November 25, 1941

Daryl couldn't help but stare after the small blonde, apparently named Beth, as the tall red head drug her away. The girl damn near got herself hit by a car, she would've of it hadn't been for Daryl and Frank behind her. There was something about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on. His hand gripped her arm until, until Frank handed her the suitcase and snapped him out of his intense trance with her. The girl's soft voice floated around in his head, when a blaring car horn jolted him into reality.

"Shit!" Daryl growled as he clumsily stumbled back onto the sidewalk. Frank, who was standing behind him, started to laugh hysterically at the usually alert, sturdy man. Daryl scowled at him, and less than playfully punched the young man's arm.

"Can it, Frank. I don't need your shit," Daryl grumbled as heat began to creep up this neck in a flush of embarrassment. Frank stifled another chuckle and attempted to sober up from his fit of laughter.

"You almost got yourself hit by a car, after you saved that gal from becoming a greasy spot on the pavement," Frank pointed out, nudging him with his elbow, "I mean, if you weren't to busy staring at her ass as she walked away..." His voice trailing off as Daryl glared at him open mouthed.

"It wasn't like that," Daryl said, rolling his eyes and running his hand through his newly shorn hair. He didn't know if he'd ever get used to it being this short.

"Yeah, whatever. How about some breakfast? I'm about to starve," Frank said, motioning to the small diner across the street. Daryl nodded, and followed him across the street once there was a break in traffic. Frank was one of the few people that Daryl actually like in his Marine platoon. Unlike most of the other young hotshots, he wasn't a self absorbed, narcissistic prick. Frank just got him, he didn't pester him for anymore than Daryl was willing to tell divulge.

"Hi, boys! A booth for two?" A chipper waitress asked, picking up two menus, as soon as both of the men set foot in the small diner. Daryl's empty stomach rumbled as soon as he smelled fresh coffee brewing, and bacon sizzling.

"That'd be just perfect, ma'am," Frank said, flashing his white smile. The waitress turned and led them to their table, his Oklahoman charm make her blush. Daryl shook his head in disbelief as he saw how Frank affected the young woman with just a few words. They sat down at the cushy booth, and the waitress rushed over to the counter to get them two mugs of coffee.

"What're you getting?" Frank asked, looking at his menu. Daryl shrugged is shoulders and skimmed over the large menu. The waitress brought their cups of coffee to the table, and offered them a couple of minutes to decide on their choice. Daryl raised is eyebrow as he read the odd dishes listed, and finally decided on a loaded omelet.

"Have you two decided on anything?" The waitress asked as she strolled back to the table, pulling out her notepad. Daryl nodded and looked up at the Hawaiian girl.

"I'll have the loaded omelet, and hash browns," Daryl said with a small smile as he closed his menu and brought his cup of coffee to his lips. He'd never get tired of the hot, bitter bite of good black coffee. Frank put down his menu, and decided to get what Daryl was having.

"I'll have your food out as soon as I can," She said, picking up both of the menus and heading over to the counter. Frank bit his lip and looked after her as she walked away.

"How about that waitress? She's a beaut alright," Frank said with a low whistle as soon as she was out of earshot, causing Daryl to chuckle. Sure, the black haired, bronze native was beautiful, but he couldn't seem to get the little blonde off of his mind. Beth...yeah Beth. He chewed his cheek and stared off into space, not even listening to Frank ramble on about the waitress.

"Hey! Are ya even listening?" Frank asked impatiently, Daryl immediately looked at him and nodded. Frank raised an eyebrow and groaned.

"I asked you if you were looking forward to getting our shots later," Frank started, and Daryl shook his head and grunted, "C'mon, just think of all of the cute little nurses," He said making Daryl scoff.

"Yeah, cute little nurses that get the opportunity to stick a needle in my ass," Daryl said sarcastically, "That's real cute alright. Havin' some girl willingly see my ass so she can jab it."

"Ya never know, she might find your lilly white ass attractive," Frank said, his face twisting into wide smile. Daryl cut his eyes at him, before finally chuckling. Frank was funny as hell and could make light of anything, he'd give him that.

The two men sat there comfortably shooting the shit, until their food came out. Daryl drizzled hot sauce on his omelet and began to hungrily shove forkfuls of eggs into his mouth. He had been in the Marines for about three years, and to be honest he actually enjoyed it for the most part. If it hadn't been for his shithead brother, Merle, Daryl wouldn't be moving up in the Marine corps. Three years earlier, he got caught boosting a car for his brother to bootleg with. As always, Daryl got the shitty end of the stick while Merle made it off by the skin of his teeth. The judge gave him a choice of two years in county or two join the military. He joined the Marines simply to get his ass out of a hotspot, but then he quickly found out how much he liked the corps, so he never left. His platoon was the closest thing he'd probably ever have to an actual family...that didn't beat the hell out of him and fall into the bottle.

Daryl and Frank finished their meal, and quickly set off to Pearl Harbor to change into their green working cammies. They needed to be properly dressed for the day, and fortunately they lucked out and got the day off. The only hang up was getting the damn dreaded shots. Daryl could handle a needle, hell he had at least four tattoos, but he absolutely hated shots. Especially getting a large needle in the ass, but it was what had to be done and he couldn't argue with the system. Daryl pulled his shirt over his muscled, lean frame and knocked on the bathroom door to hurry Frank up.

"You almost done in there? We need to get to the hospital pretty soon," Daryl said in an impatient tone. Honestly, he just wanted to hurry up and get this over with and Frank was taking his sweet time. Daryl paced back and forth in their bunk until Frank strolled out of the bathroom leisurely.

"You act like you're in a hurry or somethin'," Frank grumbled as he followed Daryl out of the bunk. Daryl rolled his eyes and swiftly led the way, Frank struggling to keep up with Daryl's antsy pace.

The two men made their way to the hospital at a quick pace. As soon as Daryl set foot inside the door, his stomach twisted and his palms began to sweat. His irrational nervousness of hospitals set him on edge, and he didn't like it. Young nurses buzzed around them, and Frank constantly elbowed him in the ribs to take in the sight. Daryl didn't seem to notice when he narrowed his eyes at a particular small blonde stacking gauze at the nurse's station.

Here's chapter two! Riain and I have decided to stay very true to the era, hence the bootlegging reference. Thanks to all of the reviews and follows, keep 'em coming guys! You're all wonderful and I hope to keep hearing from y'all! Another special thanks to my amazing co-writer Riain, I don't know what I'd do without you! I hope this chapter in Daryl's POV was satisfying, so don't forget to drop a review and tap that follow button! Much love -BethylAddixon-