DISCLAIMER: I do not own AMC's and Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" or any of its characters/places. There may be a few OCs at a later time and those will be mine. (NO MARY SUES).

WARNINGS: Rated T for language, violence, and gore. There might be comic spoilers later on but you'll be warned about those specifically before they happen.

A/N: Thank you for all the wonderful things everyone said about the last chapter-you are all terrific. I wish everyone would say something, even as an anonymous guest, because I do love knowing what you think-good and bad.

Rick turned from Hershel, Tyreese, and Mr. Mason; they were nonexistent in that moment. All that registered with him was that Daryl was in trouble. The nearly drained bottle of whiskey in his hands coupled with Maggie's words served like a kick to the stomach to Rick: His priorities had been wrong.

Carol had once asked him if Daryl was ok, and Rick had simply responded with "it's Daryl" like everything was fine and he'd resolve his problems, if he had any, on his own. Daryl always had this way about him that said he could take care of himself. His skin was so thick that nothing got under it. Rick thought the man was a rock—an immovable force. But even the biggest boulder can have the ground under it crumble and come crashing down.

They'd almost lost Daryl once, there wasn't going to be a twice.

Rick immediately found Carol's stern gaze as it pierced through him. He had stood there and told her that they would keep an eye on Daryl—that'd they'd make sure he was fine, and yet they had somehow overlooked his inner turmoil. They thought Daryl was supposed to deal with Merle's death on his own—like he did for everything else. It wasn't the prison's fault for not reaching out to him; they didn't know he needed them to.

"Damn it Daryl," sighed Rick loud enough for the others near him to shift nervously. He handed the bottle off to Mr. Mason and looked to Hershel. "I'm going to go talk to him," declared Rick.

"That's probably not the best idea," said Mr. Mason. "I don't know him like you do but he was acting pretty aggressive a few minutes ago. You saw the way he lashed out at the kids…and now you've added alcohol to the mix?"

"You are correct Mr. Mason: You don't know him like we do," said Hershel. "Daryl is not dangerous. He is misunderstood and feels like he's alone. He needs someone and we've been focusing on anything other than him."

Mr. Mason frowned and shook his head gravely. "He's acting like a spoiled brat that wants attention."

"He is not," said Carol as she joined the conversation. "He just lost his brother and we expected it to not bother him. I didn't care for Merle, not one bit, but that doesn't mean I lost sight of how important he was to Daryl."

"Merle was a traitor to the Governor; a good man that saved my life when he didn't have to," stated Mr. Mason proudly. "He built a great town for us and we were safe until Merle brought your people in and you attacked us. Merle deserves what he got. Daryl and his brother may have different bodies but the blood is the same."

"Were you not listening a minute ago?" cried Carol. "We can't change what happened in Woodbury and it makes no sense to dwell on it."

"Ok, ok..." said Rick calmly before things became any more heated. "I'm going to go talk to Daryl-by myself," he added, looking around at the crowd.

"Are you sure?" asked Tyreese, worriedly. "Glenn and I can come with you."

"I can handle him," answered Rick. "It needs to be me." Carol started to open her mouth to offer her assistance but Rick shook his head.

Rick didn't need Maggie to tell him where he'd the able to find the downed Dixon. If Daryl was missing Merle, he'd go back to the place where he felt like he could be close to him again.

Rick wanted to kick himself for missing that sign. Daryl had retreated to the generator room before when Carl had been cruel towards him. And Daryl wasn't meaning to be a lone wolf and falling into trouble, he was only trying to sort things out for himself. Maybe that was what needed: Some time off to grieve or do whatever he needed to do. Or did he not want to be alone? Maybe he wanted someone he could talk to about it.

As Rick walked, he tried to figure out what Daryl needed. Was it space, a friend, or another brother? He could give Daryl space. It had been a mistake to go off hunting with him. All he wanted was a few hours away from the people of Woodbury by himself and Rick felt guilty for denying him that. He was doing so much for them already-he was their main source of food until their crops were ready, and that wouldn't be for several months. And he was feeding those he would rather not be. Woodbury brought nothing in-couldn't contribute-but there Daryl was feeding and protecting them though their presence was nothing but a burden to his healing. If it wasn't space that Daryl needed, Rick knew he had to step it up. He couldn't push Daryl and his problems aside. He'd be a friend and show him he didn't have to endure Merle's death alone. Or perhaps Daryl needed Rick to be the brother that Merle sometimes tried to be. Whatever Daryl needed now came first.

Rick paused at the door to the generator room: Daryl was sitting hunched over against one of the walls. He wasn't frightening or dangerous or a threat to anyone in the prison. Nonetheless, Rick knocked on the doorframe to alert Daryl to his entrance and give the man a moment to compose himself.

Hearing the knock, Daryl immediately wiped his eyes. They eventually drifted upwards and found Rick's. Daryl couldn't hold the contact for long and they fell away to stare aimlessly at the floor again. He was so...

Rick moved forward before his mind would have him think of Daryl as being weak or defeated. He didn't say anything as he stood in front of Daryl and offered him a hand. It took Daryl several seconds to realize Rick was there by him and more still to see his hand. Eventually, Daryl's calloused hand found Rick's and Rick pulled him to his feet where he wavered slightly. The sheriff extended his other arm to help steady him.

Rick leaned closer and he could smell the whiskey pouring off of Daryl. He instantly wished it hadn't come to that. "Daryl..." whispered Rick. Daryl raised his eyes and discovered Rick's not far from his own. Normally the proximity would've irritated Daryl but today he was drawn to it. "I'll be whatever you need me to be," said Rick, his voice sure and strong. Daryl tried to nob but ended up biting on his lip to keep himself from fully losing it: His hand swiping again at his wet eyes.

As the seconds slipped by, Daryl fell farther and farther apart. He hadn't made a sound but the steady stream of tears that rolled off his chin were enough to tell Rick that'd he gotten to Daryl just in time. A minute later, Rick was no longer in front of Daryl but at his side and supporting most his weight. Daryl made no attempt to shy away from the arm that took hold of him around his waist and even helped by putting his own over Rick's shoulder and neck.

The cell block had resumed their usual activities by the time Rick stumbled in with Daryl. Rick thought it was easier to move Daryl once he passed out and wasn't tripping over his awkward and faltering steps. The pair had been quickly surrounded by Carol, Glenn, and Hershel who all looked the hunter with care. After it was decided Daryl would be fine after sleeping it off, Glenn helped Rick lay him down in his cell. Carol retrieved a bottle of water and placed it under Daryl's hand so he'd have it he woke. Her fingers brushed his hair away from his eyes and she frowned at the dirty tear tracks that streaked down his cheeks. Feeling the presence of Glenn and Rick behind her, she gave him a quick kiss on his forehead and retreated through the door.

No one mentioned Daryl again that night, but his name was all over the prison at daybreak when his cell was discovered empty.

Thanks again to everyone for reading and especially to those that left a review. (If ya I haven't figured out yet that I love them).

Hell Hath No- Woodbury, unfortunately.

junkie munkie- don't worry, Carol will go after Daryl, she was there. She'll make sure everyone knows her feelings towards the situation (even though I know you really don't like her).

Peachuzoid- I'm glad you liked that it was Maggie that talked to Daryl. I was a little worried that this might seem ooc for her.

AddictedtoCaffine- don't get too mad at Rick. It's not like he wants to arrest Daryl, they were just discussing it as an option that if anyone from the prison gets out of hand, that's what they can do. Granted, if things don't get better between them, it could happen.

Therm- I don't know what happened with Maggie in the show. She was awesome, and then she faded into the background. I hope it wasn't too weird to have her step up and say something to Daryl. As for having Daryl handcuffed or anyone else, no Hershel probably wouldn't be ok with it, but it might be necessary if things get out of control.

mrskaz453- I'm glad we got that miscommunication of our sorted out. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Still love your rants!

Effigy- what if they never get the chance to reconcile?

Surplus Imagination- Thank you for saying I did good with Maggie. That was originally going to be Carol but Maggie was quicker at finding Daryl's crossbow and figured something was up.

Deanandjo4ever1- thank you for finding this and even better leaving me a review! It probably would have been better if Michonne let the boys sort things out then Daryl wouldn't have blown up like he did in front of everyone.

CocoChuba- thank you! He doesn't want to handcuff Daryl but he will if it is in the interest for the group.

tammgrogan- THANK YOU!

Candra wolfgal97- thanks for being my motivation to get an update out a day.

Angela- I agree with what you said about Daryl and how it's hard to tell people's emotional needs in this new world. tho did think about having Carol find Daryl first but Maggie found his bow first and got suspicious. Early bird gets the Daryl haha.