A/N: Guys, I'm back! Sorry, it took me so long, but I had some issues. At home, at work, and generally I felt for the past two months very shitty. But I got my head around it, found back my inspiration, and already have another six chapters written, and ready. So, enjoy!

Cheers :)


Day 345

The past two days were weird, to say at least. We took the Decatur group back to the prison, placed them in block D with Woodbury people, and allocated them jobs. Ellen would help with kitchen and laundry duty, while the men would work on fences and watchtower. But that wasn't what I was talking about. The kids had plenty of space to run around; Luke was playing with Owen and Carl, but Lucy... That was a different story.

The girl was, in fact, two years old, and she was walking confidently. But the only words she would say was 'yes', 'no', and 'mommy'—the last one directed at me. If I was outside, and so was she, she would follow me everywhere. It was cute and unnerving simultaneously. Carol and Maggie were laughing at the sight of little blonde angel following me around in the fields. Merle added his fuel to all of this by making these snarky comments about having enough sex with Daryl to make our own kid. I knew that he was doing it only because he was getting a reaction out of me, but it was still pissing me off.

Today was day two being back in prison, and according to Hershel, who had radio this morning, Daryl and Michonne were on their way back. How the fuck am I going to explain to Daryl my new fan number one?

I was standing in front of Carol, who was prepping lunch for everyone, while Beth was bouncing Judith on her hip next to the grill. I felt a soft tug at the back of my shirt and turned around. It was Lucy again, standing in her new green dress, something that Beth found for her in our supplies. She was clean, and I could see just how pretty she really was. My heart clenched, just like every time the girl looked up at me with that big, sad eyes. She was holding out a bunch of daisies, stretching her small hand towards me.

I swallowed harshly and crouched down so she could see me better, and I tried to give her a tiny smile.

"Is it for me?" I asked softly, and Lucy nodded, making her curls bounce around her shoulders.

"They're beautiful. Did you get them yourself?" Lucy nodded again, then turned around and run away towards where other kids were playing. I sighed heavily and tightened my grip on the flowers.

"She's a really sweet girl," Carol commented, not stopping what she was doing with the pots.

"Yeah," I answered shortly, glancing down at the petals in my hand. "I have to put them in water or something," I mumbled, and with my head low, I stumbled inside the cellblock C.

It was early afternoon, so luckily, most people were out and about, performing their duties. I rushed through the common area and then towards my cell. My shoulders dropped the second I stepped inside my little room and closed my eyes for a few moments. After another shaky breath, I moved to the small table and placed the flowers in the glass. I opened the water bottle and poured some inside the glass, taking a few sips before screwing the cap back in.

It wasn't the time to feel sad for myself, I had an hour until my watch, and later when Daryl comes back, we will have a council meeting. I sat down and took my backpack from underneath the bed, placing it next to me on a bed. I shifted my back towards the entrance and reached for the little jaws I took from the hardware store.

I worked on my mini-project for about thirty minutes before deciding to hide it back in my bag and left my solitary. Slowly I made my way to where Chloe and Maggie stood by the grill and grabbed a plate with meat they were watching. The red-haired woman didn't speak to me since the night of the bonfire, but I could sense that she wasn't my biggest fan in the world. I thanked both of them and quickly ate what was there before making my way towards the guard tower.


It was getting late, but the sun was still scorching, making my skin drip in sweat while I swang hammer down onto the nails plunged in the wooden plank in front of me. We were expanding our outside courtyard, and with tools we found just a few days ago, it was easy. Oscar was telling Merle and I stories from his youth, and we were all laughing, exchanging the memories. It was nice to relax a little, and it was good to see older Dixon trying to be civil with other people in prison. He is still mainly stuck by me, but he gets along fine with ex-prisoners and, surprisingly, Carol. I think Merle admired her a lot by how she changed since he knew her in the quarry and how she protected her family. That was definitely something that those two had in common.

The shouting by the main gate got our attention, and when I turned around, wiping the bead of sweat from my forehead, I could see a familiar car. A huge smile appeared on my face, and I placed the toll on the plank, excusing myself.

"Sorry, boys, but I gotta go greet my man."

"Just be quiet this time. I can't fuckin' stand listenin' to Darlina's groans. Too fuckin' weird," Merle snickered behind me, making me glare at him, but it was Oscar who answered.

"Ain't your business what they doing in their cell, man."

"Thanks, Oscar. Shut up, Merle. Like I don't know that you get off while we doing it, creep." I showed him a finger and turned around just when the car parked behind other vehicles. I started to walk in that direction, ignoring laughs coming out of the older Dixon.

As soon as the engine cut off, the passenger's door opened, and Michonne stormed off the car. Her clothes were covered in blood, and she was scowling more than usual. I cocked my brow at her, but she pushed past me, bumping my shoulder with hers and going towards the prison. Alrighty, someones not in the mood, that's for sure. I faced the car once again and furrowed my brows when no one else got out. I strolled to the driver's side, glancing over at Daryl through the window.

He was sitting still, his strong hands gripping the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles turned white. Loose strands of his hair covered his eyes, and his arms were covered in blood, just like Katana's clothes. Slowly I opened the door, snapping Daryl out of his thoughts, and when his Georgia's blue eyes met mine, I felt my heart skip a beat. He had a black eye and split lip, but it was the anger radiating off him that made me tread carefully. I haven't seen that expression in his eyes for a long time. That was the old Daryl, a man that had issues with controlling his fury and exploded easily, and I knew something terrible had to happen to put him back in that state.

I smiled softly and slowly outstretched my hand, waiting for him. "Let's go get you cleaned up, Big Boy," My voice was soft and comforting. Daryl looked me up and down and shut his eyes for a second, trying to calm himself down, before finally putting his hand in mine and getting out of the vehicle.

I squeezed his hand hard and started leading him towards the prison, and when I spotted Merle near us, I shook my head gently and sent him a sharp look, hoping he will understand the message.

"Can you take care of supplies from the car?" I asked the men, and Oscar nodded quickly, putting his tools away.

"Sure thing, Boss."

Merle observed his younger brother, squinting his eyes and scowling, but finally, he followed Oscar, and I started walking again. Daryl's hand was warm, holding onto me like I was his anchor. I dropped his hand for a second once we were in the common area, turning to face the hunter.

"I'll grab fresh clothes and be back in a second, alright?" He didn't reply, staring at the wall in front of him, blanking Sasha and Beth, who sat by one of the tables, taking care of Judith. I jogged towards our cell and quickly went through our packs, taking out a blue cut-off shirt, fresh boxers, and a pair of pants I hoped would fit him. I took a new top for myself and run out back to the common room, noticing that Daryl didn't move an inch.

When I grabbed his hand, the hunter flinched and almost pulled away until he glanced down, noticing that it's just me. I was starting to get a bit worried, so I pulled Daryl towards the showers with me without a word. I closed the door behind us, made my way to one of the fixed pipes in the corner, and started the water. It will be cold, but maybe that's precisely what Daryl needs right now.

I turned around, and a small shiver went down my spine at the cold stare coming out of the hunter. Alright, it's going to be fine. Whatever happened out there, it placed Daryl in a wounded animal stage.

Slowly I strode over to where he was standing and reached out for his vest. His eyes were drilling holes in my face; squinted a little, his usual scowl on his lips. Gently I removed the vest and started on his cut-off, slowly undoing one button after the other, not averting my eyes from his. I needed him to know that he is safe and that I won't hurt him. My palms touched his firm stomach, and slowly I traced them up to his broad shoulders, helping Daryl shrug the shirt off.

I noticed a bruise on his right side; purple covered a big area underneath his ribs. The hell happened out there? Daryl looked like he was in a fight, and on top of it, he and Michonne seemed to have a pretty heavy argument back in the car. Slowly I reached out to his belt and tried to undo it, but his hand clenched tightly around my wrist, squeezing tightly.

My eyes traveled up, and I noticed his grim expression and scrunched brows.

"You need a shower," I said softly, hoping that he will let me take care of himself.

"I ain't need yur help," He grunted and stepped back, turning his back to me. I sighed heavily and run a hand through my hair. Seeing him like that was breaking my heart. But I also knew that he would be more upset even with his resistance if I let him push me away.

I grabbed the hem of my top and quickly peeled it off me, my shoes and pants following. I placed my clothes on the floor close to the door, shivering when the cold air hit my skin. My bra and panties quickly joined the rest of my wardrobe, and then I pushed past Daryl, not looking back at him. I turned on the shower and gasped when the water started pouring down, it was cool, nearly freezing, but it was fresh and will do the job.

Hesitating just for a moment, I dug my head under the stream and let my hair get wet. I turned around, wiping water from my eyes, and blinking a few times to glance at Daryl. He stood in the same place, but his pants were gone, and he was staring intensely at my naked body.

"Could you pass me a shampoo?" I asked lowly, and that snapped him from his thoughts. Hunter shook his head and reached down for a small bottle I brought with us, and he crossed to the room, standing right in front of me.

Even with the cold water hitting my skin and creating goosebumps, I still could feel the heat radiating out of his gorgeous body. I took the bottle from his hands and stepped aside, pulling him under the stream, making him hiss at sudden temperature change. I was washing my hair while Daryl braced his hands on the wall, letting the water work its magic and wash out the dirt and blood from his tanned skin.

He was a sight I could never get tired of. Strong lines of muscles covered his back and arms; his ass was tight, making me want to dig my nails in his flesh. Strong legs, spread apart, water dripping all over Daryl's body made me bite my lower lip for a second before I refocused on the task at hand.

Pouring more liquid in my hands, I pressed my body to his back and slowly worked on his hair. My fingers were massaging his scalp gently, and slowly I could feel his body relax. Muscles of his back twitched when he pushed himself upright and turned around to face me. Now we both stood under the cold water, trying to get rid of the last remains of shampoo. Still, it was those incredible blue eyes that kept me captivated.

I felt compelled, and so when Daryl yanked me towards the wall and spun me around, a soft surprised yelp escaped my mouth, and I reached out, my hands outstretched to not fell. I could feel the cold tiles under my palms and Daryl's hot body pressed against my back, his hands circling around my waist. He nuzzled his face in the crook of my neck, his throbbing length against my back. How did he manage that with this freezing water?

All thought seemed to escape me when Daryl reached down, and his fingers touched my clit, pinching it lightly. I cried out and threw my head back, resting it on his broad shoulder, while he moved his fingers in a circle, working on my nub. I pushed my hips back and was rewarded with a low growl, and Daryl bit down on my shoulder. He moved his hand and pressed it to my back, making me bend over and stick my ass up towards him.

It was quick, and unlike our previous encounters, Daryl's thrust was fast and hard, and suddenly he was buried deep inside me to the hilt. He tangled his hand in my wet curls and pulled hard, tilting my head, exposing the curve of my neck. Daryl bit on my shoulder again and pressed his fingers tighter to my clit.

"Harder," I choked out, feeling the pressure started to build up in my belly.

"Hold on," Daryl grunted, and I braced myself against the wall while he pulled away almost entirely, just to slam back into me. He was angry and harsh, gripping my hip and pulling my hair to the point where it hurt. But it was nothing comparing to the tingling that was building up under my skin.

I felt Daryl deep inside me, snapping his hips hard until I groaned and cried out his name. His pants in my ear were sending shivers down my spine, and I couldn't stop myself any longer. I clenched tightly around him and shouted, waves of pleasure shooting through my body. I felt dizzy, and I definitely would fell down if Daryl wouldn't be holding me up. I don't know how much time passed, how long I was shaking, in hunter's tight embrace.

"Yur so fuckin' beautiful, so damn pretty," He was whispering in my ear, stiff behind me and still buried to the hilt within me. I breathed in deeply and leaned back, putting my head on his shoulder and closing my eyes. I nearly collapsed onto the floor when Daryl pulled out, and suddenly I was lifted off the ground, cradled in his strong arms.


Later that day, I was laying down on our bed, with Daryl by my side. I stared at his blue eyes and waited for him to finally speak. We came back from the showers hours ago, and he still didn't talk to me. So I was waiting, showing him my support and making sure he knows, that I am with him whatever happened.

The silence was starting to get better off me, and I closed my eyes for a second, trying to calm down and not fidget. I ran my hand up and down over Daryl's chest and smiled gently at the feeling of his soft hair under my palm.

"We were on the way back two days ago," Daryl's gruff voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I opened my eyes, staring into those bright blue orbs. He looked tired, not just after today but general exhaustion with this world. I didn't say anything, just waited for him to tell me the whole story.

"We got a trail of some people, and Michonne wanted to follow it. It wasn't Governor, that's for sure. Damn, it was some crazy dudes shackled in the abandoned school. Took us by surprise."

I was trying hard not to look worried. He was here, so obviously, whatever happened, they both dealt with it.

"I hate it," I finally spoke out loud. "I hate that we are separated, and I can't watch your back."

"Yeah, me too."

"I know you're super-tough, and you don't need me to watch your back. And Katana is amazing with that sword of hers, but I worry. Every single time you go out there, I don't know what's happening. It was two of us for so long, keeping each other safe. And now-"

"I know, El," Daryl interrupted me and planted a soft kiss on the top of my hair. "Michonne's great, but she ain't ya. And she's reckless, on a mission for a guy who's gone. We've on it for over a month and haven't seen a sign of him. All the hiddin' spots Merle was talkin' about, no sign at all."

I sighed heavily and bit inside of my cheek to control my responses. "I can see how straining it is on you. When Governor took off, it was a good call. And you suspected that he was somewhere close, especially that it was probably him who burned down Woodbury. It makes people feel safer, knowing that you two are searching for him."

"So ya wanna me keep goin' out there?" Daryl knitted his brows at my answer, and even I couldn't understand what I was trying to say.

"I hate being separated from you. I hate not having your back, but I understand why you felt the need to get out there in the first place. So if you going to stay with me, I'll be happy. And if you're going back out there, I'll be happy if that's what you want. So the real question here is if that's still something you want to do," I told him softly. He didn't reply, but the arms around me tightened, and it was the best feeling in the world.

His steady, hard heartbeat under my palm and the musky scent of his body, it was something I was missing the most. Yeah, sure, we had a shower, but he always smelled terrific, a mixture of forest and cigarettes. It made me feel safe and right at home. He was my home, almost from the beginning, long before either of us realized that there were feelings involved.

"So, what's new in here?" Daryl asked, moving onto his back, pulling me with him, so I was half-lying on his chest.

"Well, Rick and Hershel are setting up a garden. Merle and I still going hunting every morning, but recently the game is more scarce. We're building a place for pigs we found the other day-"

"Ya mean when ya got hurt," Daryl interrupted me, and I slapped his chest playfully, making him chuckle under my body. "What else?"

"We found new people in the Decatur. Um, three adults and two kids. They're pretty capable. I think the leader, David, will be a good addition to our run crew, and the rest is on the fence duty for now."

"That's good. We need people."

"That's not all of it," I spoke after a moment, my heart hammering in my chest, not sure if I should tell Daryl about the little girl.

"What else?"

"There are two kids. Luke, he's six and getting pretty good with the other kids, but the girl... Lucy, she's around two right now. Doesn't speak at all, except when she's- when she calls me mommy," I whispered, clenching my fist, wondering what Daryl's reaction will be. He shifted slightly under me, and gently pulled me off him, so he could look me in the eyes. They were clear as the sky, boring into my grey once like he would be trying to stare into my soul.

His hand came to my face, cupping it and stroking my cheekbone with his thumb. It was soft and reassuring; he knew what I felt at this moment, how all the memories were coming back to me.

"Ya told her ya ain't?"

"Yeah, they all did. But she's two. She doesn't understand that." I closed my eyes for a moment and scrunched my face, trying to control the turmoil of emotions stirring inside me. "She could be mine, you put her next to me, and we definitely look alike."

"Mh-hm," Daryl grunted and kept cradling my face. His warm body was sharing the heat, and I pressed myself closer, needing to feel him.

"And it just opened up all the questions, you know? Like, is this how Amelia would look like? And I'm petrified. I try to ignore her and push her away. Because I'm afraid that I'll get attached, more than usual. More than with the others, and that will make me do something stupid," I admitted breathing profoundly and then laughed at myself. "I'm sorry, Big Boy. I'm totally overtaking this conversation and dropping that on you."

"Ain't nothin' to worry about. I'm here for ya, Princess."

"I miss you, Daryl. And our talks, I miss having you next to me. We sit in the common room, and I'm looking around for you. Carol says something funny, and I glance around, searching for you."

Daryl didn't reply, just held me tighter to his chest, and it was all we both needed at this moment. To not think about Governor potentially lurking somewhere around us. To forget about walkers and dangers that were waiting for us outside of the fences. Just laying in each other arms and breathing in familiar scent.