Day 100

After two weeks of scavenging through Sharpsburg, we moved on to Peachtree City. It was definitely bigger and had more walkers. We holed up in a small library for the past week, and it was good. It had only two entranced, we put some newspapers on the windows, and had an emergency protocol of where to go in case we get separated. We found more food, and now our situation started to look better. If Newton is as good to us these two towns, we'll be set up for the winter, which was most important now. Night's were getting longer, and it started to get really cold even during the day.

For the past week, I talked with every member of the group, informing them that it was Daryl's birthday in a few days. I wasn't sure how he'll react to that sort of attention. It could go both ways, he'll either accept it and sit through it all embarrassed. Or he'll rip my head off for even doing it. I was going to take my chances and hope for the best. I was pretty sure he never got himself a birthday party, and I was stuck on giving him one, even if he's going to kill me for it.

Members of the group were collecting trinkets as presents for him, but I didn't have one. I mean, I had one part off it, but the other I hoped to get today. We were raiding a hunting store. We observed it for a few days, and it seemed that it was untouched. The issue was that there were fucking many walkers around it, and that was a problem.

"Plan is simple. Daryl and the boombox move east on 54 towards Atlanta." Rick stood next to the map, spread on one of the tables in our library. "You gonna ditch it here, about fifteen miles out, and circle around. In the meantime, we gonna get through the stores."

"Let's go then, we ain't got all day," Daryl replied and swang his crossbow over his shoulder.

"Be careful, alright?" I told him quietly when we approached vehicles. I handed him the small boombox, with CD already loaded. I'm not sure if he'll appreciate my music choice for that ride, there wasn't much to pick from.

"Always." Daryl grabbed it and tied it to the back of the bike. He smirked at me, I nodded, walking away, to the car.

There was a quick-paced violin echoing from the device, and Daryl looked at it suspiciously. It was loud, but not enough; that is until the beat will start. Some walkers started moving towards Daryl's bike, but he had to wait until they are close enough, and then slowly, he will lead them out of the town.

"You didn't!" Maggie whispered to me, grinning, clearly recognizing the song.

"Oh, yes, I did."

Now that you're outta my life, I'm so much better

You thought that I'd be weak without ya, but I'm stronger

You thought that I'd be broke without ya, but I'm richer

"He looks pissed," Rick commented, watching the hunter, who was glaring in our general direction.

"It was either that or Britney Spears. Whoever owned that car had shit music taste. It's not my fault." I explained, not feeling guilty whatsoever.

"It fits the theme of apocalypse," T added, making us giggle again.

I'm a survivor (what), I'm not gon' give up (what)

I'm not gon' stop (what), I'm gon' work harder (what)

I'm a survivor (what), I'm gonna make it (what)

I will survive (what), keep on survivin' (what)

Finally, Daryl started moving, making dozens of walkers follow him, in a matter of minutes, he disappeared behind the corner. We got to action, T banging on the front door. After a few moments, he shook his head and opened it, Rick and him walking in first, taking a left. Maggie and Glenn went to the right, and Carl and I took the middle alley. There was one walker in there, it was missing its legs, crawling to us. I passed my hunting knife to Carl and signaled for him to finish it off. The boy walked over and pressed his foot on the walker's back, swinging the blade without any hesitation.

"Clear," Rick spoke loudly.

"Clear." Maggie was next, and I smiled at Carl, letting him know that it was his call.

"Clear."

Rick came around, and I saw a flash of a proud smile on his face when he noticed his son, but it disappeared quickly.

"Let's be quick. We need ammo and knives."

"I'm going to the bow section," I told him and walked away to the left. The store was barely touched, probably because of the herd that was outside. I quickly noticed a beautiful quiver and shrugged mine off, grabbing five arrows I had left. I took the brown leather one out of the wall and ran my fingers over it. I collected sticks that were lying down, not that far away, placing them all into my new quiver. Alrighty, I had a beautiful new piece of something, but that's not why I wanted to come here.

There were few loose strings, and I put them inside the bag. After a few minutes of searching, I found what I was looking for and hid it in my pack. When I was ready to turn away and search for some knives, I noticed a recurve bow sitting on one of the bottom shelves. I took it and inspected it. The bow was made from some type of dark wood, with fancy carvings, holding point was wrapped in brown leather. I hold it up, straightening my back and spreading my legs. I took the position and pulled the string. It was in perfect condition, durable and not too big for my small frame. I ditched my own DIY one and put the new one over my back.

"You ready?" I asked the rest when I approached the ammunition section. Carl was standing by the door, keeping an eye for walkers or people.

"Nearly. We got plenty of nice, I got this." Rick showed me a short machete, and I nodded in approval, at least he will stop borrowing mine.

"You think Daryl will like that?" Maggie showed me a big hunting knife, the blade was around ten inches long, handle made of steel like the rest, wrapped in blue material. I took it and hold it for a second.

"Yeah, he will." I handed it back to the woman, she smiled, putting the knife away into a brown leather holster.

"What kind of ammo you need for your guns?" Rick asked me, standing behind the counter. I know they already picked most of it.

"I'm not sure if they got it." I moved next to him and looked for bullets for my sniper and MP5s. I found few boxes for a sniper, but like I suspected, that was it. "Yeah, they fine for my Barretta, but that's not the store I'll find ammo for automatic."

"OK, we should move along then. Let's go, guys."

We returned to the library, with lots of knives and ammo. We added the latter to my duffel back and distributed the blades among the group.

Utilizing the time when Daryl was away, I walked over to one of the bookshelves, towards the hidden spot. We hid the gifts for Dixon behind some books in a section he surely won't venture into, romantic novels. Some gifts were already wrapped in some newspaper we found, all but mine. I took it out and added what I obtained today, admiring it for a second. It was gorgeous, and I really hoped that Daryl will like it. I wasn't counting on a full lip smile or hugs but maybe a small spark in his eyes. That would be enough.

I quickly wrapped it in some newspaper, making sure it won't open before adding it to the others. At that moment, Maggie came in carrying the knife she found on the run.

"All done?" She asked me, smiling in my direction.

"Yeah. I just hope he won't kill me when he realizes what's all the fuss is about." I joked, passing her remaining paper, so she can wrap her gift.

"He won't."

"You don't know him like I do. He hates being in the center of attention. Doesn't know how to deal with it, you know?"

"Yeah, but we all are a family now." She grabbed my hand and squeezed it for a second. "And that's what family does."

"I don't think Daryl knows how normal family should look like, Mags," I told her sadly, and it was true. From all little details, I learned through the months about the hunter. From how he behaved around Merle back at the quarry.

"Then, we'll show him."

"And how's with you and Glenn?" I asked her even though I knew the answer. They slept next to each other every night, barely managed to be separated.

"I've never felt like that before." The young woman admitted, making me smile widely. It's good to see positive emotions in this new world that even in those dark times, it's possible to find happiness.

"You're good for each other. And it brings hope to the group."

"Hmm." She finished wrapping Daryl's present and placed it next to the others. Together we put the books back on the shelf, making sure it's not visible. "I'd like a house with bedrooms, so we can have alone time."

I snorted at that and cocked my head. "Now, I know where all the condoms disappeared."

"Why do you need some?" She wiggled her eyebrows, making me laugh harder. "Certain redneck's finally willing?"

"Stop. It's not like that we're-

"Friends. Yeah, everyone knows that." She interrupted me, growing suddenly serious. "But we also see how you gravitate towards each other. Carol's his friend too. But I can't see her flirting with him like you do."

"It's just because he's easily embarrassed. I enjoy it." I tried to dodge, turn the conversation somewhere else.

"Yeah. But he reacts. And calls you princess."

"As an insult, Mags."

"Look, I'm just saying if you need some rubber, we can share." She winked at me and marched out towards the rest of the group. I breathed out shakily. Of course, I was wondering how it'd be. If Daryl's strong, calloused hands would touch my naked skin, would he be gentle or ruff? No, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't know what to do with himself. Would it mean something to him?

That's precisely why we never going to be anything more than friends. Too many possibilities, the last thing I needed in fucking apocalypse was broken heart.

I shook my head, trying to get rid of those thoughts, and walked over to one of the bookshelves, picking up my next read. I sat down next to Carol, who was reading some book about childbirth, she wanted to help Hershel get ready for the baby. The rest was scattered around the room, Rick and the older man going over the map and plans for the next few days. T-Dog was guarding the door and looking out for any signs of the hunter.

When I was about halfway through and learned how to grow essential vegetables, T finally announced the return of Daryl. He opened the door, and there he was in all his glory, with leather vest, broad chest pressing against the shirt. Crossbow loosely in his right hand, how could he carry it like it weighs nothing, I'd never know.

He spoke in hush words with Rick and Hershel, I made a point to look like I was still engrossed with the book on my lap. But Maggie was observing me. I could feel her eyes on me. Daryl crossed the room and stood directly in front of me, arms crossed on his chest, brows furrowed. I let him be there for a few moments before nonchalantly I put down the book and slowly looked up.

"Something's wrong? You led them away?" Innocent, that's what I was going for. In the corner of my eye, I could see Carol hiding behind her read, but her shoulders were shaking. They all fucking laughing, I'm going to die, and they crack up.

"Ya gonna pay for that." Daryl finally spoke gruffly.

"Promises, promises," I told him slowly smirking at him, making him roll his eyes.

"Stop, I'm serious."

"Look, I'm sorry. It was either that or Britney Spears."

"Who the fuck is that?"

I looked around the room for any sort of help, but most of the group was trying hard not to laugh, so they were no help.

"You know." I cleared my throat and thought of the words. "Oops, I did it again.

I played with your heart, got lost in the game." I was no singer, so I was told many times in the past, but I think he got the jest.

"Oh baby, baby Oops, you think I'm in love" Maggie joined me, making Daryl's eyes go wide, and he shook his head.

"That I'm sent from above

I'm not that innocent."

Daryl scoffed at us and pointed the finger at me. "Next time, ya doin' it."

"Cool, gladly. Just need to learn how to drive your bike."

"Ya ain't touchin' my bike." He said in his husky voice and sat down next to Carol, reaching for food that was left for him. He glanced at a short-haired woman next to him, who was still shaking from silent laugh, and Daryl squinted his eyes.

"The hell ya laughin' at?"

Day 106

For the past week, while we were scavenging houses and smaller stores, Daryl was being sent to the nearby forest, just outside the town. A few days ago he caught a deer, I still don't know how we managed to bring it in on his bike.

Today was the day, October the second. Rick told the hunter to go once again out to the woods. In a couple of days, we're going to be moving to the Newnan, and he wanted to have as much fresh meat as possible. At least that's what we told Daryl. He also had to take me with him, leading to using a pick-up instead of his bike, and he was bitching about that all the time we drove.

But I'd survive his bickering. I wanted to test my new bow properly, even Daryl admitted that it's a beautiful weapon. And of course, someone had to babysit him, make sure he doesn't come back to the library too early. In the meantime, Lori and Carol were supposed to prepare a nice dinner, with venison and vegetables. We didn't have the luxury of baking him a cake, so cookies and sweets we found recently had to be enough.

Daryl pulled over on the edge of a tree line, hoping to hide the car from the view. We walked inside the woods, and as always, he told me to lead the way, so he can watch my back. Did I mention already how sweet it was? Of course, I'd never say that to him, I value my life too much.

I followed the direction hunter told me to go, making sure to be as quiet as possible. I looked around, trying to spot any tracks, listening intently to the sounds of nature. My bow was in front of me, with an arrow notched, ready to be pulled back at any second.

That second came about an hour later, we were deep in the forest by now, following tracks of what seemed to be a rabbit, when I heard scrapping on my left. I stopped and rose the bow in that direction. I felt Daryl watch me, his eyes on me when I straightened my back and lined up the arrow. Without hesitation, I pulled the string and released it, hitting the squirrel and making it land on the ground. He moved ahead and grabbed it, tieing the animal to the line, attaching it to his waist.

"How it feels?" He asked me quietly and passed the arrow.

"Not bad, it doesn't steer away. The other one I had to aim a bit to the right. It'll take some time to get used to normal aim." I smiled at him before I could move, he grabbed his crossbow, aiming at something behind me. His face grew warry, focused. I quickly crouched down and heard the familiar sound of a bolt being shot. I twisted still close to the ground and noticed a dead walker, just a few yards behind me.

"We should move." I agreed with that, and we moved along in a different direction.

We ended up with three more rodents and a rabbit, but that was it, and we were in the woods for about five hours.

"They start prepping for winter, for a hibernation," I spoke when Daryl turned the car around, towards the library.

"Hmm." I glanced at the hunter, but he was focused on the road in front of us, slowly smoking cigarette. I found my own package and light up the stick, inhaling nicotine deep into my lungs.

I was getting anxious, the closer we got to the town, shifting a bit in my seat. I thought my face was blank, and he won't notice how nervous I am. But obviously, when you spend so much time with someone, they tend to see a change in your behavior.

"Ya quiet. What have ya done?"

"Nothing," I answered maybe too quickly, because he glared at me, furrowing his brows.

"Right."

"Seriously, it's nothing. I just keep thinking about winter and what else we can do."

"Nah, that's not it." Damn, you Dixon for being so fucking observant and knowing me so well.

"Well, what is it then?"

"Ya tell me." He pulled over, just by the sign welcoming us to Peachtree City, shifting so he could get a good look at my face. For fuck sake, you're a great liar, Elena. Why is it so much harder when it comes to Him?

"Daryl," I started, opting for a half-truth. I cleared my throat and continued. "It's nothing, I swear. But I can't tell you. You'll find out soon."

He stared at my face, into my eyes for a moment before he nodded and started the car again. "I don't like ya lyin' to me."

I sighed at that because I didn't like that either. "I'm not; it's a secret which you going to learn once we back. It's nothing bad, I promise."

"Hmm."

He didn't speak for the rest of the drive, making me even more nervous. Maybe it was a terrible idea. I still had time to cancel. All I had to do was radio over to Rick, they could get rid of presents, and we could pretend that we just have a nice dinner for a change.

No, I'm not a fucking pussy, and Daryl deserves something good in his life. But was it worth his anger? Probably, maybe.

He parked the car, next to his bike, and we got out, strolling towards the entrance. I could see Glenn watching, through the window, saying something to the others. I sped up, and grabbed Daryl's arm, just by the door, stopping him from going inside.

"Please, don't be mad," I asked him softly, biting my lip. His face looked confused until Rick opened the door. Big smile on his face, was probably the first thing that told Daryl that something's wrong. We haven't seen sheriff smile like that in weeks. He urged us inside, pushing Daryl first until he stood in the middle of the room.

They did well. Really, one of the tables had a clean white cloth with bowl and plates, whatever we had. The meat smelled terrific, sitting on a big dish in the middle, opened cans of various vegetables and sides, around it. There were a few bottles of wine and some plastic cups. On the other table, they placed presents wrapped in the newspapers, and some cookies and snacks.

Daryl slowly turned around and come closer to me, looking me in the eyes.

"What's that?" His voice was dangerously low, and this time for the first time since I met him, he scared me a little. Not because he would hurt me. No, I was joking about it, I knew he would never physically hurt me. No, I meant rejection, the fact that he would just get angry and demand to get rid of it. And I was right.

I gulped, and put a brave smile on my face, spreading my arms. "Happy birthday!"

Daryl scoffed at that and pushed me aside, leaving the library through the main entrance.

"I'll go get him," Rick said quietly while I tried to breathe, making my face emotionless again.

"It could be worse." I deadpanned, walking over to one of the chairs.

"Really?" T-Dog looked at me like I'm crazy, and I nodded.

"Well, he didn't stab me, so yeah."

"OK, guys, let's sit around; it might make him more comfortable," Carol said, looking at me with sympathy. I didn't need it, I knew that it was the possibility.

"Is he gonna come back?" Beth asked, looking between her father and me.

"Rick will calm him down. But when he does, let's start with eating, making him less nervous. Then we can give him presents." The old man always knew what to say. I smiled at him briefly.

"They back," Glenn whispered, and indeed after a second, we heard doors opening and footsteps coming towards us. I had my back to the entrance, so I couldn't see them. Someone pulled the chair next to me, sitting down. From angry mumbling, I deducted it was Daryl himself.

"Came to kill me silently during dinner?" I asked him not looking in his direction.

"Haven't decided yet."

Alrighty, I'll take that. Carol and Beth stood up and started filling everyone's plates with meat, adding small portions of canned food. T-Dog walked around the table and filled our glasses, leaving a full bottle in front of Dixon. Ah, smart tactic, tame the beast with alcohol.

"Before we start, I know Elena wanted to say something." The sheriff said, raising his glass and pointing at me. Damn you, Officer Friendly, for throwing me under the bus like that. I glanced over at Daryl, but he stubbornly watched his plate, not lifting his head.

I coughed for second and stood up. "Yes, right. Well, we all know why we're here. Daryl, happy birthday. I know that you're not the happiest person on the planet at the moment. And you're probably plotting how to kill me in my sleep, right now." I spoke in a modulated tone.

"But you deserve it. Because you're vital part of this group. This family. Without you, we'd often starve, or simply get lost. Without you, some of us would be already dead, T and I on top of that list."

I looked around the room, noticing small encouraging smiles from Maggie and Carol, so I continued. "I know you don't like attention, but it's as much for you as for us. We need some positiveness in our lives, and it's the perfect time for it. We are alive, we are together. We have temporary shelter and a solid plan for winter. And you're part of this. We wanted to show you that we appreciate you and care for you."

He glared at me, but his face wasn't as angry as before, and I'd take it. "So let's eat, drink and then you'll sit and accept our gifts because we spend a lot of fucking time collecting them."

I finished and sat down, making some people giggle at my last remark.

"I'll drink to that." T-Dog was the first one to speak after that, raising his glass before taking a sip. The rest of the group quickly following, including Daryl, who downed his drink in one go. I reached out and poured him another one, catching his blue eyes for a second.

We all ate and had a small chat about nothing, some memories from before the world turned to shit, places I visited in my job, though I speared them gory details. When everyone was visibly relaxed, Carol took charge of gifts. She started bringing them one by one to Daryl.

"OK, let's start with mine." She told him, passing a medium-sized soft package. Hunter licked his fingers, not realizing how sensual it looks like, one after the other. Lori nudged me in my side. Apparently, I was staring. Daryl ripped the paper and looked confused at the grey-haired woman. I leaned forward, seeing this ugly blanket we brought with us after we got stuck in pharmacy weeks ago.

"Um, thanks?"

"Oh, get it here." She lifted it up and showed us something which was resembling a poncho, I think. Stitched together in shoulders. "For the winter, so you not cold." He hummed in reply and sent her a small smile of appreciation.

I on the other hand, was reliving that particular morning when I woke up with Daryl hugging me tightly to his body. His chest was broad, muscly. Not in a way that men gain in a gym, no, he has a working man body, and it made him so much more attractive. His hands were on me, one on the hip, and the other somehow slipped under my shirt, warming the skin on my back.

And then he woke up, tensed, pushed me off him to the floor and didn't speak to me for three days. It was fun, now you see why I doubt that anything romantic will happen between us?

Carol brought another gift over, a small package I recognized as Maggies. The hunter admired the knife for a little bit, then stood up and attached it to his belt, thanking the young woman.

"Elena helped me pick it." I moved my head to her, what's she playing at? Her only response was smirk and a wink. Oh, right, she's still on a mission to get us together.

"That one's from Bethy and me," Hershel said, when Daryl reviled silver compass, with fancy engraving on it, and small swiss army pocket knife.

"Thanks, man," Daryl said when he opened T's gift that contained a whole bottle of whiskey, Jack Daniels, no less. "We'll share."

"No, it's yours."

"If I wanna share I'll," Daryl replied, making the black man smile, at that. I think T-Dog was sometimes still surprised how different Daryl is from Merle, that he won't judge him by the color of his skin.

"Next one is from Lori and Carl."

"We thought you might need a new pair." She told Daryl when he opened the package, and hold up a black pair of pants.

"Thanks." He grunted and put it on top of the ugly blanket, sorry, poncho.

"That's from me," Glenn said when Carol passed the hunter small, rectangular gift. I didn't like how Asian man was smiling, in this same way, when Maggie spoke to me about Daryl. It's dangerous if those two are planning something.

Daryl ripped the newspaper and looked stunned at what looked like a book. "The fuck..." I tried to look at the title, but he quickly stood up and shoved it in his back pocket, without looking at anyone. I squinted my eyes and turned to look at Glenn. He shifted uncomfortably under my graze but was still smiling.

"That's from me, I didn't have time to wrap it," Rick said, walking over and passing new looking Glock 19 to Daryl. He patted his shoulder and sat back down, drinking some water.

"Thanks, man."

"Alrighty, so it's just mine left," I said and moved to the remaining gift. It was bigger then others, it was hard to wrap it all, to not show what it is. I carried it over to him, Daryl was still standing, so I had to lift my head to look him in the eyes.

"I hope you like it," I said, handing the package over. The hunter looked at it suspiciously, before gently picking at the paper, slowly revealing what it was.

A blue, nearly turquoise, quiver, with black stitched patterns. Inside and the strap was made out of black leather. I found it in one of the cars, back in Senoia. It was shorter than normal ones, clearly made for a crossbow, and I automatically thought about the hunter. Inside there were about twenty new bolts, some with green fletchings, some with orange. All black, with steel heads, better than homemade ones, and more durable.

I was watching his face for any reaction, but there was none, he kept looking at the quiver, moving it around. But still, minutes passed, and he didn't say anything, didn't move his eyes, didn't shift his expression. I could feel the tension in the room rising as everyone was waiting for his reaction. The group kept telling me how awesome my present was, Carol kept saying that he was going to love it, and now, here we are, and he's just frozen.

I took a deep breath and put a huge, fake smile on my face.

"I'm gonna have a smoke," I told everyone, and quickly maneuvered between tables, to the back stairs, leading to a roof.

I pushed a small door open, and fresh, crispy air hit me in the face. I swallowed tears that threatened to spill out of my eyes, and scowled, angry at myself. Before I met these damn people, it was years since I fucking cried. And now, at least once a week, I feel like letting my emotions spill and take over. I took out the cigarette and lighted it up.

He didn't like it. So what's the big deal? It's not that I've been looking for two fucking months for a perfect gift, for a complicated man like a Daryl fucking Dixon.

I closed the eyes when I inhaled again, hoping that it'll help calm me down.

"Ya angry?" Gruffy voice sounded from somewhere behind me, making me tense once again.

"Why would I be angry, Daryl?" I answered, flicking finished cigarette over the edge and lighting up another one. I could feel him watch me, my emotionless face, stiff posture. Yeah, I certainly gave away that vibe. I ran a hand over my face, suddenly just tired.

"I'm not angry. There's nothing to angry about." I added softly. I heard him spark the lighter, and I could see a cloud of smoke in the corner of my eye.

"Look, El. I'm not good at this." I chuckled dryly at his words nodding to myself.

"No, shit. No worries, I guess there's no way of pleasing everyone."

"What ya on about, woman?"

I sighed and finally shifted, looking him in the face. "My gift. You don't like it, and it's fine. No big deal."

His face became confused, his eyes bore into my grey ones. "I like it."

Now, I was bewildered. "Then why-"

"I dunno how to deal with that shit, El. I never had a fuckin' birthday party. No one ever gave me somethin' I'd like. Somethin' that was just for me." He said in a low tone. He threw his cigarette to the ground and then gently pried the one from my fingers, doing this same to that one.

"I never had people care 'bout me. Ya know that ya seen it. That's why I was angry when we came back. 'Cause it's fuckin' confusin'. And then yur gift- Thank you." I closed eyes again, scrunching my face, trying not to cry at his words. "They told me, it's all yur idea."

He moved forward and hesitantly pulled me to him, placing his hands on my back. I wrapped mine around his waist and pushed feet forward, trying to be as close to this man as possible. His warmth, scent, the closeness of his body was calming, relaxing. He was like a drug. And even though I tried, hard to stop it from happening, it did.

I was addicted. And my poison was Daryl Dixon.