Daryl Dixon knew strategy. He knew odds and he knew numbers.
And damn if he wasn't good at Texas Hold'em.
But this... this.
There were too many walkers. Too many of the dead trampling through the farm.
Sophia was tucked between her mothers breasts. Carol's arms around her.
"We've got guns and we've got cars." He heard Hershel say. It wouldn't be enough though.
"Coral them?" He thought that was Andrea.
"Maggie?" Glenn's hesitant voice brought him back from his counting.
"You grow up country you learn a thing or two."

"I got the number, but it's no use." Daryl commented. "Sophia, come here." He told the girl. She looked up at her mother before going to stand next to him. "Yes sir?" she asked.

"Turn 'round.'' He told her in a no nonsense voice. She did as told while Carol watched hesitantly. Pulling a rubber band from his back pocket he pulled her knotted and sticky hair back with gentle fingers until it was tucked against the nape of her neck and tied in place.

"Alright." He sniffed, patting her shoulder.
She turned around as gunshots rang through the air.

"What's that for?" She asked with a frown as she touched the small ponytail at the base of her skull.

Daryl didn't answer her. But he knew that Carol understood as she touched her own short locks. He was protecting her- if her hair was tied back, she couldn't be grabbed by it.

He'd said it was as good a day as any, but he couldn't help but know it wasn't her day. Not Sophia's. Not Carol's.

"Come on.'' He grabbed her hand and lead her to that ugly ass Hyundai where Glenn and Maggie were climbing in.

"Sophia!" He heard Carol call in terror as he pulled her away. He felt badly for it
That Carol was afraid, but he couldn't help it. Shit had to get done.

"Momma!" She called back in terror as Daryl shot a limping Walker through the skull.

He felt Sophia wrenched out of his hands as Carol pulled her into a hug.

"There's no time." Daryl called back gruffly as he raced to Merle's bike and pulled out the blanket and a pair of protective ear muffs.

He flung open the door to the Hyundai and pulled Sophia away.
''Gotta trust me.'' He whispered in Carol's ear. She sniffed and nodded, darting forward to kiss Sophia's head and back a step away.

"Up you go." He called, lifting Sophia into the car. "You lay down there now, you hear?" He asked after he'd settled her onto the floor boards between the seats.
She nodded tearfully. "You lay down and you hold real still. Soon it'll be all over." He wiped away the tears. "No time for cryin' you can cry when it's done for. Now..." he pushed the hearing protection over her ears and guided her to lay down. "Lay down an' close your eyes. No need to see dead bodies flying."

She nodded. "Yes sir."

"Good girl." She smiled before pulling the blanket over her head and curling up in a ball.

The door was shut after she was properly tucked in, Daryl turned to Glenn, catching him around the collar.

"You fight for the farm, for your girl." He told him softly. "But time comes, you get the hell outta Dodge, you hear? Keep those girls safe." Glenn nodded quickly, his face showing he understood the responsibility Daryl was placing on his shoulders.

Within moments, Maggie was pulling away. The blue truck had gone and Carol was sobbing..
"Come on' shit to do.'' He brushed past her, touching her elbow as he did.

It was then that it hit her.
What he'd done. Glenn and Maggie were young and able. Glenn was a man who would fight to protect what he had at whatever cost.
He'd given Sophia the best chance there was when it came to survival. He'd set up foster parents for her in case they all should fall.
The very thought gave her hope.

_

I'm sorry this isn't very fluffy or funny. Somehow, it's just how it came out.
Thank ya'll so much for all the lovely reviews!
After so many reviews and requests, I decided to continue with this fic.
Thanks so much and make sure to leave a review!
Perhaps a common item for Daryl to school them all on?
theoriginalspike on tumblr suggested Tampons next, so that'll be next chapter, but if you have anything simmilar, I'd love to hear it!