Daryl walked steadily even as the bickering behind him started to escalate. Really he just wanted a second to breathe without Mary's fucking oppressive eyes all over him. It was making him sick to his stomach and he needed out of that house before he snapped and ended up hurting her. God knew he had enough built up rage from over the years to justify it. Just watching Logan's heart broken eyes each birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, parents day at school….all of it was just too fucking much and it was churning in his stomach like he'd drank acid.

"Are you really such a baby that you can't even acknowledge that I'm here?" Liz taunted. "I mean really….it was a chicken. It could have been worse. I could have stabbed you after all."

Logan scoffed and Daryl smirked. He didn't even need to look at his son to know that Logan was fuming.

"You would have never got close enough to knife me you crazy fucking harpy." Logan snarled while moving closer to his dad. "Why is she with us!"

"HARPY!" Liz sneered shouldering Logan into Daryl. "I'll have you know before the world decided to start chewing dicks off every unsuspecting man out there I was a real gem!"

"I bet." Logan smiled condescendingly.

Daryl looked over as a quiet sigh escaped the smaller of the two girls. She looked up at him then looked over at Liz who was leering at Logan. Logan looked flustered and Daryl grimaced suddenly and Sophia mirrored him. This was all he needed and he could already feel a migraine starting. Christ it was bad enough that Merle was intentionally trying to start a fight between Carol and Mary; now he had to watch to make sure he was going to be a fucking grandfather before his son seen his next birthday.

"You little mother-" Liz barked.

"Liz." Sophia admonished.

Daryl paused his eyes sweeping over the area that the girls had took over in the clearing. It was worn down and he steadily eyed the area. It was clear that they'd been staying here for a while and he was concerned with exactly how they'd been taking care of themselves. He wasn't so much worried about walkers because the place was indeed fenced but the walkers weren't the worst of things out there. He still regretted not maiming Shane; that guy was still alive after all.

"Sophia you can't honestly expect me to get along with him." Liz through her arm towards Logan who was walking around the perimeter of the clearing. "He's got an attitude problem!"

"Liz unless you're blind then you know why he's so tense." Sophia whispered. Her eyes shot towards Logan and then Daryl. He ignored her but arched a brow and seen her flush. "You know how horrible Mary is."

"We should have never took that dead weight on." Liz hissed. "I blame you for that."

Sophia nodded and then shrugged. "Then we would still be out there lost."

"Sophia we're still fucking lost!" Liz growled. "We don't know these people."

Sophia smiled at her and shook her head. "We don't but I don't think they will hurt us."

"You trust to easy!" Liz pulled her closer. "I attacked him, you maimed that other, Sophia- you can't honestly think they'll forget that. Both of their dads were murderous."

Daryl did raise his head at that and Liz paled slightly. Sophia didn't seem bothered but instead sighed and then pulled Liz towards him. Daryl pulled himself standing and his eyes tracked Logan. He was watching into the woods and Daryl could tell from the set of his shoulders he was listening to game move.

"Do you intend to rape, murder, or torture us?" Sophia questioned. "I assure you we wouldn't be good to eat either. To bony."

Daryl stared at the girl for a second before he felt a laugh bubbling up in his chest. After the day he'd had he needed this. God did he need this. These two were a breath of fresh air. He smiled at them and it wasn't his usual one that was full of disdain and brooding. The sound of his laughter had Logan looking over his shoulder towards him. He scowled at Liz before raising a brow at his father. Daryl waved his concern away but continued to smile.

"I can assure you both that none of that is even a possibility." Daryl watched as Sophia nodded succinctly. "What the fuck kind of time have you had out there that you'd think….you know what never mind you had that bitch with you so I'm not even asking."

Sophia glared at Liz, "See he isn't even interested in your sixteen year old body so stop freaking out!"

"I still attacked his son." Liz said petulantly.

Daryl nodded, "You did." The girl met his eyes and he didn't like the unsure look that was there. She hid it well but he could see her worry behind her bravado. It wasn't hard to guess that she did want to stay. If not for herself the girl next to her. It wasn't safe out there. "He'll get over it and so will Brian. They've done worse to each other."

Sophia raised a brow at him, "I seen Brian's face. You can't honestly mean to tell me that Logan's done worse to him."

"He has." Daryl chuckled and watched Logan make his way back to him. Tension left his shoulders. "He shot him once."

"What the fuck." Liz smiled. Her eyes shot to Logan but he ignored her and smiled at his dad.

"He fucking deserved it." Logan shrugged. "There isn't any new tracks."

Daryl motioned them forward and Logan fell in step with him. They walked in silence for a good hour before Liz broke. She caught up to them and was looking between them.

"You can't say shit like he shot someone and just not tell us the story." Her voice amused.

Logan again ignored her. Daryl shook his head, "They fight non stop. You'll get use to it."

Liz glowered at Logan's continued silence but he didn't budge. Daryl looked at him and he could see amusement at her expense dancing in his eyes. He looked at his dad and smiled. When they were further into the woods he could see the tracks that the girls made from their movements while staying here. It lead quickly to the damaged section of fence. Daryl and Logan both examined it and the girls meandered around them in the bushes. He watched them silently as they whispered but got busy fixing it.

It was an easy fix really since they'd worked a piece loose and he'd fixed parts of this before. Working silently he felt Logan relax next to him. He looked over at his dad and forced a smile.

"How long do you think that Mary will stay?"

Daryl fought the anger that wanted to lash out at the sound of her name leaving Logan's mouth. It was unreasonable since he couldn't very well keep him from saying his mother's name. He was pretty sure though that he'd stroke out if he heard him ever call her mom. He'd puke, shit and stroke the fuck out in one foul swoop.

"I don't think that bitch is leaving." Daryl grimaced. Logan looked over at him and sighed heavily. "Do you want her gone?"

Logan silently chewed his lip. He looked deep in thought so Daryl let him work it out for himself. He wasn't going to force his hand. Sending Mary away would be a death sentence for her. He knew his son and knew his answer even though he was still working it out. It was why he didn't refuse her coming back to the house.

"We can't do that." Logan's voice was morose. "We'd be just as bad as her then."

Daryl looked over at him and nudged him, "Despite her being there it's still your fucking house. Not hers, never hers."

Logan smiled at him easily. "And Carol? Is it her house?" Daryl chuckled but Logan threw a sharp elbow into him. "You know that she's going to try and start something with her."

Daryl nodded and then his chuckle turned mean. "Do you think that Carol is going to roll over and take it?"

"No." Logan snorted, "I imagine that when we get back to the house she's going to piss on your leg."

Daryl recoiled and looked at Logan. Logan was smiling widely at him and waggled his brows. Daryl glowered at him but Logan just kept smiling at him. He looked to much like Merle at the moment and Daryl got a sinking feeling in his stomach. He couldn't deal with two Merle's starting shit. No take that back because Mac was there which meant he was going to be stirring shit up and so was Brian.

Ignoring his son he snapped the last of the fence back into the place and made sure it'd hold. When he was sure it was steady he stepped back. Logan mirrored him and both of them swiped sweat off their faces. Logan was soaked through and already shed his leather jacket. His shirt was clinging to him and Daryl knew he was just as sweaty. Despite the chill in the woods the sun was beating down on them like the dickens.

"How long are you going to ignore her?" Daryl questioned startling Logan.

Logan pretended to not hear him to Daryl stared at him. When he finally looked up there was hint of red tinting his face. Daryl arched his own brow at Logan a mirror of how he'd just done him over Carol. Logan scowled at him and Daryl felt a triumphant smile lazily slide into place.

"I have nothing to say to her." He said flippantly.

Daryl hummed, "All the more reason to keep my eye on the two of you then." Daryl taunted.

Daryl flushed violently. "Stop."

"Keep it in your pants." Daryl warned.

"I'm hardly a whore." Logan retorted. "I'm not Brian, I'm more like you than you think."

Daryl grimaced, "Like I said." He really didn't need to think of how he was at Logan's age or the shit he'd gotten into.

"Besides why would I attempt to fuck someone who is going to attack me at fucking random. Have you seen how volatile she is?" Logan questioned suddenly. "She isn't sane."

Daryl barked out a laugh causing both girls to look at them and start make their way back over. Liz and Sophia had both given up the pretense of doing anything useful. They'd both been lazing in the sun. Logan ignored them and shrugged his leather coat on despite the sweat coating himself.

"Are we all done?" Liz questioned, "I would like to get back and see if Mary's maimed yet."

"We can hope." Logan muttered.

The walk back was almost near silent. Lost in thought the group of them followed Logan as Daryl brought up the rear. Both girls were constantly between them. Daryl smiled at how despite his anger at the girls Logan made sure that they were at all times between them in case something was to go wrong. That….that was the difference between men like his son and the Shanes of the world. Shane would have already been looking for a weakness and an avenue to slide between their thighs no doubt. The thought curdled in his stomach and he felt a sharp protectiveness flair in him.

When the house was in view Liz's shoulders drooped, "Well I don't see her swinging from a tree or a fresh grave. I guess our hopes were in vain."

"Lizbeth…." Sophia snorted, "That's rude...it's his mother."

Logan whirled around a fierce anger scorching the air around him. "NO." He snarled low in his throat. "That bitch is not my mother."

Sophia and Liz stepped back from him. Daryl didn't slow his pace as he walked around them and straight to his son. He caught his bicep. His grip was tight and he forced Logan to meet his eyes as he pulled him towards him. Their chest were partially touching and he could feel the anger heaving Logan's chest at the notion of someone calling Mary his mother.

"She's not." He forced out between clenched teeth.

"I know that." Daryl said dryly. He shot a look to both girls who were watching with wide eyes, "They on the other hand do not. They don't deserve you snapping at them."

Logan blew out a heavy breath and Daryl relaxed his grip as he watched some of the anger leave his eyes.

"Okay so since that wasn't awkward or anything….why did she say she was your mom then?" Liz challenged but it held no bite. Her eyes were wide and locked onto Logan.

Logan clinched his jaw violently. The audible click of his teeth made Liz's eyes shudder and she walked closer. Sophia was right by her. When Logan said nothing both girls looked to Daryl their eyes shining.

"She is just the woman that gave birth." Sophia answered suddenly. Her eyes were sad and she shrugged, "Known a few of them in our time. Should have known when we met her. She's a shady woman."

"She's a piece of shit." Logan snarled his voice low and menacing.

Liz looked from Daryl to Logan, "So Carol's your step mom? OH I bet that grates on Mary's nerves."

Logan's face relaxed at that. He looked to his dad and a slow smile that was that of his uncles. "Oh yes….she's just pissing in the wind, right dad?"

Daryl started walking and ignored all three kids. How the fuck did he suddenly become a babysitter? He was horrible with most kids besides his own. Why were they following him? When they stepped out of the trees the back door slammed open and Brian was there. He had a glare plastered over his face and he threw his arms into the air.

"You take all these fuck faces but not me?" Brian complained, "I mean really what the fuck."

"Calm down Princess." Logan purred, "Don't forget that you're all concussed. I'd hate to have to carry your dainty ass through the woods."

"You son of a fucking bitch whore mongering toad." Brian snarled, "Stop fucking calling me that for the last goddamn time. I swear to fuck if you don't I'm going to punch you in the dick so hard your dad will be searching for tampons for your sorry ass."

"Ohhhh big threats." Logan taunted, "Sure you can manage it shovel face?"

"Oh my god." Sophia whined.

Brian's face turned towards her and he glowered, "You." He sneered, "Are. A. Bitch."

With that he spun on his heel and disappeared inside. Daryl sighed heavily and rubbed his face. Daryl looked at Logan and he smiled. He followed Brian, a steady stream of taunts erupting from his mouth. Sophia looked upset and Daryl wished more than anything Carol or his mom would take them off his hands. They'd be more suited for them than him. He didn't know how to calm her down!

"He called him shovel face!" Sophia hissed. "And and….my god he...he called me a bitch! Those jerks!"

Liz smiled, "I think I like it here already. Rather lively."

Daryl walked inside and his fucking two shadows came as well. Carol looked over suddenly and he watched as she relaxed instantly. Her eyes scanned both girls and she seemed pleased to see them. He didn't see Mary and he let some of the tension leave him as he walked further into the house. Liz caught his forearm and he turned to look at her.

"It's okay that we're in here right?"

Daryl frowned and nodded slowly. "I told you earlier you didn't have to stay in that tent. There is a room, I mean you'd need to share with Sophia, but it's there if you want it."

Liz looked towards Carol and back at him. Sophia seemed to be waiting on whatever her friend was going to say. Daryl waited her out and she blew out a breath.

"Your wife won't care? We did attack Brian and Logan with no care for what how they fared."

Daryl arched a brow, "I'm pretty sure she's about to try and force feed you both."

Carol was walking towards them with two loaded down plates of food. Ruby was shadowing her and had another with even more food piled on it. When they reached them Liz released his forearm. Carol just smiled at them and slid the plates onto the table.

"I hope you're hungry."

"Sit." Ruby ordered all three of them. "I'm going to get the boys and your horrible brothers."

"Where are they?"

Carol smiled suddenly. "Time out."

Daryl choked on his drink and looked up at her. Carol was smiling at him and Ruby was already walked away. Both girls were watching Carol wearily. Daryl was reminded of Sophia's comment about knowing women like Mary before. He didn't want to know what they'd meant by that and instead looked at his plate.

"Merle and Mac were acting like kids so Ruby treated them like kids. She threatened to make them hug it out."

Daryl grimaced at that but Carol tugged at his hair making him look up. Her fingers were carding through his sweaty hair and she just smiled. Her eyes turned to the girls, "If you want more you're welcome to it. No need to ask."

"Yes ma'am." They both said.

Carol frowned, "Carol, just Carol."

"Okay Just Carol." Liz smiled at her slowly. "Are you going to piss on his leg like Logan said?"

Carol's eyes shot to Daryl and he glared at the girl. She beamed at him innocently the same time that satan's whore walked into the room. He felt her eyes on him but ignored it. Carol's grip tightened on his shoulder slightly and her nails bit into his throat.

"Get the measuring tape Sophia." Liz stage whispered, "We're getting ready to see our first dick measuring."

"Jesus fucking Christ." Daryl grumbled.

Liz blinked big doe eyes up at him and he forced a smile away. He knew he shouldn't be laughing but it was there because neither of those boys knew what was in store for them. They were use to throwing people and the girls they'd went to school with off kilter. Something told him though that these two were getting ready to ruffle more than just a few of their feathers.