gonna hurt ya, I just have to check." He said, then walked around her. Careful not to scare her more he inspected her briefly, keeping his distance. There was no visible damage, not even a scratch.

He raised his hand to her forehead, hesitating when she flinched and held her breath. Looking into her eyes to reassure her he meant her no harm he laid his palm on her forehead. No fever. For now, it was safe to assume she was okay. Carol could check her more thoroughly for injuries once they got back.

Stepping back from the kid he saw that she was blinking tiredly and realized with a shock that she had to be exhausted. Reaching into the bag he pulled out the other half of the PB&J. Bless Carol and the mother's intuition she clearly possessed, even if she didn't know.

"Here. Eat." He handed the sandwich to Sophia, whose eyes lit up at the sight of the now rare delicacy. She wavered again, her strength finally giving out.

Daryl made a decision. "C'mere. I'll carry ya."

The young girl looked a little skeptical before accepting the offer, climbing onto his back, little legs straddling his hip, one arm around his neck, the other forwarding the much-needed food to her mouth.

Daryl grabbed his crossbow, slung the bag over his shoulder and tried to secure the girl on his back the best he could with his free arm.

She was a tiny thing, he barely felt her weight.

Still he was aware of the emotional weight this kid represented, the enormous emotional weight that would soon be lifted off Carol's shoulders.

In a way, he was proud.

Proud because he'd found her, just like he'd said he would.

Proud because he hadn't scared her off.

Proud because he was way out of his comfort zone carrying this little girl, but knowing it was worth it. Seeing the look on Carol's face when he'd bring her back her daughter would be more than worth it.

He smiled in anticipation.

A/N: Short chapter, I know. I'll do my best to update often, but bear with me, got two stories to write now. Brought it on myself, I know that. :D

If you guys like it, review. Seriously, you have no idea how much your oppinion means to me. They will make my day, they always do.

Thanks for reading, and see you soon! :)