Summary: It was no secret that Daryl Dixon was an angry man. No one in the group seemed to wonder what had made him that way. Until she came along. (eventual Daryl/OC)

A/N: Two things you should know bout this story 1) eventually you'll need some tissues handy, its gonna be heart-wrenching. 2) I changed Merle a little. He is now more of a protective big brother towards Daryl.

Disclaimer: Still don't own anything.

Ch. 1: September 1st

Daryl Dixon was in a pissed off mood. Actually he was raging mad. Not like that was really anything new. However, today he had this dangerous, animalistic, blood-thirsty look in his eyes.

Even Merle had stayed out of his way today. Seeming to know that he just wanted to be left alone.

The say had started off fine. Everyone was off doing their normal things. Lori and Carol were teaching the kids Math and Science. Andrea and Amy were fishing. Everyone else was either on patrol or scavenging for food and firewood.

Then Dale, who was on top of his RV, had made the most innocent of comments about the date.

He hadn't even been aware that anyone had heard him. But somehow Daryl did. His short temper seem to ignite and he went off on Dale.

When Carl had leaned over to ask his mom why Daryl wsd so angry, Merle had snapped at him that it was ' none of his fucking business'. Which, of course, had set Lori off.

"I would appreciate it if you would refrain from speaking to the children in that manner, Merle." Her eyes were shooting daggers at him.

Merle had simply laughed at her. Unaffected by her mama bear routine.

Now, hours after Daryl's meltdown, the entire camp was walking on eggshells. It was next to avoid the crossbow toting redneck on a good day, when his temper was hot, it was a matter of life or death.

Feeling fed up wroth the whole situation, Rick cautiously approached Merle outside of the Dixon tent.

"Can I talk to you alone for a minute?"

Normally, Merle would've just told him to fuck off, but curiosity got the better of him. He stood up, put down his rather large Bowie knife, and walked into the woods.

"Look,.i don't know what's gotten into Daryl today. Franky I don't really care, but I can't let him go around threatening everyone. Especially the children."

Merle narrowed his eyes and smirked. "Is that right, officer? Whatcha gonna do bout it?"

Rick knew this discussion had taken a wrong turn, so he decided to play to Merle's big brother role.

"All I'm asking is that you convince him to go into the woods flour a few days til he cools off. Hell, let him take his angry out on some deer or even the random walker."

"So, you want me to send my little brother into the woods, like time out, just because your kid is scared. Shit man, my brother wouldn't lay a hand on a kid. You know it and I know it. I think you're just a pussy. Too scared to admit that you're scared of him."

Merle laughed in his face and walked away.

Rick tried one more time.

"You know you're the only person he'll listen to. If I tried to talk to him, i'd probably get a bolt between my eyes."

After about a minute, Merle tilted his head as if to say okay, then he continued on towards his tent.

Rick heard the two brothers talking in hushed tones as he passed their side of camp. After a few minutes, Daryl grabbed his bow, slung it over his shoulder, flipped a bird in the direction of the others, and walked into the woods.

Merle immediately grabbed up his hunting supplies and followed after him.

Once the camp was sure they were really gone, a collective breath was released.

As he was passing Carol, Rick noticed her smile. He leaned towards her and asked what was so funny.

"Just reminds me of that gospel hymn Peace in the Valley. You know "there will be peace in the valley for me someday"."

Once she finished singing, the group busted out laughing.

Shane looked at her and smiled.

"We can only hope, Carol."

A/N: So I've been thinking of this for a while now. I want to make this a long story. So I'm gonna take my time on revealing why Daryl is so angry. Please stick with me. I promise it will be worth it. Also, we are all fans of the show and we know how it goes. Quarry, CDC, highway, Hershel's farm. Well, i'm not following that particular storyline. I'm not even really sure if they are at the quarry. Once I know, I'll write it into the story.

Also, for those who read and especially those who favorited and reviewed my other story, thank you so much. You guys freaking rock.